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.Â
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.Â
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.
Welcome Back to School Resources & Poster from Ready Washington and AWSP
August 29, 2022
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Dear Colleague:Â
Welcome back to school! We hope you were able to rest and refresh during the summer and are ready for another year of supporting students on their education journeys. Your hard work makes a huge difference in the lives of young people and their families.
Thank you for your commitment and dedication!Â
While the last few years have been challenging for our communities, the future in our state is bright. Employers in Washington state are expected to create an estimated 373,000 jobs in the coming five years, and they want to hire Washington students.
A majority of these jobs will require or be filled by people who have earned a credential after high school, such as a two- or four-year degree, apprenticeship, or certificate.Â
That is why we are sending the enclosed poster, which was co-created by four Washington young people, to encourage your students to use available resources to plan for their futures after high school graduation. We encourage you to display these posters in high-traffic areas, such as your main office, a counselor’s office, or central hallway.
The QR code links to a web page with resources about how to apply for financial aid and opportunities like the Washington College Grant, as well as information to help students explore their interests and post-high school options.Â
Support for this project was provided by Ready Washington, a coalition of state and local education agencies, associations – including AWSP – and advocacy organizations. Ready Washington believes that all students should graduate high school
with the necessary skills and experiences to complete the education and career path they choose.Â
We encourage you to follow @ReadyWA and @AWSP_Principals on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram. Visit Ready Washington’s website, www.readywa.org, to download fact sheets, infographics, and videos for
your communications with families and the public. Consider posting a picture of the poster in your hallway and tag Ready Washington on social media (@ReadyWA) and use the hashtag #PlanYourPathWA for the chance to win a $100
gift card for your school.Â
If you have any questions about the poster, please contact Ingrid Stegemoeller, Ready Washington’s facilitator and Partnership for Learning communications director, at ingrid@partnership4learning.org. We hope this poster engages students in accessing resources that will help them achieve their dreams.Â
Sincerely,Â
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About ReadyWA: Ready Washington is a coalition of state education agencies, associations, and advocacy organizations that believe every Washington student should graduate prepared for a successful future.