AWSP/WASA Summer Conference 2026
June 28-30, 2026 | Spokane
“Better Together: Leading with Purpose. Connecting with Heart.”
Save the date! Registration opens Jan. 27 for the 2026 AWSP/WASA Annual Summer Conference, and we can’t wait to welcome leaders from every corner of Washington. This year’s theme, “Better Together: Leading with Purpose, Connecting with Heart,” reminds us that our work is strongest when principals, assistant principals, superintendents, and central office leaders move forward as one. The challenges we face in education are complex, but our collective commitment to students grounds and guides us. Join us this summer as we learn, reflect, and reconnect—because when we lead together, everyone benefits.
Call for Presenters
This year’s breakout session strands revolve around our 2026 conference theme, Better Together: Leading with Purpose. Connecting with Heart. Submissions will need to be categorized as:
- Collaborative Leadership: Better Together in Action
- Purpose-Driven Systems and Strategy
- The Human Side of Leadership: Connecting with Heart
- Leadership for Change, Innovation, and Resilience
- Leadership Growth and Reflection
Call for Presenters Timelines
The Call for Presenters closes on December 22. We will announce whether submissions have been accepted, waitlisted, or not accepted via email in early March.
Keynote Speakers
Brad Montague
Sunday Evening
Author and Creator of the hit web series Kid President
Brad Montague is a New York Times bestselling author of books for kids and former kids. He is creator of the web series Kid President, The Circles All Around Us, and, most recently, The Fantastic Bureau of Imagination. Brad lives in Tennessee with his wife and kids. He can currently be seen as the host of the television special The Kindness Project on The Magnolia Network via Max. As a storyteller, his inspiring stories, and imaginative resources, are used in classrooms around the world daily.Â
Carlos Ojeda Jr.
Monday Morning
Motivational Speaker and Youth Development Expert, CoolSpeak
Description
Sandy Zimmerman
Tuesday Closing
Inspirational Speaker, Coach, and Author
Description
Pre-Conference Sessions
Below is a brief outline of pre-con session offerings, dates, and descriptions. For more details, view the pre-con session page.
Full Day Saturday, June 27
9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
CEL Framework (Day 1)
Marzano Framework (Day 1)
Danielson Framework (Day 1)
Better Together: Teacher & Student Growth Through Purposeful Evaluation Conversations (Day 1)
Government-to-Governement
Full Day Sunday, June 28
9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
CEL Framework (Day 2)
Marzano Framework (Day 2)
Danielson Framework (Day 2)
Better Together: Teacher & Student Growth Through Purposeful Evaluation Conversations (Day 2)
The Leader’s Playbook: Moving Your Team From “No” to “Let’s Go” (WSIPC)
Women in Leadership
Half Day Sunday, June 28
9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Bites and Snacks: Leading All Day, Every Day
1 – 4 p.m.
Leaders of Color Network
CoolSpeak