Every school social worker has a story. A moment that reminded them why they chose this profession. A student they never forgot. A family they walked alongside. A crisis that tested everything they knew. Or perhaps someone who believed in them when they needed it most. During a special conversation at SSWAA's 2026 National Conference, Associate Executive Director Capella Hauer sat down with three remarkable school social workers—Emily Phares, Jennifer Montes, and

A PURPOSEFUL PAUSE Our work may not always be visible—but its impact is unmistakable. One of the questions I hear most often is, "How do we help others understand what school social workers do?" It's an important question because so much of our work happens behind the scenes. The crisis that never escalated. The student who remained in school because someone intervened. The family that found support before reaching a breaking point. Success in school social work often means s

Three Generations of School Social Workers Reflect on Purpose, Community, and the Heart of the Profession What does school social work look like across the different stages of a career? For some, the journey is just beginning—filled with curiosity, possibility, and a desire to make a difference. For others, it becomes a long-term commitment shaped by years of advocacy, resilience, growth, and service. And for those who have spent decades supporting students and families

How SSWAA's Strategic Initiatives Are Shaping the Profession- with Michelle Alvarez Building the Future of School Social Work: Inside SSWAA's Strategic Plan Behind every conference, webinar, advocacy initiative, and member resource is something members may not always see—a dedicated group of volunteers working together to strengthen the future of school social work. Through its Strategic Plan, the School Social Work Association of America (SSWAA) is investing in initiatives t

A PURPOSEFUL PAUSE School social workers connect people, systems, and solutions—and that role has never been more important. Today's society is all about connection. Access to information. A link to a service or resource. Connection to technology. Research data indicates that we are digitally more connected with the increase of technology advances and social media platforms. But, the data indicates that at the same time, we are more socially isolated. There has been a decli

Every attendee arrives at the SSWAA National Conference with a different story. Some come looking for practical strategies they can implement immediately. Some come to connect with colleagues who understand the realities of school social work. Others travel thousands of miles to learn how the profession is evolving and bring new ideas back to their own communities. No matter where they begin, they leave with something in common: A renewed sense of connection, purpose, and pos