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...and what's ahead
The School Social Work Association of America has had a remarkable year in 2024, marked by significant achievements and initiatives that have strengthened the profession and supported school social workers nationwide. As we reflect on this year's accomplishments, we also look forward to the exciting plans slated for 2025.
2024 Highlights
National School Social Work Conference
In March, SSWAA hosted its largest National School Social Work Conference to date in Baltimore, Maryland. The event featured a diverse range of breakout sessions, keynote presentations, and networking opportunities, attracting nearly 700 participants. Topics covered included building resilience in students, research-to-practice, and equity and inclusion in education.
SSWAA celebrated its 30th birthday in 2024! In 1994, a group of School Social Workers joined together in Edwardsville to begin building the framework for a national association. At the end of the three days, SSWAA was officially formed, with its initial mission statement, “dedicated to promoting the professional development of school social workers to work with students and families in order to enhance their educational experiences”. The founding members were honored at our National Conference this past year in Baltimore, Maryland. We would not be where we are today without their hard work and dedication to the field of School Social Work, and we continue to thank them for all their continued contributions! Read more about SSWAA's founding, here.
The National School Social Worker Census, conducted by the SSWAA, collected essential data on the number of school social workers in the United States and the challenges they face. Initiated to address inconsistencies in certification and educational standards, the findings from the census aim to inform policy decisions and advocacy efforts within the profession.
By highlighting the need for accurate data, the report empowers school social workers to advocate for their roles and secure the resources necessary to support students, families, and communities effectively. This initiative is crucial for enhancing the visibility and legitimacy of school social work as a vital component of the educational landscape.
We strongly encourage you to review the National Census data, and use the data and talking points to raise awareness in your community and advocate for change. Learn about the challenges we face and the strategic actions being implemented to advocate for equitable resources and support for every student.
For more information, click here.
This year SSWAA hosted their first-ever Summer Symposium which centered on wellness practices for both the practitioner as well as their communities. In our commitment to supporting the well-being of school social workers and the profession as a whole, we were thrilled to see this dream come to fruition. The event provided a space for self-reflection, practical strategies for managing stress, and opportunities for networking and finding mutual support. Attendees enjoyed the fresh mountain air, luxurious spa, stunning views, validating and informative sessions, and spaces of community healing.
We are anticipating another phenomenal Summer Symposium again in June, at the stunning Snowbird Lodge. We encourage you to save the date and join us for this fantastic event, which will again be dedicated to reimagining self-care through the lens of community and societal well-being. To keep an eye on updates, please click here. To view highlights from last year’s event, please watch the brief video below.
Looking Ahead to 2025
28th Annual National School Social Work Conference
Scheduled for April 9-12, 2025, in Atlanta, Georgia, this conference promises to be another landmark event. Attendees can anticipate a robust lineup of sessions, exhibitors, and networking opportunities designed to expand knowledge, elevate practice, and engage with fellow professionals. Registration is now open, and quickly filling up, so reserve your spot here today! Virtual conference will be offered again this year, and information on this will be available after the New Year.
Strategic Planning
As SSWAA prepares for the future, the organization is actively seeking input from its members to shape its strategic planning process for 2025 and beyond. This collaborative approach ensures that the association's initiatives align with the needs and aspirations of school social workers nationwide. Be a member, stay connected, share your experiences, and join the wave of progress as our profession continues to evolve.
Change in Advocacy and Legislative Work
We are excited to share an important update about how SSWAA will approach advocacy efforts. SSWAA is shifting advocacy efforts internally instead of partnering with a lobbying firm as part of this initiative. This approach reflects our commitment to keeping the voices of school social work practitioners at the center of these critical conversations.
Bringing this work in-house will increase our impact on Capitol Hill and within coalitions and partnerships nationally. It will allow us to amplify school social work perspectives and expertise while continuing to promote advocacy efforts that represent our profession's needs and contributions. We are confident that this new direction will strengthen our collective voice and solidify SSWAA’s role in shaping policies that benefit students, families, and communities.
National Model 2.0
Another powerful initiative is the SSWAA National School Social Work Model 2.0, which was approved in December 2023 and will be fully launched in early 2025. This revamped model is designed to elevate our practice to the next level, offering a roadmap to align our work with best practices and meet the evolving needs of our schools.
SSWAA will be offering recorded trainings on SSWAAed, as well as in-person training at our National Conference. This is your opportunity to refine your skills, stay ahead of the curve, and become a leader in the implementation of this groundbreaking model.
Make sure to register for these trainings, reflect on how your current practice aligns with the updated model, and start thinking about how you can be a champion for this transformation in your district.
National Awareness Campaign
It's clear that our profession has an awareness problem. Too often, school administrators and stakeholders don't fully understand the depth of what we do. But we know the truth—school social workers are critical to the well-being of students, staff, and the entire school community. In response, SSWAA is launching a National Awareness Campaign, "Unite to Ignite" to educate stakeholders and highlight the essential role we play in schools.
This campaign is more than just a media blitz—it’s a call to action for every practitioner to get involved, spread the word, and be proud advocates for our profession.
Start thinking about how you can engage with this campaign. Whether it’s through hosting informational sessions at your school, leveraging social media, or working with your local professional community, there’s a way for everyone to get involved.
As we transition into 2025, SSWAA remains steadfast in its mission to empower school social workers and promote the profession. The achievements of 2024 have set a strong foundation, and the upcoming initiatives promise to further advance the field, ensuring that school social workers are well-equipped to support students, families, and school communities across the nation.
As you can see, we have a lot of work ahead of us, and we need your help.
To volunteer, please reach out to us at contactus@sswaa.org.
"We live by each other and for each other. Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much." - Helen Keller
Capella Hauer, LMSW, NCSSW
(she/her/hers)
Capella is the Associate Executive Director for the School Social Work Association of America (SSWAA). She graduated from New Mexico Highlands University in 2015 with her Master’s in Clinical Social Work and began working as a School Social Worker. Capella thrived with Elementary-aged youth, particularly in group settings. Capella was Vice President of the School Social Work Association of Arizona, obtained her certificate in the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics, and laid the foundation for trauma-informed practice within her district. In her free time, she started a non-profit bakery in her home with all the profit going back to local non-profits in her community. Additionally, she volunteered as a support group facilitator at a youth grief center. With almost a decade of practice behind her, Capella is a strong advocate for youth mental health, and the growth of the School Social Work profession who aid in student health, safety, and success.