Member Support

Resources

Resources

AWSP Member Handbook

Our member handbook contains key information about AWSP's goals, priorities, organizational structure, as well as tips for principals about self-care, building a network, and having a leadership impact. An abbreviated version of the AWSP Leadership Framework User's Guide is also embedded into the handbook.



Sample Letters

Whether you're dealing with vandalism, peanut allergies or a stranger near campus, AWSP has a variety of sample letters to help you communicate. The sample letter library can be accessed by members only.

Diversity and Equity

Generated by the work and vision of AWSP's Diversity and Equity Committee, the resources offered provide members with content focused on complimenting, and building upon, current equity best practices within school communities. 

Certification

Principals and APs have two levels of certification during their career: Residency and Professional. Check out requirements, approved programs and additional details.

Job Search

Whether you are an intern or a veteran principal, it's never too late to brush up on job seeking strategies. Equip yourself with the tools and knowledge you need to land that next job!


Accreditation

Accreditation is a voluntary process for granting public recognition to institutions that meet external standards of quality. Learn more about becoming accredited in Washington state.

Principals Month

October is National Principals Month, and we love to celebrate each year! Check out these resources and help us celebrate by using the hashtag #ThankAPrincipal to spread the word.





More Resources

Supporting Inclusionary Practices

WSU-Vancouver Ed. Leadership Program - "Thank you AWSP for and Executive Director Dr. Scott Seaman for your ongoing support of school principals during these unprecedented times. If you are an aspiring school leader, AWSP is a must join!"

OSPI released a study by the National Council on Disability (2018) ranking Washington state in the lowest quintile for inclusion nationwide (44th out of 50 states); data shows only 57% of students with disabilities are included in general education settings for 80-100% of the school day. The 2019 Washington Legislature responded by passing Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1109, which provided $25,000,000 to OSPI over fiscal years 2020 ($10M) and 2021 ($15M) to create professional learning opportunities supporting better inclusionary practices, emphasizing coaching and mentoring. OSPI selected the Center for Strengthening the Teaching Profession (CSTP) to plan and coordinate the Inclusionary Practices Professional Development Project (IPPDP).

AWSP is proud to be one of many organizations involved with the IPPDP cadre as an external partner navigating the implementation of better inclusionary practices for Washington state educators; our focus being, of course, YOU, the building lead learners. Since November 2019, AWSP has embarked on a “fact-finding” crusade to measure the understanding of what inclusion and inclusionary practices are from our members’ perspective and evaluate what the immediate needs are in order to embed targeted inclusionary practices within all of our professional learning opportunities. 




The Main Idea

One of the benefits of an AWSP membership is a subscription to The Main Idea, which is an education book review service founded by Jenn David-Lang. She believes school leadership is most successful when it is focused on instruction and learning. For this reason, she chooses books that help school leaders develop a strong repertoire of effective ideas and practices to help teachers improve student achievement.



Coronavirus Resources

School districts should be engaged in contingency planning to prepare for a potential outbreak of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) occurring in Washington state. Many regions around the world are experiencing an expanding outbreak of respiratory illness caused by COVID-19. This virus can spread from person-to-person and the number of cases detected in the United States and many other countries is growing.



Contracts, Pay Gap, and our Pay/Working Conditions Survey

During the 2018 session, our state Legislature changed the way our schools are funded to fulfill the Supreme Court's requirements in the McCleary Decision. As a result of the sudden influx of new money into the system, teachers across the state got a much-deserved and unprecedented raise. The Legislature put a one-year 3.1% cap on administrator pay, which means in many schools across the state, the gap between principal/assistant principal salaries was greatly reduced or eliminated.

Learn what you can do, what we're doing, what we've done, and view our survey data.



New Discipline Rules

I’m in trouble...I’m not in trouble...am I in trouble? Confused? After two years of writing and revising, OSPI finally adopted new state rules (WACs) for student discipline. The rules describe how school administrators discipline students, communicate with parents, and provide guidance and due process expectations for suspended or expelled students. 

While we work on putting out our own resources for handling the student discipline rules, check out the resources OSPI has ready now. OSPI really wants districts, buildings, and classrooms to have the resources and supports they need with a holistic student discipline view, including classroom management, mental health, and restorative justice. 



Student Walkout Resources

AWSP has compiled a collection of resources to help school administrators and activity advisers support students choosing to invoke their right to participate in the democratic process through civic engagement. This guide represents the collective work of a number of principals and activity advisers across the nation. It was produced by AWSL/AWSP as a proactive response to the national school safety campaigns initiated by students at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. There is a delicate balancing act of ensuring students the right to peacefully demonstrate if they choose while also meeting a school’s paramount responsibility to maintain a safe and productive learning environment.



Resources for Undocumented Students

Our current political climate, specifically with respect to immigration, has raised stress levels in many schools and districts around our state. Requests have come into AWSP for resources on dealing with this issue.  We realize that each principal’s political reality varies greatly from district to district, so as you look at the resources we are beginning to compile here, be sure that the actions you take align with your district's policies and procedures and your superintendent is on board with your plan of action.  

Dealing with major issues that become significant distractions is nothing new for principals. Taking the lead on ensuring students' physical and emotional safety, coordinating and leading cohesive staff action, and communicating with students, parents, and the larger community is what we do. Sharing your strategies with colleagues is what makes your association strong. We’ll keep posting tools, resources, and communications samples dealing with undocumented students and immigration issues on this page as we get them in.



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For More Information 

Scott Seaman | Executive Director | (800) 562-6100

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