Horizon +SE Leadership Academy
Michigan's Alternative Pathway to Special Education Leadership
MASA's well-established alternative pathway to administrator certification, featuring a dedicated Special Education component tailored to meet the evolving needs of today’s leaders.
Equipping Aspiring Special Education Leaders
A joint initiative between the Michigan Association of Superintendents & Administrators (MASA) and MAASE providing an alternative, state-approved pathway to special education administrative approval and leadership certification.
• Program Structure & Delivery
Completed over approximately 12 months through a job-embedded, cohort-based model combining:
- 12 Core Leadership Sessions via MASA's Horizon Leadership Academy
- 7 Specialized Virtual Sessions tailored specifically for special education candidates
- Applied mentoring, internship experiences, and hands-on leadership projects covering legal compliance, finance, LRE, and HR
• Enrollment & Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must be accepted into the Horizons Leadership Academy and fulfill Michigan's MARSE Rules 340.1781–340.1799:
- Must hold a relevant degree
- 3+ years of successful special education practice or administrative experience (including Special Ed Teachers, School Psychologists, Social Workers, OTs, PTs, SLPs, or qualifying roles)
Want to explore other leadership options? Return to our main MAASE Programs Directory.
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.