About AWSA

The Association of Wisconsin School Administrators offers opportunities for professional growth and the advancement of effective education practices

Professional Development

A wide variety of professional development opportunities are conducted each year, in locations throughout the state, that help education leaders at every stage of their careers to serve students at each level of K-12 education. From aspiring administrators, to new building administrators, to seasoned administrators looking for information about advanced educational theory and practice, AWSA provides relevant and practical programs for educational leaders.

Advocacy

AWSA advocates for kids with a powerful voice in Madison through the lobbying efforts of the executive director and associate executive director, who are both registered lobbyists. AWSA is a key member of the Wisconsin School Administrators Alliance (WSAA), a proactive, effective and highly regarded organization that lobbies for the interests of children and the school leaders who serve them.

The WSAA is comprised of AWSA, WASDA, the Wisconsin Association of School Business Officials (WASBO), and the Wisconsin Council of Administrators of Special Education Services (WCASS).

In addition, AWSA advocates for positive change at the national level through active participation in NAESP, NASSP and other national education organizations.

Communications/Networking

AWSA provides a variety of communications to, for and between members to update you about key education issues, provide you with sources of information about learning, and help you share ideas, insights, solutions and practical information with colleagues throughout the state.

Wisconsin Education News
This compilation of education news stories from across the state of Wisconsin is sent to members Monday through Friday, and includes state and national news of interest to educators.

The Marshall Memo
This weekly compilation takes information from the most preeminent journals, magazines and education research and offers summaries and links to expanded informaton.

Update
The association’s newsletter, published nine times each year, provides members with legislative news, legal updates, professional development opportunities, national items, and articles of interest written by members for members.

Web site (www.awsa.org)
The AWSA web site contains information about legislative activities, a resource center, details about professional development programming, a member directory, information by topic area, keynote presentation archive, corporate partner links and Quality Educator Interactive, a PI 34 administrative licensure information tool. The site is home to quick and easy access links to the state legislature, education associations, the Department of Public Instruction and many sites that are vital to education leaders.

Networking Forums
AWSA’s on-line discussion groups link educators from across the state with each other to share ideas, information and best practices.

Legal Service

Attorney Advice
Members have direct access to an attorney, at no additional cost, for legal advice on professional issues.

Legal Seminar
Top legal minds provide information on key legal issues facing school administrators in this annual seminar.

Financial Assistance
Designed to complement national association assistance programs, AWSA may provide financial assistance to members for employment related legal costs.

Job-related Counseling

Professional information and advice is just a phone call away with AWSA’s experienced executive staff. Complex issues involving difficult decisions can be made clearer through discussions with AWSA’s professionals.

Research

Professional Library
AWSA’s professional library is available to all members as an association service. Publications may be borrowed by contacting the AWSA office.

National Agency Reports
Members can tap into the resources of national research agencies such as ERS and ERIC. Requested reports from these services may involve additional costs.

Recognition

• Outstanding contributions to education are awarded to:
• Principal of the Year
• Educational Services Administrator of the Year
• Distinguished Friend of Education
• Distinguished Service to AWSA
• Print and Electronic Media Service
• All-State Scholars: scholarships for high school seniors

An Investment in Education

Effective building leaders need to have cutting-edge information about best learning practices for students and teachers, resources in technology and data management, legal and regulatory updates, and practical leadership tools.

School boards and superintendents understand the importance of school leadership: that’s why over 90% of districts fund AWSA membership. Investing in AWSA membership makes fiscal sense for schools.

AWSA membership is not only an investment in your school and students, it is a tax deductible investment in your profession. The benefits you will derive from AWSA membership will help you to achieve your professional goals while better serving the children of your school.

Involvement

As an AWSA member, you will have the opportunity to advance your knowlege and effectiveness as a leader network with education leaders from across the state make a positive impact on the larger educational community – at district, regional, statewide and national levels.

AWSA Membership

Regular membership is available to any person who:

• is engaged in school building administration;
• is administering an educational program as a complete or partial responsibility in one or more of the grade levels encompassed in K-12 education;
• has supervision of personnel as a major responsibility;
• serves in an administrative position in a regional, state, or national educational agency or association, college, or university;
• teaches persons preparing for a professional career in education;
• is retired from one of these positions.

A regular member is eligible to share in all the rights, privileges, and responsibilities of the association. Full payment of membership dues is a prerequisite to becoming or remaining a regular member in good standing with the association.

AWSA also offers Retired Life Membership, Honorary Life Membership, Associate Membership, Corporate Support Membership and Institutional Membership.