News Briefs
National Principals Month
AWSP was excited to celebrate National Principals Month in October. The past several months have been some of the wildest yet for school leaders, and we know you might not be feeling much love lately. This is not an easy time to be a principal. We’ve always said the job was incredibly challenging, but the most rewarding job in the world. The work you've done just to open the doors this year for kids to be back is nothing short of inspirational. Your leadership matters now more than ever, and it matters every single day. Thank you for everything you do for your students, staff, and communities. While National Principals Month is over, that doesn’t mean we won’t be taking the foot off of the gas in sharing with the world the incredible work you do every minute for kids.
AWSP Launches “Networking November”
To emphasize how important it is for school leaders to stay connected with each other this year, AWSP is launching a new “Networking November” campaign. We'll use this month to focus on three big topics in our networks:
Managing student behavior under the current discipline laws. Everyone is reporting a huge uptick in irregular student behavior. Come learn about some of the strategies your colleagues are using in response.
Finding clarity in COVID protocols. There is still a ton of confusion about contact tracing, quarantining, testing, and social distancing. Come hear how others are tackling Covid.
Creative solutions to staffing shortages. “Fail to fill” is your new morning alarm clock. Come hear how your colleagues are addressing daily staffing shortages.
Watch for details this month on our website, social media, and Principal Matters. Registration will take place through our learning management system.
Legislative Platform for 2022
AWSP has published its interim Legislative Platform for the 2022 school year. The platform lists critical issues our association would like the Legislature to address in the coming session. It also speaks to the importance of reducing principal turnover, dismantling systems of oppression, and supporting and investing in school leaders to ensure high-quality, effective schools. Read the full platform.
Cortney Suderman Joins the Team
AWSP is excited to welcome Cortney Suderman as the Administrative Coordinator for Outdoor Schools WA, the newest program of the Washington School Principals’ Education Foundation (WSPEF). Cortney joined us in September of this year after 12 years in the banking industry. She has a solid foundation in project and strategic planning as well as a great love for the outdoors. Her roles will include outreach and communication with schools and sites; data collection and grant requests; coordinating Outdoor School WA projects; and managing the website and social media.
Cortney is a graduate of The Evergreen State College and has many ties to the community through volunteer service. When she is not in the office, Cortney can be found out on the trail or in the mountains chasing pow. She enjoys spending time outside with her husband two kids, exploring the PNW. Send Cortney a welcome email.
The AWSP President's Award Goes to....YOU!
For decades, the AWSP Board President selects one person in our state every year who tirelessly fights for the work principals and assistant principals do across the state. In the past, this award has been bestowed upon elected officials, state leaders, and other partners who wholeheartedly believe in the mission of AWSP. The list of names is impressive and their accomplishments inspiring. So, who did 2021 AWSP Board President, Cameron Grow, choose? You. All of you. That’s right. President Cameron Grow, principal of Lincoln Middle School in Pullman, decided that each and every principal and assistant principal in the state deserved this prestigious recognition (watch him present the award during our AWSP Annual Luncheon). The past 16 months have been unimaginable. The role our school leaders played during these crazy times is simply astounding and inspiring. No one in the entire system deserves more recognition than you. So, if you haven’t heard the news yet, congratulations on your well-deserved and incredible recognition. You are the 2020-21 AWSP President’s Award winner!
Sen. Hunt Wins AWSP’s 2021 Torch of Leadership Award
Each year, AWSP’s Advocacy Advisory Council has the opportunity to select a state-level public servant who has demonstrated support of principals and the principalship in the education of all students. For 2021, the Council selected Sen. Sam Hunt, D-Olympia, as the recipient of AWSP’s 2021 Torch of Leadership Award. Hunt is a Democrat representing the 22nd legislative district, which includes Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater, and the surrounding areas. Read more.
The Passing of Annalee Braley
The AWSP team was devastated by the sudden loss of Annalee Braley, our membership coordinator, who passed away unexpectedly in early September. Annalee had been with our association nearly 32 years. (She started with us at the young age of 20 back in 1989!) Her contributions to AWSP were innumerable, and the office will never be the same without her. Thank you to everyone who wrote to us, sent cards, and shared memories of our beloved Annalee. ◼
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Association of Washington School Principals
Washington Principal | Volume 1– 2021-22