We are WASA

We are WASA is a portion of our weekly Turn2 message, designed to help us stay connected and focused. Each edition features a We Are WASA member spotlight, where we ask a different member each week about what is motivating them at this time. The aim of We are WASA is to keep us all connected, keep us motivated, and reflect on our reason for doing this work. Take some time to explore some of our highlighted members below!

Meet Mira Gobel
Assistant Superintendent of Schools & Student Supports, Pasco School District

What's Giving You Hope Right Now?
"What gives me hope right now is witnessing school principals lean into the complexity of leadership, choosing to focus on the right work when the world around us feels consumed by being right. Their courage, resilience, and clarity fuel the teacher agency, which in turn ignites student agency. That ripple effect is powerful and deeply human."

Amplifying Student Voice
"We celebrate students by amplifying their voices in authentic ways, creating real spaces for students to share their experiences, and taking action on what they say. Listening becomes our most transformative form of celebration."
Read the rest here. October 28, 2025

Meet John Sander
Executive Director Teaching and Learning Services at Franklin Pierce School District

What's Giving You Hope Right Now?
"What gives me hope about the future of our schools is the belief in every student’s potential and the dedication of educators who nurture it. I see hope in our focus on inclusion and collaboration, and most of all in our students and their resilience, creativity, and capacity to build a more just, compassionate, and innovative world."
Read the rest here. October 14, 2025

Meet Alicen Gaytley
Director of Teaching & Learning, Quincy School District

What's Giving You Hope Right Now?
"I find hope in how we are tackling complex strategic priorities, from improving math instruction to refining standards-based grading practices. With AI as a planning partner, we are connecting our systems and streamlining processes so we can move faster and more collaboratively. This allows our staff to focus on building meaningful relationships with students and delivering higher-quality instruction. "

How do you Celebrate Success?
"We celebrate by engaging students to shape their growth as skilled creators, collaborators, forward-thinkers, and difference makers. Their voices guide teacher goals, refine curriculum, and keep us centered on our mission to empower every student for a successful and bright future. "
Read the rest here. November 4, 2025

Meet Beth Porter
Assistant Superintendent, Human Resources, Snoqualmie Valley School District

What's Giving You Hope Right Now?
"What gives me hope right now is seeing our creative, innovative, and curious staff supporting students in meaningful ways every day. Their dedication and willingness to try new ideas remind me how strong our learning community is. We love celebrating success — for students, that means sharing their stories through videos, podcasts, and social media. For staff, we highlight their great work on our website, in our weekly newsletter, and in an annual mailer that showcases the incredible things happening across the district. It’s inspiring to see our community lift one another up."
Read the rest here. October 21, 2025

Upcoming Conferences

Interested in attending an upcoming conference? Check out the WASA Conference Calendar.

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