School Social Work Week
March 5 – 11, 2023
National School Social Work Week is always the first full week of March. School Social Work Week provides an excellent opportunity to let others know of the great work that you are doing! Make sure to have your district put these dates on your School Calendar. During this week, plan to take the opportunity to “toot your own horn” and let others know how you are impacting the lives of students as you address barriers to learning and increase successful educational and academic outcomes.
Ideas to Celebrate School Social Work Week
We have put together a list of activities you might want to consider. Have fun planning your celebration!!
Resources to Help You Get Ready For School Social Work Week
Members
Promotional Resources
Why “reinvent the wheel”? Take advantage of “Members Only” Promotional Resources developed by others which may be used or utilized to develop your own materials or documents. The New York State School Social Workers’ Association and the School Social Work Association of America provide a wide variety of resources intended to guide and assist School Social Workers in common areas of their practice in schools. (Sign in to access “Members Only” resources.)
- Elements of School Social Work One page bulleted quick glance regarding the role and service areas School Social Workers address. (1 page)
- Frameworks of School Social Work Systems level framework for School Social Work Services. (1 page)
- How to Get Publicity for School Social Work (used with permission from Mary Bragg)
- National Standards for School Social Workers Source: 2012, NASW
- Overlapping and Unique Roles of OH Specialized Pupil Services Personnel—Venn Diagram of SSW, School Psych and School Counseling Roles Source: Ohio School Social Work Association
- Overview of School Based Mental Health Services Joint document regarding School Based Mental Health by the School Social Work Association of America, the American School Counselors Association and the National Association of School Psychologists
- Revenues Generated for School Districts by School Social Work Services Very useful in demonstrating your financial worth to a school. Source: Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
- School Social Work Services One Page
- The Value of School Social Work: 21 Ways to Promote Our Worth in Education (used with permission from Mary Pat Gilliam)
SSWAA Position Statements & Practice Model
- Definition Highly Qualified School Social Worker
- Framework_for_Safe_and_Successful_Schools
- Role of SSWs in Addressing Mental Health Needs & Increasing Academic Achievement
- School Safety_The Role of School Social Work in Violence Prevention
- SSWAA SSW Practice Model Brochure
- SSWAA SSW Practice Model Graphic
SSWAA National Campaign to Promote School Social Workers
Access numerous articles and resources HERE.
Why Do We Need More School Social Workers?
Numerous articles and resources regarding the need for increased School Social Work services. Read more. — Members Only
School Social Work Manuals & SSW Articles
See instructive manuals full of resources from other states that can assist you as you develop your School Social Work practice. Consult this list as well for advocacy information about School Social Workers:
- School Social Work Manuals & Articles — Members Only
Brochures
What is the difference between the role of the School Social Worker and the role of other Student Support Staff?
- The Student Support Team Brochure (August, 2014)
Prepared by members of the New York State Education Department’s Pupil Personnel Services Advisory Team ( including the New York State School Social Workers’ Association) and was published in 2012. It provides brief description of the role of School Social Workers, School Psychologists, School Counselors, School Nurses and School Attendance Officers.
- School Social Work Brochure: Carmel Central School District (August, 2014)
School Social Workers from Carmel Central School District promote their role with a brochure (Thank you Kathy MacCarthy for sharing this as an example)
Members Make Our Mission Possible:
The New York State School Social Workers’ Association (NYSSSWA) is the only professional association dedicated solely to the visibility and viability of School Social Workers in New York State. Members are essential to our ability to support you and our profession.
Learn More About The Benefits Included in a Membership!