Adult Professional Learning
Select here, to view the past recipients of the AWSL High School and Middle-Level Adviser of the Year!
Adviser of the Year
Awarded annually since 1988 (middle level since 1999), AWSL sponsors the Adviser of the Year award to recognize some of the outstanding high school and middle-level Leadership Advisers that make a difference in their schools and communities. Nominations are due to AWSL on November 15th for that calendar year, and the award is presented at the annual Washington Activity Coordinators Association conference held the next spring (or at the adviser's school if not attending WACA). The Adviser of the Year award is open to any Leadership Adviser from an AWSL member school, and nominations can be submitted by any person or group - staff, student, parent, administrator, or community member - with the school principal's permission.
Professional Learning Opportunities
WACA (Washington Activity Coordinators Association)
March 12th - 14th, 2025 | Yakima, WA
Members of WACA (Washington Activity Coordinators Association) include representatives from middle, junior, and high schools from a variety of activity areas from all over Washington State. Delegates include activity coordinators, cheer coaches, ASB and club advisers, class advisers, administrators, athletic directors, leadership teachers, and activity secretaries.
Mission
To serve professionals involved in student activities by providing opportunities and resources for building school culture through project management and professional growth.
Vision
WACA supports the development of professionals who are involved in student
activities by:
Hosting a premier conference for all professionals involved in any aspect of student activities.
Providing professional growth opportunities throughout the year through networking
Committing to assisting professionals in creating positive school cultures that foster a sense of belonging.
Washington Student Leadership Adviser Certification
Purpose of the WSLA Certificate:
To recognize and promote the training and experience that builds a solid student leadership program and celebrate those who have attained this training
To recognize the importance of receiving professional training from WASBO, WACA, and like organizations
National Association for Student Activities
December 6th - 8th, 2024
Memphis, TN
NA4SA is the National Association for Student Activity Advisors, originally founded as the National Association of Workshop Directors (NAWD) in 1973 by Dr. Earl Reum. In 2022, entering our fiftieth year, our organization has rebranded as NA4SA to reflect who we truly are and who we truly serve.
NA4SA brings together Advocates, Advisors, Administrators, and Allies of ALL student activities who support and encourage student involvement in and out of the classroom. We also serve leadership education teachers, regional/state activity program planners, and others interested in leadership training and activity planning.
Each December, our annual National Conference on Student Activities features top notch speakers and presenters, and also provides a plethora of opportunties to share great ideas while networking with a vibrant professional community dedicated to student leadership and activities. This conference has a rich history of bringing together leaders in the field of student activities - whether attending your first conference or your twentieth (or more!), the people you meet, knowledge you gain, and ideas you share will have a lasting impact on you as well as the students and adults you work with.
NA4SA also sponsors an annual National Activity Advisors Clinic which features valuable Advisor training and networking in a more intimate setting. You'll meet and work with the best of the best, bringing back ideas that you can use with your students right away!
NA4SA is affiliated with the National Association of State Student Council Executive Directors (NASSCED), the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) and many state student council associations. Our members include - but are not limited to - state student council executive directors, state and regional leadership camp/conference coordinators, leadership educators, speakers/presenters, and school activity directors. We are truly an association of Advisors, Administrators, Advocates, and Allies of Student Activities!
We invite EVERYONE interested in student activities, leadership training, and speaking/presenting to explore our website and to become an active part of YOUR National Association for Student Activities, NA4SA!