MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – Principals from across the Upper Peninsula gathered in Marquette Thursday and Friday for an annual learning and networking experience with Marquette-Alger Regional Education Service Agency (MARESA).
The second annual U.P. Principals Summit brought the rare opportunity where administrators were able to part with their schools to connect and learn from others in their field.
“It’s a lot of fun to bring in people from all over the up who have a unique perspective from a job that is similar to their peers,” said MARESA Deputy Superintendent, Dr. Travis Smith.
“These touch points are huge for building leaders, particularly in a place where they’re very spread out,” explained Thomas Lietz, associate director of training and development with the Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals (MASSP). “Sometimes, the jobs that we do as principals don’t allow us to take the time to stop, reflect, and really work with each other.”
The two-day event includes a number of breakouts, beginning with keynote speaker, Myron Dueck, a published author in education. The main focuses this year center around classroom attendance, managing A.I., and handling new legislation. After a well-respected inaugural summit last winter, it’s estimated that over 70% of the Upper Peninsula’s school principals are in the neighborhood for the second, with some making quite the trip for this year’s event.
“People are coming from near and far. In fact, we have one principal that had to take a boat to get to mainland Upper Peninsula before driving to Marquette,” said Smith. “I think what people will find is through the learning and through the conversations that they’re going to have with people, their leadership practices will be both validated and challenged as well.”
To learn more about Marquette Alger RESA, visit maresa.org.
