AWSP Blog

“Who was your favorite principal?” It’s a question I’ve been asking people for decades. Why? Because our school leaders are quite often overlooked and underappreciated. This question, although simple in its form, provides incredibly powerful and complex stories about the important role school leaders play in the lives of students, staff, and school communities.

Throughout his entire K-12 experience, the conversation was never about whether or not he was going to college, but where? It was rarely about his passions, interests, or yet-to-be-unlocked hidden talents, but more about laying the groundwork for college admissions. Will his transcript be good enough? Will his SAT scores be high enough? Will the rest of his high school resume outshine the competition? Will his “post-high school” pursuit satisfy social pressures and expectations?

As we approach Veterans Day, I find myself reflecting deeply on the meaning of service and the incredible parallels between the leadership experiences of veterans and school administrators. Having spent 23 years in the military, I understand that leadership is not just about rank, position, or power. It’s about service, sacrifice, and the steadfast commitment to a greater mission. Veterans serve our country with dedication, courage, and resilience, and in many ways, school administrators serve in much the same way—leading with heart and dedication in the battlefields of education.

The "Healthy Hiring" approach moves away from the ineffective "fast food hiring" practices commonly used in education. Instead, it emphasizes non-cognitive interview measures, such as high-fidelity tasks and scenario-based assessments, to better evaluate candidates' real-world skills and fit within the school context. This method aims to enhance the quality of hires, boost school performance, and foster a healthier educational environment.

We are thrilled to announce the winners of the inaugural Association of Washington School Leaders (AWSL) and Association of Washington School Principals Culture Kickoff Award! This prestigious recognition celebrates schools that have gone above and beyond to cultivate a positive school culture. These schools have set the tone for a successful academic year through engaging assemblies, strong themes, and vibrant fall kickoffs.