October is National Principals Month, and we thank Washington principals for their dedication to their staff and students. Principals are key to attracting and keeping high-quality teachers, according to research cited by the Education Policy Center. The link between strong principals and good outcomes for students is why we partner with the Association of Washington State Principals (AWSP) and Challenge Seattle to support principals through the Chief Education Officer (CEO) Network.
For a cohort of Washington high school principals, the monthly CEO Network meetings are a place to connect with their peers across the state, discuss solutions to challenges, and make their voices heard. At the October meeting, both new and experienced principals expressed the value of the CEO Network. Principals are facing more challenges than ever because of the pandemic, serving as not only instructional and operational leads but also the “COVID safety officers” of their schools. CEO Network members discussed the importance of supporting students’ mental health and building relationships with students during this difficult time. Despite the many challenges, principals said they are excited about having students back in buildings, working to rebuild school cultures, and leading excellent teams.
AWSP has a message for principals, as well as a Facebook promotion and prizes, here.