Pre-Conference Sessions (June 27 and 28)

Marzano Framework (Day 1)

Annie Wolfley, Educational Consultant, Marzano Associate                                                                          
Mark Gardner, Educator, Camas SD

This two-day training prepares evaluators of classroom teachers to apply the Marzano TPEP Framework. Participants will understand the research foundations of the framework and gain foundational knowledge and skills for observing and evaluating classroom instruction through the Marzano Framework. Generously funded in part by OSPI.

CEL Framework (Day 1)

Whitney Meissner, Educational Consultant, CEL Lead   
Gunnar Guttormsen, Director of Student Services, Kelso SD

This two-day overview of the UW/CEL Instructional Framework and how it aligns with the state’s teacher evaluation system is targeted to principals who are new to the process and have only limited experience with CEL 5D+. The intended audience is principals, assistant principals, and central office staff who evaluate teachers under the TPEP evaluation system and are new to the framework as an evaluator. Generously funded in part by OSPI.

Danielson Framework (Day 1)

Dr. Mindy Meyer, Director of Human Resources, Walla Walla SD
Dr. Winston Benjamin, Renton SD

This workshop is for principals, assistant principals, central office staff in districts using the Danielson Instructional Framework. Those who evaluate teachers are required to complete Stage 1 and Stage 2 Framework training. Using the Danielson Framework, participants will increase their ability to support effective teaching using the state criteria, comparing their evaluation scoring with others for inter-rater reliability.

Better Together: Teacher & Student Growth Through Purposeful Evaluation Conversations (Day 1)

Rebecca Lee, Principal, Summit Virtual Academy
Anzara Miller, Director of Educational Leadership and Development, Center for Strengthening the Teaching Profession (CSTP)

In the updated statewide Student Growth Goal rubrics, principals and district administrators have a powerful opportunity to strengthen the relationships and conversations that drive meaningful improvement. In this two-day, highly interactive workshop, leaders will explore how intentional, inquiry-driven evaluation conversations cultivate trust, elevate educator strengths, and accelerate growth for both teachers and students. Together, we will practice updated tools aligned to the revised rubrics, deepen skills that support a culture of learning, and reinforce the belief that we are truly better together—when we listen, learn, and lead in partnership. A long-standing AWSP favorite, this session invites leaders at all levels to refine their practice, build stronger human connections, and foster school communities where growth is shared, supported, and celebrated.

Government-to-Government

Maxine Alex, Tribal Consultation Program Supervisor, OSPI
Andrea French, Training and Technical Assistant Specialist, Univ of Montana
Jerad Koepp, Native Student Program Specialist, North Thurston PS
Dr. Kenneth Olden, Data & Assessment, Wapato SD
Dr. Michael Smith, Educator, Centralia SD

Generously funded in part by OSPI. This workshop will meet the following requirements for Administrator Recertification. House Bill 1426 (2022) mandates in renewing an administrator certificate on or after July 1, 2023, continuing administrators must attend a 5-hour Government-to-Government Relationships Training to focus on (each workshop names below are one hour):

• Introduction to Tribal Sovereignty in Washington State
• Boarding Schools and Historical Trauma
• Identifying Native Students in Public Schools
• Agents of Change: School Leadership Behaviors & Dispositions
• Creation of Government-to-Government Systems

The Leader’s Playbook: Moving Your Team From “No” to “Let’s Go” (WSIPC)

Dr. Dana Anderson, CEO, WSIPC
Lindsay Grams, Manager of Organizational Change, WSIPC
Kristen Johansen, Change Practitioner, WSIPC

We invite you to bring a team to learn how to navigate the people side of change with confidence. Spend a day with us, diving deep into why resistance happens and how to overcome it. Leave with practical tools to apply to a change you are navigating, ready-to-use resources, and an action plan you can put into use immediately.

Women in Leadership

Mary Beth Tack, Superintendent, Kelso SD
Cindy Cromwell, Principal, Kelso Virtual Academy
Kim Doepker, Principal, Garrison Middle, Walla Walla PS
Dr. Mary Templeton, Superintendent, Lake Stevens SD

The Women in Leadership Network invites current and aspiring school leaders to join us for an inspiring and interactive pre-conference session designed to connect, empower, and celebrate women in educational leadership. Rooted in the belief that every leadership journey deserves support and every destination is worth celebrating, this session will provide a powerful space to share stories, spark inspiration, and build meaningful connections with colleagues from across the state. Together, we’ll explore the unique challenges and opportunities facing women leaders today—and how collective efforts can nurture hope, resilience, and authenticity in our work.Participants will engage in collaborative conversations, reflective activities, and networking designed to foster connection and professional growth. This session also introduces the statewide Women in Leadership Network—a growing community dedicated to increasing participation, retention, and support for women leaders through coordinated and collaborative efforts. Join us to be inspired, supported, and reminded of your strength and worth as a leader while helping shape the next chapter of this powerful statewide movement.

Being Cool and Making It HIP: How to Lead High Impact Cultures of Connection, Engagement, and Belonging

Carlos Ojeda, CoolSpeak

An immersive leadership experience introducing the Cool + HIP framework to address disengagement and burnout. Participants gain practical tools to design high-impact student-centered programming that strengthens connection, engagement and belonging.

Leaders of Color Network: We are the Ones We’ve been Waiting For

Dr. Wilnic Gideon, Principal, Eisenhower Middle, Everett PS  
Dr. Jessica Gideon, Principal, Madison Elementary, Everett PS
Kelly Niccols, Director of Teaching and Learning, Secondary, Cheney PS
Bernadette Ray, Principal, Silas High, Tacoma PS
Dr. Susie Askew, Principal, Spanaway Lake High, Bethel SD
Kamrica Ary-Turner Beaver, Associate Director, AWSP

This pre-conference is an intentional and healing space created by and for Leaders of Color across Washington State. Grounded in connection, collaboration, and collective power, this session offers leaders the opportunity to build authentic community across roles and regions, share real-time problems of practice, and engage in strategic dialogue around leadership for equity and justice.

Together, we’ll explore the daily challenges of leading in schools and systems not built for our thriving — and share the tools, mindsets, and leadership moves that help us persist, resist, and grow. Facilitators representing diverse school levels (elementary, middle, high school, and district) will guide conversations rooted in real experience and shared purpose.

This space is also about renewal — reclaiming joy, practicing radical self-care, and making intentional connections that will sustain us during the conference and beyond. We’ll close with a collective call to action: how do we protect our leadership, our communities, and our students during these unprecedented times?

Whether you’re new to leadership or a seasoned veteran, this session is for you. Come as you are — and leave with community, courage, and a clearer path forward.

Stay in H.A.R.M.’s Way: Building Leaders, Managing Climate, Sustaining Culture

Chris Collins, CoolSpeak

A practical leadership framework for improving school climate and sustaining culture. H.A.R.M. equips leaders to build staff capacity, increase influence, strengthen adult belief, and create systems that support excellence and retention.