2026 MSAA Summer Institute

New and aspiring assistant principals often enter leadership ready to help, solve problems, and support everyone around them. But quickly, many find themselves trapped in a cycle of constant interruptions, discipline issues, documentation overload, and decision fatigue.
This session introduces Leadership Simplified, a practical framework designed specifically for assistant principals in their first five years. Participants will explore how to shift from a reactive “fixer” mindset to a proactive leadership approach focused on building sustainable systems that reduce chaos and increase clarity.
Through real scenarios, practical tools, and guided reflection, participants will learn strategies to:

• Move beyond daily firefighting and lead with intention
• Build simple systems that streamline communication, documentation, and decision-making
• Navigate difficult leadership situations with confidence
• Regain control of their time, priorities, and leadership focus

Participants will leave with practical tools from the Leadership Simplified Toolkit and a Leadership Reset & Reflection framework they can immediately apply in their schools.
This interactive session is designed for aspiring administrators and assistant principals in their first five years who want to lead effectively without burning out.

This session reframes center-based & small-group instruction from a classroom strategy into a systems-level leadership framework that supports consistent, high-quality instruction across programs serving students with intellectual disabilities and diverse learning needs. Rather than focusing on how teachers run centers, participants will explore how administrators ensure effective implementation through leadership oversight, intentional adult deployment, and alignment to IEP goals. The session highlights how structured environments increase instructional time, promote student independence, and create observable evidence of progress while maximizing paraprofessional effectiveness. Through practical tools and classroom scenarios, leaders will learn how to evaluate engagement, independence, and instructional alignment during walkthroughs and leave with actionable strategies to strengthen programs and improve student outcomes.