School leadership has never been more demanding—or more important. Every day, principals and assistant principals across Washington are balancing the needs of students, staff, families, and communities while navigating an increasingly complex educational landscape. Since 1972, one of AWSP’s core responsibilities is making sure school leaders have the support, resources, and advocacy they need to do this work well.
Rooted in Service
Our roots go back even further.
Programs now housed within our sister organization, the Washington School Principals Education Foundation (WSPEF), have supported students and leaders across the state since the 1950s. From the Cispus Learning Center to the work of the Association of Washington Student Leaders and Outdoor Schools Washington, these programs reflect a long-standing belief that strong schools grow from strong leadership and meaningful student experiences.
Together, AWSP and WSPEF support leaders and students across Washington as the bookends of school culture. When students and adults work together to build positive school culture, the impact reaches far beyond the classroom.
One Purpose: Supporting Leaders Across Every Level
One of the defining characteristics of AWSP has always been our commitment to supporting leaders across the entire PK–12+ continuum. Whether you are an elementary assistant principal, a middle school principal, leading at the high school level, or running a K-12 school, AWSP exists to support your work and amplify your voice.
That approach reflects the belief that while our schools may look different across grade levels, the challenges and opportunities of school leadership are deeply connected. Leaders learn from one another, and our profession is stronger when those connections are encouraged.
Aligning Nationally with Our PK–12+ Model
For many years, AWSP has partnered with two national organizations: the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) and the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP). Both organizations have provided support and resources for school leaders across the country, and we appreciate the longstanding partnerships we’ve had with them.
However, the national landscape has traditionally been divided between elementary and secondary representation. For states like Washington that operate as unified PK–12+ associations, that structure has sometimes created challenges.
Recently, NASSP’s Board voted to begin the transition to a fully PK–12+ organization. In July, they will rebrand as the National Principals Association. After careful discussion, the AWSP Board voted to align with that emerging model once the transition is complete.
The goal is simple: a national partner that reflects the same unified PK–12+ approach we use here in Washington.
An Aligned National Principals Association
For AWSP members, the most important thing to know is that your membership, benefits, and support remain unchanged. AWSP will continue to serve as your primary source of advocacy, professional learning, and member support.
The hope is that a unified national partner will help strengthen the collective voice of school leaders while aligning more closely with how many states, including Washington, already operate. Much like our Summer Conference theme, “Better Together,” starting in July, your national organization will mirror how AWSP has been supporting ALL principals, and the principalship, in the education of each and every student. The needs of elementary, middle, and high school leaders should be reflected in programs, publications, awards, and advocacy in one national association.
How Will This Matter to You?
We’ve often said school leadership is one of the best jobs in the world, and one of the most demanding and important roles in education. The responsibilities placed on principals and assistant principals continue to grow, even as the research reminds us how central strong leadership is to student success.
Our goal — at the state level and nationally — is to ensure school leaders have the support, resources, and representation they need to lead their communities well.
As our Summer Conference theme reminds us, we are Better Together. When elementary, middle, and high school leaders share ideas, experiences, and challenges, our entire profession benefits.
Thank you for the work you do each day for students, staff, and communities across Washington. If you have questions about the national transition or anything else AWSP is working on, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Thank you and keep up the great work for kids!
Meet the National Principals Association
NASSP has put together a webpage with helpful information explaining their transition to a PK–12+ National Principals Association. You’ll find a video message from NASSP CEO Ronn Nozoe.
The page outlines what’s changing and what will stay the same, and shares a timeline of the road to NPA. There’s a section of frequently asked questions for both members and state affiliates. Visit go.awsp.org/NPA.
