Michigan Department Of Education Professional Development

Office of the Superintendent
The State Superintendent is appointed by the SBE and is its chair and a non-voting member. As the principal executive officer of the Michigan Department of Education (MDE), the Superintendent attends the Governor’s meetings with Department Directors and advises the State Legislature on education policy and funding needs. The Superintendent is responsible for the implementation of bills passed by the State Legislature and policies established by the SBE. The Superintendent is a major spokesperson for education in the state, serves as the primary liaison to the United States Department of Education (USED) and other federal agencies, and provides efficient and effective management of the USED’s considerable state and federal resources.

In the fall of 2015, education stakeholders from around the state convened in Lansing to identify goals and strategies to make Michigan a Top 10 education state in 10 years. The SBE adopted the plan in February 2016. The Superintendent, while not the sole owner of this statewide strategic plan, provides leadership for its execution, oversees MDE’s efforts to move this plan forward, and tracks and reports on plan progress that is shared at SBE meetings.

The Office of the Superintendent includes the Chief of Staff, the State Board Executive, the Office of Public and Governmental Affairs, the State School Reform Officer, the Chief Deputy Superintendent, and three Deputy Superintendents overseeing the Finance and Operations Division, the P-20 System and Student Transitions Division, and the Educator, Student, and School Supports Division.
State Superintendent: Brian J Whiston
Phone: 517-241-0494
Email: [email protected]

State Board Office
The State Board Executive is the legal repository of all SBE activities and records. The State Board Executive prepares all Board correspondence, expenses, budget, and scheduling; and prepares all Board meeting agendas, minutes, and follow-up materials.
State Board Executive: Marilyn Schneider
Phone: 517-373-3902
Email: [email protected]

Office of Public and Governmental Affairs
All major legislative initiatives that affect the Revised School Code and legislation relating to education, and Michigan becoming a Top 10 education state in 10 years, are managed by the Office of Public and Governmental Affairs (OPGA). The Director maintains liaison functions with the State Legislature; facilitates communications on legislative issues with internal and external organizations at the state and national levels; responds to all education constituent issues referred by the legislative offices; and acts as the coordinating office with U.S. Congress and federal agencies on federal legislation. This office participates in all aspects of the development, passage, and implementation of state legislative and regulatory initiatives necessary to carry out the mission of MDE. Recommendations are provided to the SBE and the State Superintendent.
The Office is responsible for overall leadership and implementation of internal and external communications and outreach activities for the Department and the SBE. The office:

• Develops communications strategies and works with all Department Offices to oversee and coordinate communications efforts
• Ensures that a clear, coherent and cohesive message is communicated
• Develops and provides guidance on publications, written documents, and other communications products regarding key programs, policies and initiatives
• Promotes and supports efforts to make Michigan a Top 10 education state in 10 years.
• Oversees the development of the Department’s website and employee intranet
• Oversees the live production of monthly SBE meetings, webinars and other electronic media to increase general and specific public awareness and understanding of policies, programs and products
• Initiates and oversees the creation of specialized and proactive public outreach and information programs on high visibility issues and activities relating to the mission of the Department
• Serves as the Department’s coordinator for Freedom of Information Act requests
• Develops productive working relationships with the media and the many groups involved in education issues, as well as with the state and local government and non-government agencies and organizations

Director: Martin Ackley
Phone: 517-241-4395
Email: [email protected] ​