Join AWSP

AWSP membership is an essential investment in your own future at every stage of your career. That’s why 98 percent of Washington principals belong to AWSP.

No other statewide education organization offers the same variety of member benefits. There are amazing professional development offerings (both in-persona and online), conferences to enhance leadership skills, award-winning publications, and a wealth of resources to help you stay on top of trends and tactics. We are the only principals association in the country with our own leadership framework, a division entirely devoted to student leaders, and an amazing outdoor learning center (Cispus).

An “Active” membership in AWSP includes full membership status, and your choice of two national principal associations providing even more benefits with your membership.

Membership Year

AWSP's membership year begins September 1 and expires August 31.

Membership Type & Dues

Associate Membership

Open to district administrators, teachers, counselors, deans of students, athletic directors, activities advisors, program managers, university professors/instructors, or others employed in the professional work related to Pre K-12+ education but are not considered part of the school/building administrative team and do not need professional liability coverage through AWSP membership.

Advocate Membership

For former active members (principals and assistant principals) who are leaving their current role but need to maintain their national legal benefits. Remember, you may need legal protection for 5-7 years after you leave the principalship. Membership INCLUDES national membership legal benefits.

Lifetime Membership

If you're no longer employed full-time in education, you can join as a Lifetime Member. This is a lifetime subscription that includes all publications and full access to AWSP's website, free registration to our annual conference, and eligibility for service as AWSP mentors, on committees and short-term projects or programs.

Aspiring Membership

Open to those who are pursuing a career in administration and are working to obtain their principal credentials. Individuals may join for one or two annual term(s) and are eligible to retain an Aspiring Membership for a total of four terms. If you have not obtained an administration position within the next four years, you may renew as an Associate Member. Does not include liability or legal benefits.

Associate Membership

Advocate Membership

Lifetime Membership

Aspiring Membership

Active Member

Open to principals, assistant principals, principal assistants, ALE directors, CTE directors or others employed full-time in professional work as part of the school leadership team. If you are an AWSP Active member, you are also a full member of either NAESP or NASSP.

Associate Membership

Advocate Membership

Lifetime Membership

Aspiring Membership

Associate Membership

Advocate Membership

Lifetime Membership

Aspiring Membership

Associate Membership

What Membership Is Right For You?

Categories and Benefits

National Membership Benefits for Active Members

Open to ACTIVE MEMBER principals, assistant principals, principal assistants, ALE directors, CTE directors or others employed full-time in professional work as part of the school leadership team. If you are an AWSP Active member, you are also a full member of either NAESP or NASSP.

Your AWSP and national affiliate memberships provide a continuum of professional services individually and collaboratively.

Professional advice (from quick school-related questions to employment support)
Mediation services between you and your evaluator (district director, superintendent, and/or school board)
Support and consultation when dealing with building culture, systems, and learning
$2 million in individual professional liability coverage
Up to $10,000 for legal fee reimbursement
Additional insurance coverage discounts
Professional development workshops, networks, webinars, podcasts and online learning.
Advocacy efforts at state and national levels amplifying the principals' voice on issues and policies important to school leaders
Job seeker and career center support
Mentoring and coaching services
Latest research, hot topics and best practice resources
State and national leadership opportunities

National Affiliate Benefits

Changing Roles?

Are you changing roles, districts, or retiring next year? Active membership with AWSP is super important while you are a principal or assistant principal, but did you know that if you change roles or retire, another type of membership with AWSP might be just as important?

We want to make sure you are covered! In Washington, the statute of limitation is seven years, which means actions taken during your principalship are subject to litigation for seven years after you have left your position. We offer membership options for those who have moved to a district office or other educational position in their district, as well as a Lifetime membership option for those who are retiring. To learn more, email Macy Bruhy.

Email Macy