The Michigan Instructional Leadership Collaborative (MILC) (07/12/2026)

Sun, 12 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

This network developed by curriculum leaders for curriculum leaders will use the 2026-2027 school year to dive deep into curriculum review cycles, implementation of curriculum, instructional practices and teacher efficacy. Many Schools have been able to use COVID era funds or new grant monies to update curricular materials. Some are in the review phase, some in the implementation phase and all want to see gains in student achievement outcomes. Join this cohort hosted by Cheryl-Marie Manson to learn ways to systemize, organize, implement and support teachers throughout the curriculum review and implementation process. Network with other schools who may be implementing your same programs. Find thought partners that may allow you to continue specific conversations once the session is over. Our curriculum leaders wear many hats and we know that this work is the heart of what is most important to impact student outcomes. Let us support you in a networking style professional learning experience.

There will be one session per month throughout the school year. Each session will have a featured topic for the learning theme but also provide space for spotlight stories, collaborative time with participants, resource sharing and connections to high quality instruction. The network host will elicit topic drivers from participants and tailor the learning to be most beneficial to the team.

Michigan Instructional Leadership Collaborative (MILC) Dates:

July 13	Aug 3	Sept 14	Oct 5
Nov 2	Dec 14	Jan 4	Feb 1
Mar 1	Apr 26	May 10	June 7

Cheryl-Marie Manson is an educational leader with over 30 years of experience in special education, instructional leadership, and professional development. She currently serves as Project Manager for the Michigan Association of Administrators of Special Education (MAASE), where she leads the design, development, and implementation of statewide professional learning systems supporting thousands of educators and paraeducators across Michigan.

In this role, Cheryl-Marie creates and manages scalable learning experiences—including online courses, blended learning models, and in-person trainings—aligned to High-Leverage Practices (HLPs), the GELN Essential Practices, and effective instructional design. Her work includes overseeing course development, coordinating trainer networks, managing implementation logistics, and ensuring high-quality learning experiences that translate into classroom impact.

Cheryl-Marie is a member of the Google Educator Group (GEG) AI in collaboration with ISTE and ASCD, where she is expanding her work at the intersection of artificial intelligence, instructional systems, and educator effectiveness.

As a Full Focus Certified Coach and Certified Google Trainer, she helps educators and administrators streamline their work, leverage digital and AI tools, and build sustainable systems that reduce overwhelm and increase focus. Her work centers on digital organization, automation, and leadership practices that allow educators to stay grounded while navigating increasing complexity.

Previously, Cheryl-Marie served as Director of Instructional Services at Van Buren ISD, where she led regional efforts in Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) and supported district leadership teams in building coherent systems for student success. Her career spans roles including special education teacher, curriculum consultant, special education supervisor, building principal, and district curriculum and technology director.

She is the founder of Zen and the Art of School Administration (Zen ASA), where she supports educators in creating more spacious, intentional ways of working. Through coaching, consulting, and content creation, Cheryl-Marie helps leaders clear the noise, focus on what matters most, and build systems that are both effective and sustainable.

Cheryl-Marie holds a BA in Psychology from Grand Valley State University and Master’s degrees in Learning Disabilities and School Administration. She shares her work through Zen ASA, including writing, trainings, and digital content focused on leadership, systems, and educator sustainability.

Michigan Instructional Leadership Association upcoming events

The Michigan Instructional Leadership Collaborative (MILC) (07/12/2026)