School Social Work Association of America (SSWAA)
“SSWAA is the only national organization solely dedicated to
promoting the profession of School Social Work”
Our Mission: The School Social Work Association of America empowers school social workers and promotes the profession of school social work to enhance the social and emotional growth and academic outcomes of all students.
Our Vision: Our vision is that school social work is a valued, integral part of the education of all children, connecting schools, families and communities.
National Campaign to Promote School Social Workers:
SSWAA partnered with NASW to launch the “Back to School with School Social Workers” campaign last fall. SSWAA, however, is continuing the promotional campaign. Check out their website for suggested social media, twitter storm information, blogs, monthly featured experts in the field, sample documents for promoting school social workers and much more. Click Here.
Federal Advocacy:
NYSSSWA is an affiliate state organization of the School Social Work Association of America. SSWAA has lobbyists who represents School Social Workers in Washington D.C. and help to keep us updated on bills that have an impact on school social work services. Read more.
- Advocacy: A Ripple Effect An interview with Rob Lucio, SSWAA’s Standards & Practice Representative & Legislative Chair–by Shercee Barrett
- How to Improve Mental Health in Schools and Why It Matters Support for Senate Bill 1122. Ott, E. & Sierra, A. 12/2/2020. SSWAA
Articles by School Social Workers
National News & Position Statements
- Click Here for National Position Statements
See Complete List of SSWAA Resolution Statements Here!
COVID-19 Resources:
- SSWAA Position Paper on Telehealth 2021
- SSWAA Response to COVID-19 Health Crisis and the Role of School Social Workers Position Statement. Source: SSWAA
- SSWAA FAQ from COVID-19 Webinar 19 pages of Important Information 3/26/2020 Source: SSWAA
- SSWAA April Featured Article: Creating Hope Through Connection: How to Empower Families and Bring Joy During a Pandemic. Source: Kaplan, J. 4/14/2020. SSWAA
- SSWAA Response to COVID-19 Health Crisis and the Role of SSWs
- Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resources. Resources gathered by SSWAA.
- Pause Blog post providing some self care tips. Source: Rebecca Oliver. 4/29/2020 SSWAA
SSWAA Blog
Membership:
Why join SSWAA? Well, SSWAA has 20 reasons including professional liability insurance! But, the most important is to be a part of something bigger than yourself and do your part in moving our profession forward. Help School Social Workers be seen as visible, vital, & valuable in schools with a strong voice! Join SSWAA and stand with us and be seen as vital professionals! See how SSWAA has made it easier to join:
History:
On July 22, 23 & 24, 1994 in Edwardsville, Illinois 64 participants from 20 states came together to form an organization exclusively representing School Social Workers. Four task forces were established to assist with the organizational structure and Constitution and Bylaws. The fall of 1994, the first SSWAA Luncheon was held at the Midwest School Social Work Conference Milwaukee, Wisconsin and named in honor of I. Lorraine Davis for her long commitment to furthering the cause of School Social Workers. In July of 1995, SSWAA’s first annual meeting was held in Minneapolis and was attended by 60 School Social Workers from 26 states as we continued strategic planning. In October of 1995, SSWAA held its first elections and Randy Fisher was elected as our first President. Read More.
National School Social Worker Week March 7 – 13 2021
2020: “Beacon of Hope: School Social Workers – Lighting the Way” is our theme for School Social Work Week 2020. In our role, School Social Workers are able to light the way, emphasizing the whole child, collaborating with other professionals, linking students and families with needed services, and advocating for our profession. We have compiled some resources for SSWAA members and hope that you will find them useful. Please feel free to use them all or pick and choose what is beneficial to you and your district. We invite you to follow us on social media and share throughout the week as well. We hope you have a successful School Social Work Week 2020! #BeaconofHope #SSWWeek2020 Not a member yet? Join here.
Enjoy and hope you had a Happy School Social Work Week!!!