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PODCAST | Manny Rangel on Relationships, Advocacy, and Belonging
La Center Middle School Assistant Principal Manny Rangel shares how his experiences growing up in the Yakima Valley shaped his commitment to relationships, advocacy, and service. Through powerful stories about students, families, and belonging, Manny reflects on why leadership begins with ensuring every child knows they matter.
Learn MorePODCAST | Leading for Communication, Culture, and Student Success with Nick Birklid
Nick Birklid, principal of Eatonville Elementary, reflects on his leadership journey from systems-focused administrator to culture-focused principal. He shares how intentional communication, distributed leadership, and a commitment to inclusion have helped strengthen school culture and support student success, including recognition for closing achievement gaps for students receiving special education services.
Learn MoreFrom Behavior Plans to Classroom Practice: How ibestt Can Help
The ibestt team at the University of Washington is a group of researchers, educators, and coaches dedicated to supporting schools and districts build effective behavior support systems to help each child thrive. We have created a suite of free resources available on our website related to behavior support in schools, as well as a new…
Learn MoreLeading Inclusive Schools: A Community of Practice for Early Career Principals and Administrative Interns
Calling early career principals and administrator interns! WA CEEDAR and Lead IDEA are offering the 2026–27 Washington Leading Inclusive Schools Community of Practice, designed to help emerging school leaders strengthen inclusive systems and improve outcomes for students with disabilities. Participants will engage in five virtual learning sessions throughout the school year, each focused on a…
Learn MoreThe Main Idea: Does Tech Harm Learning?
600,000 NYC students just started this school year with a ban on AI and caps on screen time. Students PreK-8 are banned from using AI in school, and students below fourth grade are banned from using any type of tech. While I would have been surprised by this last year, this year there is a…
Learn MorePODCAST | Family, Trust, and Academic Excellence: A Conversation with Dr. Heather Hastie-Ulery
Dr. Heather Hastie-Ulery, principal of Davis High School in Yakima School District, shares how a culture built on authentic cariño—care, connection, and high expectations—has transformed student engagement, family involvement, and academic outcomes. Through student voice, advisory systems, and distributed leadership, Davis High School is creating a place where students know they belong and are challenged…
Learn MorePODCAST | Kids First, Systems Second: Leading for Impact with Ryan Arnold
East Valley High School Principal Ryan Arnold joins Scott Friedman to discuss the power of relationship-centered leadership, building trust, and creating a positive school climate where students and staff can thrive. Ryan shares lessons from his journey from classroom teacher to principal, highlighting the importance of distributive leadership, student belonging, and sustainable systems that support…
Learn MorePODCAST | Perfect the Pause: Leadership Lessons from Dr. Tamara York at Littlerock
This episode features Dr. Tamara York, principal of Littlerock Elementary in Tumwater School District, sharing how intentional culture-building, family engagement, and student-centered systems are driving success in her rural school community. From launching a Watch D.O.G.S. volunteer program to creating staff-led student mentorships, Tamara discusses practical leadership strategies that strengthen relationships and improve outcomes for…
Learn MoreOur History
Association of Washington School Principals Fifty+ Years of thePrincipal’s Best Friend In April 1972, fifteen principals met in a room in Yakima and decided to speak for themselves. This is what they built. 1972Founded 313Votes to withdraw 54Years of advocacy Scroll 1956–1971Before AWSP 1972–1980The Break 1981–1993Building the House 1994–2011The Accountability Era 2012–2021Defining the Work 2022–2026A…
Learn MoreApply for the 2026-27 United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP)
The 65th anniversary of the United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) will take place in Washington, D.C. from March 6–13, 2027. Each year for the past 65 years, two students per state will be selected to receive a $12,500 scholarship and attend a week-long program, funded by the William Randolph Hearst Foundation. This program is…
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