Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for School Communication Solutions
Founded in 1958, the Michigan Association Of School Administration (MSPRA) has dedicated over six decades to advancing education through responsible communication. As a chapter of the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA), we serve nearly 200 members including public relations professionals, educators, administrators, and communication specialists across Michigan's educational institutions. Our organization provides critical professional development opportunities through annual conferences, workshops, and 'drive-in' events designed specifically for school communicators. We facilitate resource sharing and collaboration through a robust members-only network, offering consulting services and peer support for addressing both routine and crisis communication challenges.With a strong commitment to ethical standards and educational excellence, MSPRA promotes effective communication strategies that enhance public understanding and support for schools. Our members benefit from award-winning programs that recognize professional achievements, including the School Communicator of the Year and Gold Medallion Awards. Through structured committees focused on professional development, membership growth, and awards recognition, we maintain our 501(c)(3) nonprofit mission of improving educational outcomes through strategic communication. Our governance by an elected Executive Board ensures diverse representation across regions, roles, and experience levels within Michigan's educational community.
Services
Professional Development
Networking Opportunities
Awards Recognition
Consulting Services
Resource Sharing
Details
- Year established: 1958
Highlights and features
- We offer access to a network of experienced school PR professionals across Michigan
- Our members receive professional development through annual conferences and workshops
- We provide award-winning recognition programs for educational communication excellence
- Our organization offers peer-reviewed feedback and crisis communication support
- We maintain strong affiliations with national education communication organizations
Associations and certifications
- Accredited in Public Relations (APR)
What people say
Wealth of knowledge
Trusted colleagues
Top-notch training
Passionate members
Collaborative learning
Services
Professional Development
Our professional development programs provide school communicators with essential training through annual conferences, workshops, and specialized 'drive-in' events. These initiatives cover critical topics like digital accessibility, crisis communication, and community engagement strategies. Participants gain practical skills and insights from industry experts while connecting with peers across Michigan's educational landscape.
Networking Opportunities
MSPRA facilitates valuable networking through member directories, committee participation, and event attendance. Our members build professional relationships that provide ongoing support for both routine communication needs and crisis situations. The organization's listserv enables instant access to collective expertise across Michigan's educational institutions.
Awards Recognition
Our awards programs honor outstanding achievements in school public relations through categories like the Gold Medallion Awards and School Communicator of the Year. Each entry receives constructive evaluation to help professionals improve their communication strategies while celebrating excellence in educational outreach and engagement across Michigan.
Consulting Services
MSPRA offers consulting support for school districts facing communication challenges. Members access experienced professionals for strategic advice on initiatives like bond campaigns, crisis management, and community engagement efforts. This service leverages collective expertise to develop effective communication solutions tailored to specific educational needs.
Resource Sharing
Our members-only resources include templates, best practices, and case studies contributed by experienced school communicators. The platform enables efficient sharing of materials for public relations campaigns, marketing initiatives, and educational outreach programs across Michigan's diverse school districts.
People
Ashley Kryscynski
Director of Communications and Public Relations
With extensive experience in educational communications, Ashley provides strategic leadership for Washtenaw ISD's public relations initiatives. She actively contributes to MSPRA's professional development programs and serves as a mentor for new school communicators across Michigan.
Zach Harig
Communications & Marketing Coordinator
Zach brings practical expertise in school marketing and digital communication strategies to his role at Hamilton Community Schools. He actively participates in MSPRA's membership committee and helps coordinate regional networking events for emerging education communicators.
Susan Coney
Executive Director of Marketing and Communications
As Kalamazoo Public Schools' communications leader, Susan specializes in strategic messaging and community engagement. She regularly contributes to MSPRA's professional development workshops and serves as a peer reviewer for the organization's award programs.
Karen Heath
Director of Communications
Karen provides strategic communications leadership at Berrien RESA while serving as MSPRA's Sponsorship Chair. She coordinates corporate partnerships and contributes to the organization's governance through board committee participation.
Robert Tolbert
Director of School Communication Relations
With dual expertise in education administration and public relations, Robert leads Ferndale Public Schools' communication efforts. He actively participates in MSPRA's professional development committee and mentors new members through the organization's networking initiatives.
Questions
What professional development opportunities does MSPRA offer?
MSPRA provides annual conferences, workshops, and 'drive-in' events covering critical school communication topics. Members also access peer-reviewed feedback and specialized training in areas like digital accessibility and crisis communication.
How can I connect with other school communicators in Michigan?
Join our member directory, participate in committee work, or attend networking events. Our online listserv connects you instantly with experienced professionals across Michigan's educational institutions.
What recognition programs are available for members?
We offer Gold Medallion Awards, School Communicator of the Year, and Superintendent Communicator of the Year awards. Each entry receives constructive evaluation to help improve communication strategies.
How does MSPRA support new school communicators?
New members receive mentorship opportunities, access to resource libraries, and discounted conference rates. Our experienced members provide guidance for both routine communication needs and crisis situations.
What consulting services are available through MSPRA?
Members access expert advice on communication strategies, including campaign development, crisis management, and community engagement. This support leverages collective expertise from Michigan's most experienced school communicators.
How can I get involved with MSPRA committees?
Contact any board member or email [email protected] to express interest. We offer opportunities in professional development, membership growth, awards recognition, and other key organizational areas.
