Celebrating School Social Work — This Week and Beyond

If you’re a school social worker reading this, we want to start by saying — we see you.

We see the early mornings, the crisis calls, the meetings, the family conversations, and the check-ins that change the course of a student’s day. We see the work that doesn’t always get recognition but makes a difference.

School Social Work Week is an opportunity to pause and celebrate that impact.

School Social Work Week is about elevating the profession and reminding schools and communities that school social workers are essential — not optional.

We know many school social workers feel uncomfortable advocating for themselves. You don’t want to make it about you — but you also don’t want the week to pass quietly.

That’s why we created free, ready-to-use tools to make recognition simple.

Simply fill out the quick form on the School Social Work Week page. Once you hit submit, you’ll be taken straight to the resource page — and we’ll also send the link to your inbox so you have it handy.

It’s quick and easy, and everything will be ready for you right away.

A Note to Schools and Partners

If you’re a principal, district leader, PTO member, or partner reading this, this week is a meaningful opportunity to recognize the school social workers in your building or district.

Recognition doesn’t have to be elaborate. A morning announcement. A thank-you note. A social media post. A few intentional words at a staff meeting.

School social workers are licensed, highly trained mental health professionals who address the social, emotional, and environmental barriers that impact learning. As youth mental health needs continue to rise, school social workers are not a luxury — they are a lifeline.

Why School Social Workers Matter

Celebrate the Week. Advocate All Year.

One week of recognition is meaningful — but it isn’t enough.

Across the country, many school social workers are serving far beyond the recommended 1:250 student-to-school social worker ratio. Many face role confusion, underutilization, and inequitable compensation, even as student mental health needs increase

That’s why SSWAA’s National Awareness Campaign exists.

We are working year-round to elevate understanding of the profession, advocate for proper staffing ratios, recognize MSW-level expertise, and position school social workers as essential mental health leaders in schools.

School Social Work Week helps us celebrate the profession.The National Awareness Campaign helps us strengthen and sustain it.

We need both.

March 1–7 — And Beyond

If you’re a school social worker, we hope you allow yourself to receive the recognition this week. You deserve it.

And we hope you’ll continue using your voice — in your building, in your district, and beyond.

Visit our School Social Work Week page to access the free recognition tools, and explore the National Awareness Campaign to continue advocating for the profession all year long.

It truly will take all of us.