Association of Washington School Principals (AWSP) Teams With Walden to Provide Online Learning Programs

Olympia, Wash.—January 30, 2006—The educational alliance gives members of AWSP the opportunity to pursue Walden’s doctoral programs in education, including its EdD and PhD, and participate in graduate-level leadership courses, all via the Internet.

“In today’s busy workplace, it’s difficult to carve out time for professional development. But it’s something that everyone must do to stay current in the issues affecting the principalship,” said Terry Barber, director of AWSP’s professional development.“Our partnership with Walden University offers our members the best of both worlds: high-quality professional development and programs and the access and convenience of online learning.”

“We are very impressed with the expertise of Walden’s faculty, and with so many demands on people’s time, we believe access to these experts via the online courses will be a real benefit for our busy members,” he said. “We’re very excited about this and hope AWSP members will take advantage of this great new opportunity to learn.”

“Walden University is proud to support this AWSP professional development initiative. AWSP is widely acknowledged for its commitment to improving the instructional leadership of schools, and through Walden’s programs, I think they can now offer their members unprecedented access to some of the nation’s foremost authorities on the principalship and the performance improvement of schools,” said Paula E. Peinovich, PhD, president and provost of Walden University. “Walden’s mission is founded on social change, and we hope this alliance with AWSP will help assure the learning and achievement of students in school districts throughout the state by preparing outstanding leaders in education.”

Walden University is an accredited institution offering advanced degrees online to professionals who work to make a difference in the lives of children, the health of a community, or the success of an organization. Since 1970, Walden has helped students achieve their personal enrichment and career advancement goals. Walden graduates, in turn, enrich and advance the lives of countless others they serve. To learn more about professional development opportunities through Walden University, visit their Web site at www.degrees4educators.com.

About the Association of Washington School Principals (AWSP)
The Association of Washington School Principals is a professional association serving principals, assistant principals and principals in training. Formed in 1972, the Association now includes more than 3,500 members from public and private elementary, middle and high schools statewide. It is governed by a board of practicing principals composed of members drawn from three grade-specific boards representing the elementary, middle and high school levels. The mission of AWSP is to support principals and assistant principals and the principalship in the education of all students. For more information on the Association, visit the AWSP Web site at www.awsp.org.

About Walden University
Since 1970, Walden University has offered working professionals the opportunity to earn advanced degrees through distance learning. Today, this comprehensive, accredited online university offers master’s and doctoral degrees in education, psychology, management, and health and human services, as well as master’s programs in engineering and IT and bachelor’s completion programs in business. For more information, visit www.WaldenU.edu.

Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association, www.hlcommission.org; 312-263-0456.