Rising Leaders

This two-day, high-energy, powerful learning experience provides current educators the boost needed to rise/take their leadership to the next level. Rising leaders will spend two days in community with experienced, practicing school leaders, developing meaningful connections to take your leadership to the next level. Participants will gain valuable insights through a collaborative leadership audit, breakout sessions, panel discussions, cover letter and resume development, interactive interview practice, leadership networking, and the creation of a personal action plan.  Rising Leaders will leave equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to advance their careers with confidence.

The learning focus of MEMSPA's Rising Leaders includes:

• Day 1  - Core Values, Leadership Audit, Leadership Panel Discussion, Resumes, Cover Letters, Networking & Job Searches

• Day 2 -  Mock Interviews & Feedback, Key Leadership Competencies & Personal Action Plans

About the Facilitators

Doug Ammeraal has spent over twenty-four years in middle school education. During the first eleven years, he taught Math and English, with the past thirteen leading as a building administrator. Currently he serves as the principal at Mona Shores Middle School in Muskegon, Michigan. He is committed to understanding strong leadership, modeling a servant’s heart, maintaining relentless optimism, and empowering others to succeed. In addition to educational leadership, Doug has brought his leadership and passion into the coaching and non-profit worlds as well. He spent ten years coaching basketball at Hope College and West Ottawa, along with spending twenty-three years at Camp Sunshine, as a counselor, volunteer recruiter, and leadership team member.

Mike Domagalski currently serves as the Elementary Principal (Y5-5th) and the Virtual Academy (K-12) Principal in the East China School District. Mike has been a leader in many aspects of K-12 education for over 21 years. Recent accomplishments include being the President of the Michigan Elementary and Middle School Principals Association (MEMSPA), serving on the MEMSPA Foundation Board as well as acting as the Chairman of the East China Educational Foundation.  With extensive experience in educational leadership, Mike focuses on enhancing student outcomes and implementing innovative strategies for educational improvement.

Dr. Amanda McKay currently serves as the Supervisor of Student Programs at Oakland ISD. She has been an educator for over 23 years. Dr. McKay has held various positions, including secondary teacher, secondary assistant principal and principal, and elementary principal  Dr. McKay is now supervisor of student programs for an intermediate school district in Michigan. Additionally, she is also an adjunct professor for Central State University in the College of Education. 

Dr. David Simpson is currently a middle level principal in west Michigan and recently completed his term as President of MEMSPA.  He holds a Ph.D. in K-12 Educational Administration from Michigan State University, where his research focused on teacher learning in both formal and informal contexts. Dr. Simpson is an educator who believes the strength of a school comes from the strength of its relationships with students, staff, families, and the broader community. Over the past two decades, he has served as a teacher, coach, principal, and statewide leader, always focused on creating schools where people feel seen, supported, and proud to belong.

David McKay is an experienced middle level leader. He currently serves as the principal of a middle school in the Metro Detroit area. Dave’s areas of passion include collaborating with grade level and subject area teams to build capacity. He has extensive experience in mathematics curriculum instruction and team development. He has developed data analysis processes, using data to drive instruction; and to celebrate educator and student growth. David has a master’s degree in K-12 Education Administration from Michigan State University and secondary teaching certifications in math and social studies.