AWSP Blog

At AWSP, our mission has always been simple and unwavering: we exist to support every school leader (principals and assistant principals) and the principalship in the education of each and every student. That means supporting our members, at every level, in every school across Washington. Today, we’re sharing an update that strengthens that commitment and aligns Washington’s PK–12 leadership voice with a new, unified national partner.

AWSP continually seeks opportunities to enhance support of Washington’s principals and assistant principals. AWSP is thrilled to partner with BTS Spark to provide proactive support for individual school leaders like you! Through this partnership, AWSP members can access confidential, personalized and affordable leadership coaching at a discounted rate ($120 off a full coaching package). Read more to learn how to sign up to access personalized leadership coaching for you and/or your team.

Empower your students to make water safe decisions by registering your school for the free Water Safe Washington K-8 lesson! Drowning is the second leading cause of injury-related death for children ages 5-14, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Share the registration confirmation with ALL of your teaching staff to allow teachers to sign up individual classes and receive the emailed lesson plan. Early sign ups will receive supporting materials: backpack charms, stickers, and certificates. (Supplies are limited.) Read more to find out how to register.

Who tapped you on the shoulder and encouraged you to lead? That’s a great question and one we constantly remind ourselves and our members. We all landed in this incredibly important and crucial role in the system because of the gentle or not-so-gentle nudge of someone in our lives. Inspiration might also have come from a great example or not-so-great example. When I look back at my career path, I see a wide variety of faces who both inspired and encouraged me to lead. From people in my inner circle of family and friends, to school leaders in my early days of teaching, to inspirational superintendents, the influences are far and wide. It’s hard for me to pinpoint one person in particular because everyone played a role in pushing me to take that next impactful step.

Melyssa Stone, Assistant Principal at Shorewood High School in Shoreline, WA, has been named the 2026 Washington State Secondary Assistant Principal of the Year. Stone is one of those heroes who doesn’t want recognition, which makes her all the more deserving of it. By listening closely to students and rolling up her sleeves to take practical action, Stone has transformed Shorewood High School into a place of belonging, support, and self-advocacy.