There is no need to struggle again through the details of the most recent school shooting tragedy. Nor is there a reason to struggle through the other tragedies which followed in rapid succession. The stories are the same. The stories are all different. The stories are all devastating. The often-repeated, fundamental questions we hear most often these days are: How can we ensure that our schools are safe? What can we do?

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.

How in the world did it get to June? We are almost halfway through 2022 and I am not sure how that happened. I learned a long time ago the days can go by so slowly, BUT the years, they fly by. This seems more true now than ever. I know many of you have already completed your 2021 | 2022 school year, however, a few of us (myself included) still have a couple of weeks of celebration and milestones to push through. The finish line is in sight, so remember to find joy in the work EVERY single day. You are amazing and YOU are making a difference in the lives of so many. Be well and remember to drop me a line if you need any support. Happy June, Cindy.

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.

Often what is good for the goose is good for the gander. When we think about what works for teachers and mentoring, we often forget to think one step ahead about how this same information can support school leaders. If you’re interested in Principal Mentoring, did you know that AWSP is refreshing its Principal Mentoring Program? Check out our updated webpage. Learn more about how to request a mentor or sign up for our free mentor training. We are looking for leaders who want to ensure no leader “goes it alone!"

Another tragedy. Another senseless act. Another experience that creates fear in our system. I’m numb. My emotions are all over the place as I begin to wrestle with how do we (adults) support our communities through yet another horrific and vile act of violence The answer is, I don’t know. What I know is that our communities deserve grace, patience, and love as we mourn, hurt, cry and be angry. What I know is that our students deserve to know they are loved, and worthy of love.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In this edition of AWSP News, we discuss the AWSP/WASA Summer Conference, Outdoor Schools WA, the Where’s My Data Webinar, this year’s Equity Conference, out of balance expectations and disappearing pay gaps, a summary of what happened in the 2022 Legislative session, our recent Spring Board Leadership Weekend, AWSL Summer Programs, and updating us on your professional status.

Curious what changes are coming via legislation for the next school year? Here's my summary of the bills that may impact you the most next school year, which started at 10 but ballooned a little more (like your workloads). For the full text of the actual legislation, the link for the bolded bill number will take you to the actual legislation. The linked text will take you to the bill report, which summarizes the bill in a much easier to read and understand format. Hopefully, you know WHO in your district is responsible for these programs (it might be you?) and HOW you can help influence them. Please send questions if you have them. Thank you!

Many people around the country think of Washington as rainy. They may also think of earthquakes. And the beautiful Palouse.  Many people often do not realize that Washington is also the home of five active volcanoes: Mount Rainier, Mount St. Helens, Mount Baker, Glacier Peak, and Mount Adams. The U.S. Geological Survey tells us that the volcanoes of the Cascade Range are some of the most hazardous in the United States. (USGS)

How in the world did we get to the month of May so quickly? May is a month full of celebrations, which is often needed to help staff and school leaders push through to the end of the school year. This is the month we celebrate our teachers, nurses and lunch heroes. However, there are also a ton of other fun and simple days to add to your calendar to bring joy, fun, and laughter to your staff. I want to encourage you to go outside the traditional celebrations and have some fun with your staff this month. As always feel free to reach out to me if I can support your work. We are in this together and I absolutely believe in you.

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.

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.

Goodbye, Job Jar, hello, Career Center. After many years, we’re retiring the old “job jar.” In its place, you’ll find a much more powerful and fully featured AWSP Career Center. With new features for job posters and job seekers, everyone has something new and improved.

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.