Better Together in 2026
Dear Amazing Leader,
On behalf of the Washington Association of School Administrators (WASA), and in close partnership with the Association of Washington School Principals (AWSP), I want to thank you for your leadership and your unwavering commitment to students, staff, and communities across our state. Together, WASA and AWSP are deeply aligned in our shared purpose: to support all school and district leaders so that every student in Washington thrives.
We are Grateful for You
Your leadership in schools sets the tone for everything that follows. Each day, your work helps ensure that students and families from across your community are welcomed into schools that are safe, inclusive, and grounded in high expectations. By shaping school cultures that value belonging, care, and excellence, you create extraordinary learning environments where students and adults alike are supported to grow, thrive, and reach their full potential. Research continues to reinforce what we know from experience that highly effective and sustained leadership has a profound impact on students, adults, and entire systems. Simply put, your leadership matters and we are grateful for you.
As you close out 2025, we hope you find time to rest, reflect, and recharge. As leaders, you spend so much of your energy caring for others. This season is an important opportunity to prioritize your own well-being, knowing that your health and sustainability are essential to the long-term success of children in your community.
A Commitment to Working TogetherÂ
Looking ahead to 2026, please know that our shared goal is to ensure that leaders at every level, from aspiring leaders to superintendents, have access to meaningful, coherent, and sustained support.
The 2026 WASA and AWSP Summer Conference theme, “Better Together,” reflects not only our conference vision but our collective responsibility as a leadership system. Supporting school leaders cannot be done in isolation. It requires strong partnerships, shared learning, and a commitment to working together across roles and organizations.
Our Collective Impact
We are energized by the growing collaboration between WASA and AWSP. Our teams are meeting regularly to align efforts and increase our collective impact across the leadership continuum. By doing so, we strengthen our ability to retain the outstanding leaders serving today’s schools while intentionally developing the leaders we will need for tomorrow.
Thank you for the impact you have every day on students, staff, and communities throughout Washington. We are honored to partner with you in this work and look forward to continuing the journey together in 2026.
With appreciation,
Jeff Snell
Executive Director, WASA