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I had a surprising encounter recently while facilitating leadership training for approximately fifty early career principals and assistant principals. During a break, one of the attendees - let’s call him “Jeff” - approached me to engage in a conversation. To be honest, Jeff did all the talking. I listened, a bit uncertain how to respond in the moment.

Welcome to our first episode of 51������ News for 2019, where we discuss the upcoming legislative session, our next episode of 51������ TV with resources for tobacco use and vaping, the important role our PAC plays in supporting principals, the Building Hope Together workshop with WEA and Kids at Hope, our Principal Leadership Academy happening soon in ESD 123, our partnership with PEMCO and VEBA, the Future School Leaders Day workshop we’re putting on, a possible 24-credit graduation requirement summit, and an opening for students on AWSL’s Executive Committee and the State Board of Education.

At 51������, we believe wholeheartedly in the importance of teachers, but also feel just as strongly in calling attention to one of the most under-recognized and overworked group of educators in the system, school principals. Effective principals are foundational and essential components of a successful educational system. Simply stated, principals matter.

While we welcome the thousands of students and staff who visit our facilities, it is the dream of all of us involved in Outdoor Environmental and Science Education to have a component in each school year. Here is an exemplary approach:

Dudley Edmondson, an African American wildlife photographer, believes it is critical for people of color to get involved in nature conservation. He sought out 20 other African Americans with deep connections to nature and asked them about their personal experiences, how they came to value nature and why African Americans seem under-represented in our parks and conservation efforts.