As we embrace the new year, it's important we take a moment to reflect and report on our AWSP Principals’ Fall Forum that took place in November - a testament to the resilience and collaborative spirit of Washington's school leaders. The virtual gathering provided a unique opportunity for regional connections, idea sharing, and the reaffirmation that, in our shared journey, no school leader stands alone.
Regional Bonds: A Pillar of Success
The heart of the Fall Forum lies in its commitment to regional collaboration. Our virtual discussion rooms, organized by grade level and region, facilitated dynamic conversations guided by representatives from our incredible Grade Level Leadership Committee. This strategic approach ensured discussions were insightful and deeply rooted in the specific challenges and triumphs faced by school leaders across Washington.
The overwhelming response from attendees spoke volumes: "Loaded with information." We are delighted that the Forum fulfilled its mission of providing a wealth of valuable insights, resources, and connections.
Key Takeaways: A Glimpse into the Forum's Success
As we delved into the survey responses, it became clear several aspects of the Forum stood out as particularly valuable to our members:
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Legislative Update: Navigating the legislative landscape is crucial for informed decision-making. The comprehensive legislative update shared at the Forum by AWSP’s Government Relations and Advocacy Director, Roz Thompson, served as a beacon, ensuring that our leaders are equipped to advocate effectively for their schools amidst the evolving policy landscape.
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Reminder of AWSP Resources and Benefits: Our association offers a robust array of resources, support, and opportunities. Reminders about what AWSP provides proved invaluable, helping members navigate the extensive toolkit at their disposal.
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Attendance Strategies: Addressing attendance challenges is a shared endeavor. The Forum provided a platform for leaders to share innovative ideas, strategies, and successful initiatives, fostering a collaborative approach to a common issue.
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TPEP Concerns: Discussions around Teacher and Principal Evaluation Program (TPEP) concerns resonated deeply with our members. The Forum allowed for the exchange of experiences and insights, contributing to a collective understanding of the evaluation processes.
You Are Not Alone: A Resounding Message
The resounding sentiment echoed by our members was the appreciation for the reassurance they are not alone in their leadership journey. School leaders face unique challenges, and the Fall Forum reminded us that our community is a wellspring of support, wisdom, and camaraderie.
Save the Date for the Winter Forum!
Building on the success of the Fall Forum, we are excited to announce our Winter Principals’ Forum scheduled for Tuesday, February 13th, from 4-5 pm. This virtual gathering promises to be another opportunity for connection, learning, and collaboration. Special thanks to our business partner, Lexia Learning, for sponsoring the Winter Forum. Please register for the Winter Forum through the AWSP Learning Lab.
Thank you to each member who contributed to the success of the Fall Forum. Your engagement is the cornerstone of our association's strength, and we look forward to continuing this journey together.