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One Purpose, One Voice: National Changes to Support AWSP’s Priorities to Grow, Support, Sustain, and Protect Its Members
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…
Learn MoreHearMeWA: Providing Support to Youth 24/7/365
HearMeWA is a youth-centered crisis-response program that meets youth safety and well-being needs by linking them to existing support systems. This program is available statewide and provides support to youth 24/7/365. It offers an app, text, chat, website, and phone line, and serves youth up to the age of 25. HearMeWA started with an idea…
Learn MoreGROW Your Special Education Harvest
Ryan Preis, Ed.D., is an educator of 23 years. He currently serves as the principal of Covington Elementary in Kent School District. Times are lean in public education. Money is scarce and needs are increasing. In special education times are even leaner. Why? Difficult behaviors, demanding compliance deadlines, increasing tort liability, and shortfalls in budgets…
Learn MoreSummer Conference Keynote Highlight: Sandy Zimmerman
Sandy Zimmerman, Inspirational Speaker, Coach, and Author Sandy Zimmerman is a former physical education teacher and mother of three who has competed on nine seasons of American Ninja Warrior. She is known for being the first mom to finish the course and hit the buzzer in the show’s history. Sandy has also been a motivational…
Learn MoreSummer Conference Keynote Highlight: Brad Montague
Brad Montague, Author and Creator of the Hit Web Series Kid President Brad Montague is a New York Times bestselling author of books for kids and former kids. He is creator of the web series Kid President, The Circles All Around Us, and, most recently, The Fantastic Bureau of Imagination. Brad lives in Tennessee with his wife…
Learn MoreConcurrent Session Preview
Access a full, searchable list of all concurrent session titles, presenters, and descriptions by clicking the "View Now" button. Or, quickly scan concurrent session titles listed on this page. Monday, June 29 | Concurrent Session I | 10 - 10:50 a.m. Monday, June 29 | Concurrent Session II | 11:10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Monday,…
Learn MoreSummer Conference Keynote Highlight: Carlos Ojeda Jr.
Carlos Ojeda Jr., Motivational Speaker and Youth Development Expert, CoolSpeak Carlos Ojeda Jr. is a youth development expert with over 26 years of experience inspiring countless students, parents, and education professionals across the country. Carlos was a university administrator, professor, and the director of the small business development center at Kutztown University where he honed…
Learn MoreFinal Legislative Update for March 20, 2026
“You can change the world just by sharing your story.” ― Barack Obama The Legislature adjourned last week, officially bringing the 2026 legislative session to a close. As always, the end of session brings a mix of emotions for me. I feel proud when our work helps shape the specific language of a bill, relieved when…
Learn More2026 Legislative Session: Final Summary from Fred Yancey, The Nexus Group
The 2026 Legislature was confusing, sending mixed messages to educators. Legislators passed fewer unfunded education mandates while also cutting and/or paring back education programs and services. “We value education…but…” There was some success in terms of seeing some bills with fiscal impact to districts not advance. One example is SB 5883:  Concerning eligibility for membership in…
Learn MoreRetirement, Health Benefits, and Beyond for March 20, 2026
School employees, including administrators, have a number of benefits of which they may not be aware. Below is a brief description of some of the benefits and the bills that passed related to these benefits. These relate to PERS, SERS, SEBB, and/or PEBB members. The Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA) program is an option to not…
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