Communities of Practice (CoP)

Peer Learning Networks • Domain Collaborations

Communities of Practice (CoP)

What is a CoP? These are groups of people who share a common interest, profession, or expertise and actively engage in sharing knowledge, experiences, and best practices within that domain. Each CoP is open to any MAASE member to join.

ISD Collaborative CoP: Connects professionals working to support districts in understanding and implementing IDEA requirements. Members share effective practices and resources related to technical assistance, professional learning, monitoring, compliance, and support for students and families.

LEA Administrators CoP: Organizes local district special education administrators to share expertise, develop practical resources, and address common challenges. Through collaboration and networking, members strengthen equitable, high-quality services and improve outcomes for students with disabilities.

Developing Implementers of General Supervision (DIGS): Offers support, coaching, and collaborative learning for early career professionals responsible for general supervision and monitoring activities. Members deepen their knowledge, exchange resources, and strengthen implementation practices across Michigan.

SEI / Adjudicated Youth Admin CoP: Connects administrators overseeing specialized programs for students with significant behavioral and emotional needs. Members share resources, strategies, and effective practices to address complex challenges and create environments where students can thrive.

Retired Professionals CoP: A connection of retired special education leaders who want to remain engaged and continue contributing their experience and expertise to the field. Members build relationships, share knowledge, and explore opportunities to mentor emerging leaders, support MAASE initiatives, and strengthen special education across Michigan. 

Administrators of D/HH CoP: Supports administrators who oversee services for students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing—from individual teacher consultants or interpreters to comprehensive Deaf Education programs. Through shared learning and statewide collaboration, the CoP helps leaders strengthen their expertise and improve services for this low-incidence student population. 

Early Childhood Admin CoP: A group of supervisors of Early Childhood Special Education programs across Michigan who share evidence-based practices and strengthen services for young children. Members collaborate on priorities such as preschool inclusion, system improvement, staff evaluation, community partnerships, and compliance while addressing emerging needs in the field.

Secondary Transition Admin CoP: Connects administrators working to prepare students with disabilities for life beyond school. Members collaborate across programs and partner groups to strengthen transition services, respond to emerging legislation, and help shape Michigan’s statewide supports for improved post-secondary outcomes.

Supervisors of Low Incidence Programs (SLIP): A group of leaders serving students in center-based and low-incidence programs. Members collaborate on instructional, regulatory, behavioral, staffing, and transition priorities while contributing to statewide initiatives and shaping the annual SLIP Winter Conference.

Mentor-Coach CoP: A group of professionals who support the growth and development of special education leaders through mentoring and coaching. Members share effective practices, practical tools, and collaborative strategies to strengthen leadership capacity and provide meaningful support across all stages of an administrator’s career. 

CoPs form communities to facilitate ongoing communication, collaboration, and collective learning. Contact Lindsey Zeller (lindseyzeller@maase.org) or review our leadership page to reach the specific group chair.

The Michigan Association of Administrators of Special Education (MAASE) is a statewide network of educational leaders advancing equitable outcomes for students with disabilities through leadership, collaboration, and advocacy.