A Matter of Principals Association of Washington School Principals

For 51 years, AWSP has supported principals and assistant principals (the individuals) and the principalship (the profession) in the education of each and every student. We exist to support principals as a means to the same goal we all have in K-12 education: for all of our students to have hope. Today, we find ourselves in one of the most challenging spots in the history of our association, specifically regarding the two “principal bills", Senate Bills 5085 and 5175.


It seems like the winds are shifting on these bills by the hour, but there’s been one constant: we find ourselves between a rock and a hard place. Many of our principals and assistant principals across the state want us to keep pushing for 5085 to pass in its original form. On the other hand, we have some districts, superintendents, partners, and school boards in opposition and with varying levels of frustration. AWSP is one of the strongest principals’ associations in the country, and our strong partnership and relationships with our districts is the driving force behind that. We know that nothing happens in a school without trust and relationships, so we’ve engaged with our partners on a path forward. {If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together}


I want to be clear. Our state has phenomenal superintendents and districts who are exemplary in their support of their principals, from strong relationships and partnerships, robust contracts, clear and defined due process protocols, and provide as much support as possible coupled with reasonable expectations. And over the last few years, we’ve heard more and more appreciation, compassion, and support for our principals and assistant principals. We’re not the only voice in the room saying we need to do more to support our principals, but we don’t need the educational equivalent of thoughts and prayers; we need policies and change. We have many options for how to move forward, but doing nothing is not one of them. Let’s talk briefly about why I’m sitting here talking to this camera, and you’re wherever you are, watching or listening to me.

Executive Director Dr. Scott Seaman sits down with Roz Thompson, our Governmental Relations and Advocacy Director, to talk about our advocacy this session, specifically around SB 5085 and SB 5175. Learn more about the intent and ideas behind these bills.

Welcome to another episode of A Matter of Principals. In this episode, Associate Director Kamrica Ary-Turner asks Walla Walla teacher and former head football coach Marc Yonts his advice on leadership and what family members can do to support the school leader in their life. If the last name is familiar, it's because Marc is married to Associate Director Gina Yonts. Listen in to hear Marc's wisdom and advice for leadership and supporting a school leader.

Meet Silas High School Principal Bernadette Ray, the only woman of color serving in Tacoma at the high school level. Learn about her, who she is, and how she leads. How she navigates through her leadership as a woman, woman of color, and day-to-day principal life. Hear how she supports and leads with her assistant principals. And lastly, she shares her big equity leadership move.


Podcast Principal Tips:



Reflect, Reflect, and Reflect Again
Student Voice
Teacher Voice
Transparent and honest communication with the school community
Compliment with an "I" not an "E"


Nuggets to think about:



How is your team calibrating?
What's your admin team rhythm?
How do you receive feedback?
What helps prepare a leader to be a Principal?


Episode Links



Native American Heritage Month
Tribal Sovereignty Curriculum Resources
Silas High School
AWSP — The Association of Washington School Principals (AWSP) provides support, resources, and professional development for building leaders. Member please login to your account and visit the AWSP Online Learning (Path LMS) to watch the videos on the School Leader Paradigm.
Special Guest: Bernadette Ray.

We're back in the studio for another episode of AWSP TV. Our special guest this time is one of our own, Kamrica Ary-Turner! Kamrica is one of our newest directors. Hired to support the ESD 121 and 189 regions, her impact is sure to be felt across the state. Watch the episode to learn more about Kamrica and her work here at AWSP.
Special Guest: Kamrica Ary-Turner.

In this podcast, My Disablity Roadmap Co-Directors Samuel Habib and Dan Habib introduce the 23-minute film that recently appeared in the New York Times. Following the film's audio, Dan interviews Samuel about his education, post-secondary transition, the process of making the film, and more. The podcast also features an extended conversation between Samuel and with one of his “mentors” featured in the film, comedian and actor Maysoon Zayid.
Special Guests: Dan Habib and Samuel Habib.