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Federal Way Public Schools Welcomes New Certificated Staff Members at the 7th Annual Breakfast

Federal Way Public Schools Welcomes New Certificated Staff Members at the 7th Annual Breakfast

FWPS leadership welcoming new educators to FWPS at the Annual Breakfast event

Federal Way, WA — Federal Way Public Schools (FWPS) officially kicked off the 2026–27 school year by welcoming its newest cohort of 101 certificated staff members at the 7th Annual New Teacher Breakfast. The annual gathering brings together new teachers, educational specialists, district leadership, and school board members to celebrate and empower educators joining Team Federal Way.

Attendees were greeted with high-energy musical performances by the Decatur High School Jazz Band, under the direction of Chris Leslie, as new teachers, experienced staff joining the district, and returning FWPS alumni reconnected before heading into their classrooms.

Superintendent Dr. Dani Pfeiffer addressed the attendees, introducing the district’s focal theme for the upcoming school year: SUPERCHARGE.

“SUPERCHARGE means taking the momentum we have built and increasing its impact,” said Dr. Pfeiffer. “Behind every data point is a student, and behind so many stories of student growth is an adult who mattered at just the right moment. We serve more than 21,500 scholars, but our students experience Federal Way one interaction at a time. Together, we have the power to shape those experiences.”

Dr. Pfeiffer encouraged the incoming cohort to cultivate a learning environment where high expectations are paired with genuine care, ensuring every scholar feels known, supported, challenged, and capable of succeeding.

Image of Superintendent Dr. Pfeiffer posing with new FWPS educators

The program also featured welcoming remarks from FWPS Board Vice President Trudy Davis and Federal Way Education Association (FWEA) President James Brown, emphasizing strong partnership and shared commitment to supporting educators across the district.

The morning continued with practical wisdom, encouragement, and personal reflections from district staff and scholars. Decatur High School Band Director Chris Leslie, entering his eleventh year of teaching in FWPS, reflected on his journey and urged new educators to lean on their colleagues and hold fast to their core purpose.

“This community believes in our students’ limitless potential, and that has been an incredibly powerful platform to build from,” Leslie shared. “Extend the same belief in possibility to yourself that you offer your students. Your potential to grow, to lead, and to make a lasting impact in this community is just as limitless.”

DHS Band Director Chris Leslie speaking at the 7th Annual Breakfast event

Lake Grove Elementary Principal Amanda Wilde highlighted the transformative power of relationships in supporting student growth, reminding educators to build strong support systems and intentionally make room for positive moments throughout the year.

“Remember the power of relationship,” shared Principal Wilde. “Relationships support scholar behavior and willingness to try—and they will also help you develop and maintain positive behaviors. Learning does not happen alone. When it is dark, plan for joy.”

Lake Grove Elementary Principal Wilde speaking at the 7th Annual Breakfast event

Offering a student perspective, Todd Beamer High School ASB President Yegi shared how teacher encouragement gave them the confidence to run for office, illustrating the profound effect educators have on student self-belief.

“Students remember more about the impact you made and your character than the slip-ups you made during one of your lessons,” Yegi told the audience. “These teachers didn’t just fill the role of being an educator; they also filled the role of being that adult in my life that I knew I could reach out to during times of uncertainty. Your influence knows no bounds.”

Student speaker Yegi speaking at the 7th Annual Breakfast event

The breakfast concluded with a collective sense of excitement and community as educators prepared for the upcoming school year. FWPS is proud to welcome these dedicated professionals as they set up their classrooms, meet their school communities, and prepare to supercharge what is possible for scholars across the district.

Image of FWEA President James Brown, DHS Teacher Chris Leslie, Student Yegi, FWPS Vice Board President Trudy Davis, Superintendent Dr. Pfeiffer, FWPS Board Director Eric Gollings, and Principal Wilde standing together for a group picture

 

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FWPS leadership welcoming new educators to FWPS at the Annual Breakfast event
DHS Band Director Chris Leslie speaking at the 7th Annual Breakfast event
DHS Band Director Chris Leslie speaking at the 7th Annual Breakfast event
A group of new educators and FWPS staff members at the 7th Annual Breakfast event
FWPS leadership welcoming new educators to FWPS at the Annual Breakfast event
FWPS leadership welcoming new educators to FWPS at the Annual Breakfast event
Lake Grove Elementary Principal Wilde speaking at the 7th Annual Breakfast event
Image of FWEA President James Brown, DHS Teacher Chris Leslie, Student Yegi, FWPS Vice Board President Trudy Davis, Superintendent Dr. Pfeiffer, FWPS Board Director Eric Gollings, and Principal Wilde standing together for a group picture
Student speaker Yegi speaking at the 7th Annual Breakfast event
Superintendent Dr. Pfeiffer speaking at the 7th Annual Breakfast event
Superintendent Dr. Pfeiffer speaking at the 7th Annual Breakfast event
FWEA President James Brown speaking at the 7th Annual Breakfast event
Image of Superintendent Dr. Pfeiffer posing with new FWPS educators
Image of Superintendent Dr. Pfeiffer speaking with new FWPS educators
Image of Superintendent Dr. Pfeiffer speaking with new FWPS educators
Image of Superintendent Dr. Pfeiffer speaking with new FWPS educators
Image of DHS Jazz Band members performing at the 7th annual event.
Image of a new FWPS educator interacting with other staff members