At AWSP, we exist to support principals and assistant principals, and the principalship, in the education of each and every student. We believe strong leaders create strong schools and strong students. Founded in 1972, AWSP has been a leading voice in education for decades, representing principals, assistant principals, and principal interns.
With the highest membership percentage of any principals' association in the country, we're proud to support leaders making a difference across our state.
Knowledge is power and we want the most powerful principals in the world. We believe every student deserves an informed, connected, and engaged principal — and we’re here to help. AWSP strives to be the principal’s best friend. If it’s a resource or information you need, we want to be the first place you look.
We have to know you to serve you. We keep our finger on the pulse of the principalship with the help of our boards, committees, and advisory councils, which represent our state's broad geographic and cultural diversity.
One size doesn’t fit all, so we provide a number of different ways for principals to stay sharp and improve their skills. We offer content for interns, assistant principals, and principals in all stages of their career, in person and online. From our cohort-based Launching Principal Leadership and Building Effective Leadership networks to our video workshops, we’ve got something bound to be up your alley.
Principals have one of the most important, rewarding, and demanding jobs on the planet. You need all the support you can get, so we’re here for you. At AWSP, our goal is to be the first place you turn to or the first place you call when you need help principaling (yes, that’s a word…because we said so).
Whether the School Leader Paradigm, our AWSP Leadership Framework, or our collections of leadership tools and resources, we’re here to help you level up your leadership.
AWSP provides a strong and respected voice on state and nationwide issues affecting K–12 schools and principals. We vigilantly monitor and research trends impacting our members’ profession, reputation, and practice. We value our members who travel to Olympia and Washington, D.C. to provide the principal’s perspective.
We need your voice! There are lots of way to participate in the process, from sending emails and letters to forming relationships with your elected officials.
Join our PAC to help supports our advocacy efforts. The PAC raises and spends money to support candidates and issues important to the principalship and to K–12 education.
Meet Next Level Leaders: Washington State’s Premiere Leadership Development Academy
February 14, 2023
AWSP and WASA are thrilled to announce the launch of Next Level Leaders,Washington State’s Premiere Leadership Development Academy. How did Next Level Leaders come about? In March 2020, educational leaders across Washington entered a new dawn of leadership. In this era, leaders must quickly adapt how schools operate, communicate in a timely and transparent manner, unify stakeholders, build a culture of inclusion and belonging, and nurture the talents of the students and the staff we serve. The landscape of school leadership has shifted. Next Level Leaders is a response to that shift.
Next Level Leaders is dedicated to preparing leaders to conquer complex challenges through the development of a two-year learning community. The Academy is designed to focus on individual and system leadership behaviors and actions essential for success in our rapidly changing educational environment. Find out more on our Next Level Leaders fact sheet.
AWSP and WASA are seeking a Program Coordinator for Next Level Leaders. The role of this position will include coordinating content and program development under the direction of AWSP & WASA and in conjunction with educational consultants and agencies, to ensure participants are developing leadership skills aligned to current research and best practices. Learn more about the position or apply through the job posting in AWSP’s new Career Center.
Next Level Leaders is a partnership of AWSP and WASA with Legislative funding.