Hi there. It’s your friendly state principals association reaching out to say hello. Be honest…how many of you just opened this blog post by accident? You might have meant to click on an update about Harry and Meghan and landed here instead. Either way, welcome…we’re glad you’re here.
A lot of you know us well already, but some of you are still getting to know us, and for those of you in that camp, you might not even know why you’re getting emails from AWSP*. Either way, let's all start here and check out this list of five things you need to know about AWSP.
1. We’ve Got Goals
We’ve got two massive goals in our strategic plan: one focused on equity and one focused on principal sustainability. Basically, we want better outcomes for all kids, we want to serve all our members regardless of location/PD budget/etc, we want to make your jobs more manageable and enjoyable, and we want you to stay at your school longer (because it’s better for kids). Learn more.
2. We Believe In Self-Care & Growth Mindset
If we’re honest, the past few years have been challenging. We’re in the middle of some pretty massive transitions. We actually have a third goal on our strategic plan, and that’s our own organizational health. We tell you to take care of yourself so you can do your best work taking care of and leading others. For us, it’s about practicing what we preach. We’re improving a ton of technological systems, for our benefit and yours. We can see the light at the end of the tunnel, and that’s exciting.
3. Ch-ch-ch-changes
We’re changing our governance structure and how we get representation on our board, grade level leadership committees, and advisory councils. By moving to more regional representation across the state and organizing by ESD, we think we can get more voices involved, make it easier to have more local relationships with AWSP representatives, and increase our members’ connections with each other. Learn more.
4. We’re Here to Support You
We know you’re busy, but that’s exactly why we’re here for you. We have many ways to help support you, and we want ALL of you to take advantage of your member benefits! Our team is ready and waiting. In short, we’ve got you…and you’ve got us.
5. Let Us Count the Ways
How do we support you? Let us count the ways. We offer Networked Improvement Community (NIC) Grants to support you in tackling a problem of practice with your peers. You might also like our A Matter of Principals podcast. Our YouTube channel can help you through your day with Fact or Fiction videos, AWSP News, great stories highlighting cool programs, and interviews with educational leaders. We also offer you an award-winning Washington Principal magazine, bargaining and contract support, evaluation resources, and more. Working through some relational challenges with a supervisor or colleague? Let us help.
There are tons of ways to reach out, to participate, and to take advantage of your membership. If you don’t know where to get started, just send us an email or give us a call (800–562–6100). If you don’t know us by now, it’s never too late to start, whether you’re a new kid on the street or you’ve been around the block a few times.
*It’s because, for the vast majority of you, someone really nice is paying your membership dues, likely your district.