AWSP Blog

It's National Principals Month, and longtime members know what that means. Join us on social media or follow along in your email for our weekly prompts. Each week, we pick some of our favorites to highlight. This week, our prompt was, "Share a moment when you realized your vision for your school was becoming a reality."

Companies are always searching for candidates to fill positions that may not appeal to older generations, such as seasonal work, part-time jobs, or roles with limited hours like two days a week. These opportunities are perfect for one of the most valuable yet overlooked groups: young workers. Youth have the potential to thrive and develop essential skills in these roles, preparing them for the future workforce.

Do you know a paraeducator, emergency substitute or community member who is interested in becoming a special education teacher? Washington Education Association (WEA) Apprenticeship Residency in Teaching is an innovative pathway to earn a teaching certificate with an endorsement in special education on the job while receiving a salary and benefits. Candidates must have obtained a bachelor’s degree or higher (prior to the program start date) and be available for residency (student teaching) in a partner district: Auburn, Federal Way, Issaquah, Mukilteo, Pasco, Peninsula, Sedro Woolley, Sumner-Bonney Lake or Walla Walla. Applications for 2025-2026 residents are open until October 9, 2024.

School administrators must strive to be thermostats, not thermometers. While thermometers simply reflect the temperature of the environment, thermostats actively set the tone and influence the atmosphere around us. Here at AWSP, I have the privilege of supporting principals across the state in creating positive, inclusive, and empowering climates within their schools. As leaders, it’s imperative that we set the tone by leading with intention, modeling resilience, and fostering collaboration so that our students and staff can thrive, innovate, and grow.

OSLC Developments Inc. (ODI) and the Oregon Social Learning Center (OSLC) are conducting a survey of school administrators across the state of Washington to help in a bigger project to understand drowning rates, drowning disparities, and drowning prevention efforts. We’re hoping to get your input as we work with the state governor’s office to develop water safety curriculum. We value your feedback since you’re on the front lines working with teachers and children/youth in your school. ​The 10-20 minute online survey will allow you a chance to weigh in and tell us whether you currently implement drowning curriculum, whether you have any interest in state supported drowning curriculum in your school, and any water safety concerns you may (or may not) have in your community.