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AWSP Blog


  • David Cooke, Principal, Jemtegaard Middle School, Washougal School District
    May 18, 2022
    If you’re reading this and you know a phenomenal leader, please take a minute and nominate an incredible school leader for Principal of the Year or Assistant Principal of the Year. And if you are nominated, I promise it’s worth your time to apply. The program is so much more than just the prestige of winning an award — it’s a source of pride and celebration for your staff, students, district, and community. It was also a life-changing experience for me. You’ll find the letter I wrote to AWSP below. Not only will you see an experience of a lifetime, but I’ve come back a better leader for my school because of it.
  • Abby Bowers | Director of Special Programs | Capital Region ESD 113
    May 13, 2022
    These emails are sent out weekly to leaders in special education and Section 504. Each email contains tips and resources on a variety of topics that are meant to keep you informed and up-to-date.
  • Chase Buffington, Director, Cispus Learning Center
    May 13, 2022
    As a parent or teacher, filling time with activities can be daunting. We could even say we overdo it, which I understand. I have two boys, and I want them to get a taste of life in every aspect, from programs to sports and different cultures.
  • Abby Bowers | Director of Special Programs | Capital Region ESD 113
    May 6, 2022
    These emails are sent out weekly to leaders in special education and Section 504. Each email contains tips and resources on a variety of topics that are meant to keep you informed and up-to-date.
  • Dr. Scott Seaman, Executive Director, AWSP
    May 6, 2022
    AWSP has always advocated strongly for principals, but we've turned up the efforts to 11. For the past four years, principals and assistant principals across the state have seen workloads go up and pay gaps (aka wage compression) shrink. Some of your principals and APs reading this probably make less money per year than some of the teachers in your building. Even more of you might make less on a per diem basis. Between this narrowing pay gap, the massive amounts of additional responsibilities, and the 60-hour, 6-day work week (the statewide averages in our past survey) the system is out of balance. Good principals are leaving and future leaders are wondering if the sacrifices are worth it. We addressed these out-of-balance expectations and disappearing pay gaps with the document linked at the end of this blog post; it's our letter and proposal to the K-12 Basic Education Compensation Advisory Committee.

Like to Write?

We're always looking for guest contributions. If you have a passion to write and things to share, email David about a guest post or a role as a recurring guest blogger.