Building skills, strengthening teams, and supporting student success across Manistee County
On Friday, October 23, 2026, Manistee ISD hosted Session One of the Michigan Association of Administrators of Special Education (MAASE) Paraeducator Bootcamp, bringing together paraeducators from Manistee ISD programs, Manistee Area Public Schools, Onekama Consolidated School District, and Kaleva Norman District Schools.
This collaborative professional learning opportunity focuses on strengthening the knowledge, skills, and confidence of paraeducators who play an essential role in supporting students throughout their school day.
Investing in the people who support our students
Paraeducators are an important part of the educational team. They help students access instruction, support the implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), reinforce learning, and develop greater independence across academic, behavioral, social, communication, and functional skill areas.
The MAASE Paraeducator Bootcamp provides foundational training to help paraeducators better understand their roles and responsibilities, recognize the importance of individualized student supports, and apply practical strategies in their daily work.
By bringing staff together from multiple districts and programs, Manistee ISD is helping create opportunities for shared learning, collaboration, and consistent practices across Manistee County. The goal is to equip paraeducators with tools they can use immediately while continuing to build a strong foundation for student success.
Meet our coordinators and instructors
A special thank-you goes to Denver Leigh Phillips and Angela Peters, Manistee ISD's Paraeducator Bootcamp coordinators and instructors and both MAASE Level 2 Trainers.
Together, they bring a broad range of experience across special education, including roles as classroom teachers, evaluators, consultants, and administrators. Both also began their careers at the root and core of special education—as paraeducators.
Their varied professional experiences provide a valuable perspective on the challenges, responsibilities, and opportunities that come with supporting students with disabilities. Having worked in multiple roles within special education, they understand the importance of building strong teams, providing meaningful professional learning, and ensuring that paraeducators feel prepared for the work they do each day.
Their leadership reflects a shared commitment to supporting educators and strengthening special education programs through practical, collaborative approaches.
Growing stronger together
The Paraeducator Bootcamp represents an opportunity to respond to the needs of local districts, invest in staff development, and strengthen the support systems surrounding students with disabilities.
Through collaboration with our local districts, Manistee ISD is creating opportunities to support paraeducators, strengthen programs, and build skills that make a difference in students' everyday experiences. When educators and support staff learn and grow together, the entire educational community benefits.
Manistee ISD looks forward to continuing this work throughout the bootcamp sessions and supporting the dedicated paraeducators who make a difference in the lives of students across Manistee County.
Stronger skills. Stronger teams. Greater opportunities for students.