May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and across the nation, educators, students, and families are reflecting on how mental health shapes every corner of school life. At the School Social Work Association of America (SSWAA), we believe this is more than a moment—it’s a movement to embed mental health into the heart of education through Social, Emotional, and Behavioral Learning (SEBL). Above: SSWAA AED, Capella Hauer, with NASW staff at the 2025 Mental Health Awareness Month

School social workers play a vital role in supporting the emotional, behavioral, and mental health needs of students and their families. But who supports the social workers? While much attention has rightly been given to student mental health in recent years, the well-being of those tasked with supporting them, especially school social workers, must not be overlooked. Burnout, secondary trauma, overwhelming caseloads, and limited resources are just a few of the challenges sch

In today’s rapidly evolving educational landscape, the role of school social workers is more vital—and more visible—than ever before. With this increased visibility comes increased responsibility and, unfortunately, greater exposure to risk. That’s why liability insurance isn't just a nice-to-have—it’s a must-have. Understanding the Risk School social workers serve on the front lines of student support, addressing everything from mental health needs and family crises to behav