Headwinds and tailwinds

1 day ago
3 min read

A PURPOSEFUL PAUSE

Last month I had the pleasure of flying to Tucson, AZ to visit the site of SSWAA's upcoming National Conference in April of 2027. My husband is not able to travel with me very often, but this time, since the site visit was scheduled right before the Memorial Day Holiday, he was able to join me for the trip. The 3 weeks prior to this journey, he had been battling some illness which had caused some dizziness and issues with vertigo. Because of this, I was very aware of the bumps and drops that can occur during a flight. Turbulence.

When traveling by plane, we all realize that turbulence is a fairly common phenomenon. Turbulence is caused by weather patterns, jet streams, or moving air currents. Turbulence often happens without warning and can cause a bumpy ride. But there are other factors that come into play during flight as well, such as headwinds and tailwinds. Headwinds indicate that winds are blowing directly into the nose of the plane which often slows progress and tailwinds indicate that winds are blowing in the same direction of flight, thus creating increased speed and reduced resistance.

Every profession experiences headwinds—forces that create resistance, slow progress, or make the work feel heavier than it should. School social work is no exception. Role misunderstanding, staffing shortages, inconsistent policies, and increasing demands can all create friction and drag.

But there are tailwinds, too.

This month’s A Purposeful Pause invites us to take an honest look at both. Naming headwinds helps us understand what we’re up against. Recognizing tailwinds reminds us where momentum already exists.

Tailwinds show up in strong professional standards, growing awareness of student mental health needs, committed leaders, and school social workers who continue to advocate for clarity, equity, and sustainability.

When we can identify both forces, we’re better equipped to lead strategically rather than reactively. We stop blaming ourselves for systemic challenges and start using collective effort to strengthen what’s already moving us forward.

As summer begins and the pace shifts, give yourself permission to notice both the resistance and the lift. Pay attention to what drains your energy—and just as importantly, to what restores it. Reconnect with the people, practices, and moments that remind you why this work matters.

Summer does not have to be about doing more. It can be about becoming more grounded, more connected, and more intentional. Use this season to care for yourself, strengthen your skills, and invest in the relationships and routines that help you lead with clarity and purpose.

The headwinds may still exist. But so do the tailwinds—and when we learn to recognize and use them well, they can carry us farther than we imagined. Together, we can adjust our course and keep moving forward.

ABOUT THIS SERIES

A Purposeful Pause is a monthly message from the Executive Director, created to offer a moment of pause, reflection, and intentional forward movement for the school social work field.

Each month, we focus on one idea that reflects both the realities and the possibilities of our profession. These messages are intentionally shared across formats to meet members where they are and reinforce a timely, consistent, values-driven narrative.

A Purposeful Pause is grounded in the belief that progress does not happen through urgency alone, but through shared purpose, collective effort, and steady leadership. Together, we take a pause to reflect—and then we move our profession forward.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rebecca K. Oliver is the Executive Director of the School Social Work Association of America (SSWAA). Mrs. Oliver became the association's Executive Director in 2015 after a 20+ year career as a School Social Worker in Texas. Mrs. Oliver achieved a post-graduate certificate in Nonprofit Management and Leadership and SSWAA has experienced significant growth under her leadership. When asked, Rebecca shares that she is committed to servant leadership and believes in building a strong staff and working collaboratively with the Board of Directors. When asked about her best accomplishment over the past 11 years, Rebecca said, "This work is my passion! While the road has not always been easy, I have met wonderful colleagues and have seen impactful growth in the association. However, I am most proud of the SSWAA team that has been built and their dedication to this association and the membership."

This content was enhanced with the support of AI.