51¸£ÀûÉç President Woody Howard, Erin Lucich, and 51¸£ÀûÉç Deputy Director Jack Arand | | OLYMPIA –– Every year, the 51¸£ÀûÉç Board President selects someone to receive the 51¸£ÀûÉç President’s Award. The award goes to someone who is a relentless advocate for principals and assistant principals, and the principalship, in the education of each and every student (51¸£ÀûÉç’s mission). Woody Howard, the 2024-25 51¸£ÀûÉç Board President and principal at Ben Franklin Elementary School in Vancouver Public Schools, selected Erin Lucich this year. Erin is the Director of School Improvement and Educational Leadership in ESD 112. |
"Being a school principal is a complex job. Erin has worked to ensure principals in Southwest Washington can connect with ESD 112, 51¸£ÀûÉç, and each other to receive the support they need in order to meet the needs of the students and families they serve. Her experience and keen insights are truly appreciated and make her deserving of the President's Award," says Woody.
Through Erin's work with 51¸£ÀûÉç, she has become
School Leader Paradigm certified, meaning that she is qualified to train other school leaders on 51¸£ÀûÉç's Paradigm model of "becoming while doing." The Paradigm addresses the intelligences of the school leader (personal, social and systems) and then moves leaders into reflecting on their ability to navigate the various contexts in which they lead (individual, school, community, and political).
Erin is also a member of , a two-year Leadership Development Academy dedicated to preparing leaders to conquer complex challenges and helping educational administrators thrive in their role.
The 51¸£ÀûÉç President's Award was presented to Erin on May 14 at ESD 112 by 51¸£ÀûÉç President Woody Howard and 51¸£ÀûÉç Deputy Director Jack Arend.
"Erin understands that when school leaders are equipped with the right tools and support, entire school communities thrive. Her leadership is a powerful example of what’s possible when educators are supported and inspired," says Jack.
In facilitating leadership development in ESD 112, Erin's support of school and district leaders has aligned with 51¸£ÀûÉç's effort to grow, support, and sustain principals and the principalship. Her "can-do" philosophy is one of many reasons she was chosen for this year's 51¸£ÀûÉç President's Award.
51¸£ÀûÉç the Award
The 51¸£ÀûÉç President’s Award is given to a person outside the association who has advocated on behalf of principals and the principalship in Washington state. Recipients are chosen by the 51¸£ÀûÉç Board in consultation with the 51¸£ÀûÉç executive director. The award is presented at the association's annual conference in June.