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“Why Not Us?”: NYC School Social Workers Reflect on Leadership, Community, and Impact at SSWAA 2026
- 12 minutes ago
- 2 min read
One of the most memorable moments from SSWAA’s National Conference in St. Louis came from a reflection interview with a group of school social work leaders from New York City Public Schools.
As they perused the conference brochure, they realized something exciting: although each of them had submitted proposals independently, they had all been selected to present at the conference!
The result? A flood of surprised text messages, laughter, pride, and a shared realization that the important work happening in New York City schools deserved a national platform.
Throughout the conversation, these presenters reflected on how working in one of the most diverse and complex school systems in the country shapes their approach to school social work. From immigration and housing instability to crisis response and community healing, the panelists spoke about the importance of adaptability, collaboration, and culturally responsive support systems.
Several also shared how meaningful it is to serve the same communities they grew up in.
“To give back having that lived experience… gives me pride,” one panelist shared.
Another described New York City as “a microcosm of what’s happening in the world,” emphasizing that while every district may face different challenges, the frameworks and compassion each school social worker brings to “the work” remain universally important.
Their reflections highlighted something powerful: school social workers are not only supporting students every day—they are also leaders, advocates, presenters, and voices helping shape the future of the profession.
The energy and insight shared during this interview are exactly what attendees can continue to expect during SSWAA’s upcoming Virtual Conference. From mental health and systems support to wellness, advocacy, and community-centered practice, the virtual conference will continue creating space for learning, connection, and professional growth.
And as SSWAA begins looking ahead to the 2027 National Conference in Tucson, Arizona, this conversation also serves as an important reminder: your voice belongs in these spaces too.
You do not need to have all the answers to have something valuable to share. Sometimes the most impactful presentations come from honest experiences, practical strategies, and the everyday realities of supporting students and schools.
The NYC presenters reminded us that representation matters—and when school social workers share their stories, our entire profession grows stronger because of it.
Interested in sharing your expertise?
SSWAA's 2027 Call for Proposals is now open!
🎥 Watch the full reflections interview here:
Missed out on this conference? That's ok!
You can still participate by enrolling in virtual access.
We'll see you there!
