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2026 national school social work CONFERENCE March 24-27, 2026 ST. LOUIS, MO SSWAA's annual National Conference includes a wide variety of useful breakout workshop sessions, opportunities to connect and network with other social work professionals, and an exciting lineup of keynote presenters. Spend time networking with colleagues from around the country and the world as you exchange intervention strategies and best practices. Check out our exhibitors in between sessions as they showcase innovative resources, educational services. Earn CEs by attending sessions led by nationally recognized leaders in the profession focusing on issues and skills critical to School Social Workers and numerous products to restock your libraries, assessment toolkits and treasure chests of activities. Expand your knowledge through powerful professional learning! Elevate your practice as you gain meaningful tools and resources for the work! Engage with other professionals leaving you inspired and renewed! Event Information Stay Informed Rates Policies General Agenda Request Letter Student Volunteers 2026 National Conference Rates Pre-Registration will end two weeks before the conference in order to allow for proper space and meal planning. Attendees wishing to register after March 10th (9pm EST) will need to do so On-Site (if space allows). Meal counts are due to the hotel in advance of the conference and minimal adjustments can be made to meal counts. For this reason, the Late/On-Site Rate does not guarantee meals. Early Bird Rates will be offered for 6 weeks and require payment at the time of registration (CC payment only). Note regarding payment: Payment is due within the registration window in order to receive that registration rate. Payment made at a later date will be subject to current registration prices. If registering with a Purchase Order, please plan in advance so that check payment is received promptly. Purchase Orders will not be accepted within 30 days of the event since this does not allow enough time for the Purchase Order to be fulfilled. Purchase Order payments not received by Friday, March 6th must be paid on site or a late fee will apply and entry may be denied. *Please see Purchase Order Terms and Conditions for complete details. Note: Registration changes and re-creation of invoices, such as switching a registration from one individual to another, or re-creating a group invoice from previously created individual registrations can be accommodated for a $25 administrative fee. No changes in registration will be accepted four weeks before the start date of the event. Start date is noted as the pre-conference date. In the case of a verified emergency, SSWAA staff will change registrations at their discretion. For New York School Social Workers: SSWAA is again pleased to partner with the New York State School Social Workers’ Association (NYSSSWA) in order to provide New York approved CEUs/CE hours. As in the past, you will need to register with SSWAA for the conference and ALSO register with NYSSSWA for just the provision of CE/CEUs. Due to administrative costs, NYSSSWA’s CE Fees are $30 for NYSSSWA members or $60 for NYSSSWA Non-members so BE SURE to include these fees when requesting a Purchase Order for reimbursement from your school district. New York attendees will be notified once NYSSSWA registration is open. NYSSSWA - Conference Info NYSSSWA - Registration **All ADA Request must be submitted by January 25, 2026 to ensure proper planning. View Conference Policies Coming Fall 2025 Need support asking your administration to attend the conference? See our Request to Administration Letter to help you submit a request to your school leaders. Request to Admin Letter SSWAA understands that students may face financial barriers to attending professional conferences. Yet, SSWAA believes that there is much value to be gained in the attendance at professional conferences including exposure to best practice professional training, access to networking opportunities, and insights into the field of practice that can assist with career planning. In responsiveness to this need, SSWAA provides limited student scholarships for attendance at the SSWAA National Conference. The student volunteer scholarships are made possible by Endowment Fund donations. SSWAA reserves the right to discontinue this service. More Info Stay in the Loop – Get Registration Updates Session Information CE Info Session Descriptions Keynote & Speakers Brochure CE INFORMATION School Social Work Association of America, 1789, is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved as ACE providers. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit. School Social Work Association of America maintains responsibility for this course. ACE provider approval period: 7/27/2023-7/27/2026. Social workers participating in this conference (Pre-Conference and Full Conference) will receive up to 18 continuing education credits. Note: Many state licensing boards impose specific limitations on course content, distance education, or other elements of continuing education, even when courses are taken from approved providers. It is your sole responsibility to ensure that the courses taken will meet the requirements for your state licensure. For New York School Social Workers: SSWAA is again pleased to partner with the New York State School Social Workers’ Association (NYSSSWA) in order to provide New York approved CEUs/CE hours. As in the past, you will need to register with SSWAA for the conference and ALSO register with NYSSSWA for just the provision of CE/CEUs. Due to administrative costs, NYSSSWA’s CE Fees are $30 for NYSSSWA members or $60 for NYSSSWA Non-members so BE SURE to include these fees when requesting a Purchase Order for reimbursement from your school district. New York attendees will be notified once NYSSSWA registration is open. Session Descriptions View draft of session descriptions below. This listing is provided to aid individuals with registration. All descriptions, titles, and sessions themselves are subject to change at any time and without notice. Coming Fall 2025 Join us as we delve into critical issues such as mental health, educational equity, and school social work practices. For a closer look at our distinguished lineup of session presenters and their extensive expertise, please click below to view their bios. Coming Fall 2025 2026 Conference Brochure will be shared early 2026. 2025 National Conference Brochure Hotel & Travel Conference Location Nearby Airport Parking St. Louis Union Station Hotel The 2026 National School Social Work Conference will be hosted at the historic St. Louis Union Station Hotel. This beautifully restored landmark blends timeless architecture with modern amenities, featuring an aquarium, restaurants, and a stunning light show—making it a one-of-a-kind setting for learning and connection. Things to do in St. Louis, MO Group Room Rates (per night, plus tax): $219 Booking Link Coming Soon St. Louis Union Station is located 14 miles from St. Louis Lambert International Airport. The distance by car is approximately 20 minutes, More Info Sponsor & Exhibitor Opportunities This year’s National School Social Work Conference is our largest yet—with 300 more registrations than last year and nearly 1,000 confirmed participants! Even with a larger venue, we still sold out! Missed out? Don’t worry! Sign up below (2026 National Conference) to be notified about opportunities to participate as a sponsor or exhibitor at the 2026 National Conference in St. Louis, MO. There are still valuable ways to showcase your organization through advertising and digital engagement with SSWAA. View our media kit here for details . 2026 National Conference Be the First to Know: 2026 Sponsorship & Exhibitor Opportunities Are you interested in showcasing your organization at the 2026 National School Social Work Conference? Join our interest list to receive updates about sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities as they become available. No commitment required—just stay in the loop! Join Our 2026 Partner Interest List > Conferece Sponsor and exhibitor 2025 National Conference sponsors Exhibitors

Sponsorship Agreement First Name Company City Last Name Job Title Address State (ST) Zip Code Phone Email Enter company website Please Upload Organization Logo Upload supported file (Max 15MB) Please select one of the following. * Comprehensive Sponsorship - Champion - $12500 Comprehensive Sponsorship - Partner - $7000 Comprehensive Sponsorship - Friend - $4000 Webinars - Series Sponsor - $1000 Webinars - Episode Sponsor - $150 Electronic Newsletters - Static sponsor (12 months) - $1000 Electronic Newsletters - 4 month sponsor - $500 Go to Checkout Thanks for submitting! We'll reach out with any additional information for your sponsorship.

Explore the School Social Work Association of America (SSWAA), the only national organization solely dedicated to promoting the profession of School Social Work. Discover resources, advocacy initiatives, and networking opportunities for school social workers nationwide. Lead the Change: Become a SSWAA Ambassador! Step Up as a Leader! Join SSWAA’s National Awareness Campaign as an Ambassador. Advocate, influence, and lead initiatives that make a lasting impact. Click here to get involved and drive change! Get Resources Access tools, materials, and evidence-based resources to support your practice. Learn More > Learn New Skills Earn CEU's and improve your practice through a variety of professional development opportunities. Learn More > Advocate Get involved and share the word about what School Social Workers are doing to help students and families. Learn More > join sswaa today To expand your knowledge, elevate your practice, and engage with your profession Learn More Subscribe to Our Blog Updates I accept terms & conditions View terms of use Subscribe Thanks for subscribing! SSWAA Supports School Social Workers The School Social Work Association of America is a membership organization empowering school social workers and promoting the profession of school social work. Learn more about us > News & Updates sswaa's Position Statement: A Brief Overview of School Social Work Roles and Responsibilities Read More > sswaa's Commitment to Supporting Students & Families Amid Policy Changes Read More > Protecting Safe Spaces for Students Read More > sswaa -Restorative Justice and School Social Work Practice: Promoting a Positive School Climate and Culture Read More > sswaa - Recommended School Social Worker To Student Ratios Read More > SSWAA - best practices in supporting and addressing the needs of students who experience grief Read More > Upcoming Events March 1-7, 2026 School Social Work WEek March 24-27, 2026 St. Louis, MO National Conference Latest Blogs Back to School Inspiration The Power of Prevention: A Blueprint for Thriving in School Social Work This Year Transform Your Leadership in the Field of School Social Work join sswaa today To expand your knowledge, elevate your practice, and engage with your profession Learn More Subscribe to Our Blog Updates I accept terms & conditions View terms of use Subscribe Thanks for subscribing!

Throughout my career, I’ve experienced 22 Back to Schools.  Although it seems like we start earlier and earlier every year, we (in the South) do, in fact, start earlier than many of you.  While our students begin school in early August, many of my colleagues across the country will not return to school until mid-August or after Labor Day.  If you are still savoring summer, enjoy every last moment!   Although this is my 23 rd  back to school, it has been a different experience this year.  In the Spring, I was offered the opportunity to take on a new role and discontinue some of the tasks that had previously been my responsibility for 22 years.  Although it was my request to do so and it comes with a lot of benefits, that means no more summers!!!  Boo!  Since I started my new role on July 1 as a 12-month employee, it wasn’t really back to school for me.    While I recognize that New Years is January 1 for many people and I still participate in the observances, I’ve thought of my new year beginning in July instead of January for the last several years.  It makes sense because I’ve lived on a school calendar for nearly all of my life.  Although I’ve given my best effort many years, I don’t seem to have much success with New Year’s resolutions that start on January 1.  As my birthday is in early July, it just seems like a great time for a fresh start.  I love the fresh start and high hopes of Back to School.  In my view, it’s a wonderful time to think about what we want to be better or different this year and what we can do to get there.       Over the years, I’ve realized that setting goals is an incredibly important self-care strategy for me.  Back during the early days of COVID, I watched a video that encouraged viewers to make a list of 300 goals/things they would like God to give them ( https://tinyurl.com/3ehtfbzx ).  I started making my list and really struggled after I had about 75 or 100 things on it. Some people have big dreams, but I had historically not been one of them. I really struggled to write down a dream before my logical mind could tell me why it wasn't possible. I persevered and eventually completed my list of 300 things. Some of the things that I put on the list were nowhere on the radar of possibility at the time. There were no open doors to those things or even hallways that led to doors and there were also significant obstacles in the way. In 2022, I started writing the goal list each year in my planner. One of the things that I wrote down is that I wanted to write a book about self- care.  In May 2022, I received an e-mail asking if I'd like to write a book about self-care and I signed a contract to do it that Fall.  My book is a part of the Workshop Series that is a partnership between Oxford University Press and the School Social Work Association of America (SSWAA) and it will be published in November.  Another goal that I wrote was that I’d like to complete the process to become a Nationally Certified School Social Worker (NCSSW).  In 2022, I became the first Tennessean to complete the NCSSW process and the 7 th  in the United States.  This summer, I completed the recertification process required every 3 years.    I have high hopes for all of us for this school year.  This year, I hope that you experience more well-being as a school social worker than you ever have before.  I hope that you return to a school who values you for the incredible asset that you are and shows it through nurturing actions.  I hope that you find new ways to nurture yourself.     As you return to school this year, please hear me and remember the following:   If you are a supervisor, I recognize that being given responsibility to supervise other SSWs does not eliminate the need for your own well-being to be nurtured.  You can encounter quite a bit of trauma when engaged in the school social work profession whether you are providing direct service or not.  As you continue caring for your own well-being, I challenge you to find new ways to nurture the SSWs who work for you.  I mention supervisors first because SSW well-being can only be achieved through a partnership between individual self-care strategies and efforts on the part of our employers to provide healthy atmospheres where we can thrive.  So much of the conversation has centered on self-care and I address supervisors first because the employer side of the equation has so long been minimized.  I very much understand that sometimes all we can do is hold on to everyone’s jobs and not “lose” positions.  If that is the case in your district, I appreciate you fighting for your SSWs and I honor your contribution to the profession.  If you are a supervisor in a district where SSW positions are secure and you have the opportunity to explore other options to nurture your SSWs this year, I encourage you to do so.  A very doable suggestion for one step for you and those you supervise for this year would be taking an assessment like the ProQOL ( https://proqol.org/ ) that is free of charge and measures burnout, secondary traumatic stress, and compassion satisfaction.  Whether you even discuss your results or not, you and your SSWs will at least have some idea of your level of well-being.      I want to share something inspirational that I was told while completing the NCSSW process:  You ARE doing this work.  Tia Marie Brumsted said this to NCSSW candidates to encourage us to avoid imposter syndrome.  While we often can’t “fix” things that we wish we could, I know that you are frequently having a positive impact on students, families, co-workers, and others in your school community.  In My Grandmother’s Hands, Resmaa Menakem refers this as your “settled, regulated nervous system” and recognizes its importance.  I know that you are often the stable adult that buffers the trauma that others around you experience.  You are going to do wonderful things this year and enrich the lives of many.   While the oxygen mask and empty cup metaphors for well-being have been helpful, I think they are incomplete.  Many times, those images focus on the purpose of self-care being to continue to have the capacity to serve others.  They caution that the danger of insufficient self-care is that we won’t be able to be present and helpful to others.  While this is true, I want you to know that every school social worker is worthy of well-being whether anyone else ever benefits or not.  I think that something my grandmother told me as a little girl is applicable here.  I remember telling her that I wanted to help people when I grew up and I know she feared I would do so to my own detriment.  She said, “You’re a “people”, too.”      If you are a fellow goal-getter, take some time to set some goals for the year.  Here’s a free self-care strategy that anyone can practice:  Make it your goal to ask at least one person to share their self-care practices with you.  I am always on the lookout for new strategies and have been doing this ever since I started studying self-care many years ago.  I love hearing what other people do to promote their own well-being and even finding new practices that I can implement.  Don’t forget about podcasts, books, and YouTube videos if you don’t feel like you know someone that you’d be comfortable asking.  Consider completing the process to become a Nationally Certified School Social Worker.  I believe that completing the NCSSW process has opened many doors to me professionally and I think you’ll find the same to be true.  To my fellow Tennesseans, I’d love to no longer be able to say that I’m the only one in our state!  When I wrote that goal to write a book on my list, there was no sign that I would ever have the opportunity to do that. So, in announcing that I've written a book that will be published this Fall (and sharing the pre-order link!!!), I want to urge you all to write down your "impossible" dreams. Maybe you’ll write down some work goals or maybe you’ll choose to go after some things that don’t have anything to do with your job and you just want in your life.  Just write it down and don't worry about it. Just write it down and see what happens.  You will be AMAZED how many things you accomplish and mark off your list and it will be absolutely WILD to watch how doors open to your dreams.     If you need some self-care inspo this year or you’re a supervisor looking for ways to nurture the SSWs who report to you, I’ve got you covered!  I wrote a book, Y'all!!! And they're going to publish it! Here's the link: https://a.co/d/5BXdvvl Lou (Scott) Paschall received her Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Tennessee and her Bachelor's Degree in Social Work from Middle Tennessee State University. Beginning her 23rd year of School Social Work practice, she is a Licensed School Social Worker and a Licensed Advanced Practice Social Worker (LAPSW). She also completed the process to become a National Certified School Social Worker (NCSSW) in 2022, becoming the first School Social Worker in Tennessee to earn the certification. Most recently, she wrote the book Self-Care and Organizational Practices for School Social Worker Resilience. She attended Manchester City Schools as a child and is honored to provide School Social Work services there. Her research interests are the ethical use of technology, supervision in School Social Work practice, Social Work history, play therapy, bibliotherapy, self-care and organizational supports for practitioner wellness, and animal-assisted interventions.

You’ve probably heard the saying, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” This timeless adage reminds us that it's often easier—and more effective—to take proactive steps to prevent harm or illness than to undo the consequences after they arise. This mindset holds true as we return to schools for the 2025–2026 school year, particularly for School Social Workers. There’s no denying that the educational landscape is complex and filled with challenges. Schools today face pressures from systemic funding changes, growing student mental health needs, and broad economic and social issues affecting families and communities. In the midst of this, School Social Workers play a vital role. They stand in the gap—leading within school communities, championing systems-level change, removing barriers to learning and engagement, and connecting families to essential resources. While the job can carry a heavy emotional and professional load, it is also deeply rewarding. School Social Work offers purpose, motivation, and the unique opportunity to support students in transformative ways. As we launch a new school year, adopting a preventative mindset —starting with the end in mind—can set School Social Work professionals up for sustained success. Establishing systems early on to guard against burnout is key. Research and experience both support that setting boundaries, practicing self-care, engaging in mindfulness, incorporating regular movement, cultivating gratitude, and maintaining a strong support network all contribute to long-term well-being and professional resilience. Burnout often thrives in spaces where we feel helpless. In contrast, autonomy —a sense of agency and control—can foster hope, energy, and purpose. That’s why the School Social Work Association of America (SSWAA) created a Back-to-School Calendar for the month of September. This calendar is designed to support you as you return to your school buildings, offering gentle, practical prompts to encourage mindfulness, movement, gratitude, and connection—all aligned with the real rhythm of a School Social Worker’s day. It also includes simple, effective ways to advocate for yourself and the profession —sharing essential information about School Social Work services and the impact you make every day. And SSWAA offers additional advocacy resources to help amplify your voice and your value. This tool isn’t meant to be rigid—it’s a flexible resource. Make it your own. Use it to uplift yourself and others. Embrace joy. Foster a strengths-based mindset. Create inclusive, welcoming spaces. Set healthy boundaries. Take meaningful breaks. Connect deeply with your people. Lean into leadership. Most importantly, don’t wait for burnout to sneak up on you. Take action now. Build your protective systems early in the school year, and give yourself the foundation to thrive—not just survive . You’ve got this. Let’s do this—together. SSWAA is championing a National Awareness Campaign to increase an understanding and raise appreciation for the profession of School Social Work while addressing key workforce challenges. Want to be an Ambassador to help advocate for our great profession? Join us! Currently we have over 200 Ambassadors with nearly 2500 years collective experience! We can make a difference - together. Access the Back-to-School Calendar and other Back-to-School Resources below. Not a member of the School Social Work Association of America (SSWAA)? Don't miss out on a membership that carries a punch! Your membership enables SSWAA to have a strong voice for our profession and offers a variety of great benefits to you! Join Today! This content has been enhanced using AI.  Content has been created, reviewed, and edited by SSWAA staff and/or committee members.

Blog by: Detria Dixon, MSW, LSW, NCSSW  Engaging in the NCSSW certification process has been profoundly transformative. While I was already immersed in certain aspects of the work, the Practice Model provided a sense of validation as a school social worker. Furthermore, it brought to light areas that I had not previously considered, inspiring me to refine my practice to effectively demonstrate those aspects as well. The writing process felt akin to journaling about my daily activities and almost seemed effortless.   My infectious leadership skills has inspired others to contribute equally hard to ensure our students succeed. As I began to shine, my light gave others the opportunity to shine as well.  This certification has provided me with valuable opportunities, as I have been invited to facilitate professional development sessions for diverse stakeholders, including educators and community collaborators.  This initiative has motivated me to pursue a Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work, which I plan to apply for soon.  Interested in NCSSW? School social workers have an opportunity to help shape the future of the field. Advanced certification for school social workers will make us more visible, viable and valued in an education setting where national advanced certification is recognized and rewarded. You have the opportunity to be the first in your district, or in your state, to demonstrate your advanced skills by earning a nationally recognized certificate and to use that certification to bring the profession of school social work to the level of other national certification programs, in contract negotiations and equitable compensation. What are the requirements for applying to be a candidate for national certification? Candidates must have: 1. Have an MSW from a CSWE accredited social work program. 2. At least 4 years post-MSW experience as a School Social Worker or SSW educator in higher education 3. Current active licensure or certification required in the state for a school social work position. Licensure as a Master's Level Social Worker will be considered in lieu of DOE licensure in state's in which there is no requirement for school social workers. This licensure will be considered in conjunction with the years of experience requirement. 4. Active SSWAA membership at the Full or Premier level How do candidates apply for national certification? Go to https://www.sswaa.org/nationalcertification scroll down the page and click on “Apply Register Today”. Select “pay by invoice” and submit. What do I need for the Application? • Employer Verification (note: sample employment verification form is available) • Current Resume • Copy of your licenses/certifications • Brief Bio (400 characters or less) • Professional headshot • Cover letter Watch for a confirmation email which will contain a link to the application form. iii. Once your application has been reviewed and approved you will receive an email regarding approval and will be asked to pay the registration fee via invoice. Detria Dixon is a certified school social worker with the Pittsburgh School District, where I have been employed for nearly 20 years and received a Distinguished rating in the 2023-2024 school year. I completed my undergraduate studies in criminal justice at Point Park University and my master of social work at the University of Pittsburgh. In addition, I am certified in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). I obtained a certification in African Centered Social Work through the Association of Black Social Workers (NABSW) where I learned the importance of infusing an Afrocentric perspective in my social work practice. I am a trained facilitator of Emotional Emancipation Circles (EEC) through Community Healing Network/Association of Black Psychologist (ABPsi) where we help participants build a new culture of emotional emancipation, healing, and wellness. In 2021, I received a national certification in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT). I am an awardee of the 2025 Social Worker Appreciation of Greatness Award (S.W.A.G.). S.W.A.G recognizes social workers in the Greater Pittsburgh Area who exemplify servant leadership through their commitment to promoting advocacy, social justice, generational healing and building stronger communities.