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.
This past Tuesday, a jury in Minnesota found former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin guilty of murder and manslaughter in George Floyd’s death. This poignant...
It’s a great time to honor the enormous contributions assistant principals make to student success. This year, our celebration takes on even greater significance as...
As we approach the final quarter of this historic and challenging school year, principals across Washington are navigating remote, hybrid, and modified in-person learning environments...
Remember COVID? It is obviously not over yet. The depth, breadth, and duration of the pandemic is something that we had not experienced before. Now,...
Author: Chase Buffington • Date: January 29, 2021
In 1866, The United States Congress enacted six segregated regiments which became four all-black regiment. They managed the western frontier after the Civil War. The...
As the pandemic continues pressure-testing the system, many people are expressing concern about the possibility of a “lost generation”. The notion of learning loss has...
Author: Dr. Randy L. Russell • Date: January 13, 2021
As a superintendent, and former assistant principal and principal, I admire and respect our AWSP principals and assistant principals. Why? Principals and assistant principals are...
Author: Lyra Fountaine • Date: November 25, 2020
High school principals have a lot on their minds this month as they work to support teachers and students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Learning and...