The holidays are upon us! Many of us are gathering with loved ones, and the children have time off from school for holiday breaks. Let’s all work to keep our loved ones safe this season.

Recognizing special days and events is more than a celebration—it's an opportunity to build inclusivity, foster understanding, and highlight the values we want to promote within our school communities. Here’s a detailed list of December recognitions and holidays, along with ways to observe and celebrate them within schools

The AI Innovation Summit 2025 is a unique opportunity to collaborate, explore strategies, and gain actionable insights into the transformative power of artificial intelligence in schools.

“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.

AWSP is excited to announce our participation in ArtsEd Washington's latest project, "Stay Inside the Lines, Washington." This unique coloring book celebrates the incredible talent of Washington-based artists while also raising funds to bring more art resources to our schools.

Whether you are recertifying your license, searching for clock hours, or wanting to build specific skills in your role, PGPs are just the tool to help you meet your professional development goals!

October is a month dedicated to raising awareness, advocating for inclusion, and celebrating the unique contributions of individuals with disabilities. It’s an opportunity to shine a light on various conditions, both visible and invisible, while fostering a culture of acceptance and support. At the Association of Washington School Principals (AWSP), we are proud to recognize and honor the diverse experiences within our communities.

It's National Principals Month, and longtime members know what that means. Join us on social media or follow along in your email for our weekly prompts. Each week, we pick some of our favorites to highlight. This week, our prompt was, "Imagine you are writing a book about your leadership journey. What would be the title of the first chapter?"

AWSP is a proud supporter of the new film, THE RIDE AHEAD, from father-son co-directors Samuel Habib & Dan Habib (creator of Including Samuel, Who Cares About Kelsey?, and Intelligent Lives). THE RIDE AHEAD is the feature-length version of their Emmy Award-winning New York Times Op-Doc, My Disability Roadmap. Because AWSP was an early supporter of the film, we can make free copies of the Education Kit available

Talking about politics can be challenging. However, it does not have to be disrespectful or confrontational. This tool from Crucial Conversations can help!

The AWSL Team is eager and excited to support you and your school! Here are all the different ways and what funds can be used to purchase an AWSL membership for your school.

It's National Principals Month, and longtime members know what that means. Join us on social media or follow along in your email for our weekly prompts. Each week, we pick some of our favorites to highlight. This week, our prompt was, "Share a moment when you realized your vision for your school was becoming a reality."

Companies are always searching for candidates to fill positions that may not appeal to older generations, such as seasonal work, part-time jobs, or roles with limited hours like two days a week. These opportunities are perfect for one of the most valuable yet overlooked groups: young workers. Youth have the potential to thrive and develop essential skills in these roles, preparing them for the future workforce.

Do you know a paraeducator, emergency substitute or community member who is interested in becoming a special education teacher? Washington Education Association (WEA) Apprenticeship Residency in Teaching is an innovative pathway to earn a teaching certificate with an endorsement in special education on the job while receiving a salary and benefits. Candidates must have obtained a bachelor’s degree or higher (prior to the program start date) and be available for residency (student teaching) in a partner district: Auburn, Federal Way, Issaquah, Mukilteo, Pasco, Peninsula, Sedro Woolley, Sumner-Bonney Lake or Walla Walla. Applications for 2025-2026 residents are open until October 9, 2024.

School administrators must strive to be thermostats, not thermometers. While thermometers simply reflect the temperature of the environment, thermostats actively set the tone and influence the atmosphere around us. Here at AWSP, I have the privilege of supporting principals across the state in creating positive, inclusive, and empowering climates within their schools. As leaders, it’s imperative that we set the tone by leading with intention, modeling resilience, and fostering collaboration so that our students and staff can thrive, innovate, and grow.

OSLC Developments Inc. (ODI) and the Oregon Social Learning Center (OSLC) are conducting a survey of school administrators across the state of Washington to help in a bigger project to understand drowning rates, drowning disparities, and drowning prevention efforts. We’re hoping to get your input as we work with the state governor’s office to develop water safety curriculum. We value your feedback since you’re on the front lines working with teachers and children/youth in your school. ​The 10-20 minute online survey will allow you a chance to weigh in and tell us whether you currently implement drowning curriculum, whether you have any interest in state supported drowning curriculum in your school, and any water safety concerns you may (or may not) have in your community.