Leading Thoughtfully: CityU Alumna voted as President-elect of WASA

City University of Seattle alumna, Krestin Bahr, is not unfamiliar to putting in the hard work of advocating for education. After 18 years of educating students, mentoring her peers, and building relationships with the community, the Washington Association of School Administrators (WASA) has voted Krestin as the next president of WASA. “I was so honored to be voted to be selected as the next WASA president. I look forward to providing vision and advocacy for our future leaders.” Krestin said. As a professional administrator and member of the organization, WASA focuses on excellence in education and members benefit from a supportive community of professional leaders. After joining WASA in 2010, Krestin wanted to be a more an engaging leader and joined education boards, including WASA’s own board. “I’ll always be a teacher at heart but I am excited to work with our members to create change at a higher level.”

Before becoming president

In 2001, Krestin was almost at her 20 year anniversary of teaching middle and high school students in Tacoma. “I was at a point in my life that I really wanted to be thoughtful about how I led. Once my administrator told me about CityU and their flexible cohort and summer program, I knew I was ready for the next step.” Krestin said. With one part focusing on leadership, and the other part focusing on teaching, Krestin continued her education and enrolled in CityU’s Master of Education in Leadership program. Krestin said, “Since I had kids at home, the choice to work online or in-class fit my schedule perfectly.” By enrolling into the program, Krestin was able to work with CityU’s Albright School of Education practitioner faculty and learn from their experiences. “I really respected the instructors because they have all taught in a school setting that related to what I was doing. It was beneficial for me because we were able to develop our skills from leaders in our field.” Krestin said. Once she graduated from CityU, Krestin used her education to expand her career opportunities that lead her to Gray Middle School Assistant Principal to Superintendent of the Eatonville School District, and now to the president of WASA. “Because I attended CityU, my role as superintendent has been greatly impacted and they gave me the tools I needed to pursue my dream and become a leader.” Krestin said.

Inspiring future leaders

When asked what she would tell someone considering the Master of Education in Leadership program, Krestin said, “Be open to other possibilities, listen when others have ideas, remember that life is a journey and so many amazing things can happen to you if you say ‘yes’. You are capable, and in this day and age we need to have a strong educational pipeline – don’t be afraid of that hard work.” As Krestin starts her new position as President of WASA, she looks forward to learning new things and building positive relationships with legislating member to teach them the importance of teaching the next generation.

Learn more

If you are interested in becoming a an educational leader, learn more about CityU’s Master of Education in Leadership program, or request more information.