March 1-7, 2009 is School Social Worker Week

The SSWAA Summer Leadership Summit was a huge success.  Discussions centered around clarifying the role of the school social worker and getting your message out to colleagues, parents, the community, the press and legislators.  Christina Samuels of Education Week, discussed working with the press.

A preview of SSWAA’s new website was presented for feedback from the attendees.  Three new resolutions on autism, Medicare and EBP were discussed and moved forward.

Tuesday’s “Day on the Hill” was one to be remembered.  Representative Patrick C Kennedy (D-RI)

started the day with remarks to the group reiterating his support of school social workers and his determination to move legislation that assists students in need of a wide array of services.  Representative Kennedy was applauded for his support of the School Social Work Week resolution.  He graciously accepted questions from the audience and stayed for pictures.  A tour of the Capitol followed as well as hill visits.

Wednesday concluded with a dynamite panel with Pat Beauchemin, a school social worker and SSWAA members, laying the groundwork for what we do and how we interact with colleagues, parents and students.  Reggie Felton of the National School Boards Association, Christy Chambers of the Council of Administrators of Special Education and a superintendent of a special education district and Alvin Crawley, Asst. Superintendent of Student Services in Arlington, VA discussed their perspectives of school social workers and the challenges they face in meeting the needs of students, parents, teachers, student support personnel and others.  It was a rewarding and enlightening interchange.

Thank you to all who made this a great success!