Charting a Course for a Successful Year

Back in the 80s, when a family set out for a summer vacation, they might decide to contact AAA to request a travel map with customized directions for the specified travel route.  Today, young and old alike can pull out a smartphone and ask Siri to get directions to the location desired.    In both cases, charting a course or marking a path can be helpful in getting to the desired destination.

The School Social Work Association of America is a member organization established to support School Social Workers by offering specific services to support them in their work and journey toward practice excellence.  We know that this is a life-long journey of learning and SSWAA wants to walk with you to empower you along the way.

The SSWAA staff are committed to intentional activities and services that support you in your work and advance our profession’s impact.  For this reason, the SSWAA staff have worked collaboratively, using member feedback, and reflecting on available resources to design a roadmap that can help us reach our desired destination as an association and profession.  This roadmap includes a series of Mission Statements which reflect the commitment of the staff to providing services to you, our members.

SSWAA Staff Mission Statement:

SSWAA’s staff is committed to promoting and advancing the School Social Work profession in keeping with SSWAA’s mission. Our role is to empower School Social Workers: helping professionals expand their knowledge of best practices through professional development, elevate high standards of practice through tools and resource provision, and create opportunities to engage with a diverse network of colleagues and participate in professional advocacy.

SSWAA Membership Department

SSWAA wouldn’t be where we are if it were not for you, our members. We know you are the boots on the ground; you are the professionals and experts of your own communities and their needs. In everything we do, we as a staff ask, “how does this benefit our members?”. The membership department is the voice of you, our members.

Membership Department Mission Statement:

SSWAA’s Membership Department is dedicated to creating inclusive spaces for professionals to grow within their practice and connecting members with resources, training, and advocacy. The Membership Department is committed to putting the needs of the members of the professional organization first and foremost.

SSWAA Marketing Department

The Marketing and Communications department at SSWAA is focused on making sure school social workers are seen, heard, and supported. One of the ways we do this is by keeping our members informed through newsletters about the things that matter most—like legislation, resources, and partnerships that impact their work. We also understand that not every school social worker has a team to rely on in their building, so our communication is designed to support everyone, whether they're working solo or as part of a larger group. Our goal is to provide clear, impactful messaging that empowers all school social workers to thrive in their roles and, ultimately, help their students succeed.

Marketing & Communications Department Mission Statement:

The Marketing and Communications department of SSWAA amplifies the voice of school social workers by promoting their role and connecting members with resources, training, and advocacy. SSWAA is committed to clear, impactful messaging that empowers our members to excel in their roles and advance the success of their students.

Professional Development Department 

At SSWAA we recognize the vital role that school social workers play in supporting students, families, and communities. In the face of evolving challenges and opportunities within our schools, it is more important than ever to ensure we, as professionals, have access to the resources, training, and support needed to thrive. That is why our PD Department is committed to creating intentional spaces of learning and belonging, where the voices of the professionals themselves are uplifted and together we educate and learn from one another. Through our focused efforts, we strive to uplift and inspire school social workers, helping them make a meaningful impact in the lives of the students and communities they serve. Join us as we work together to learn, grow, and expand our profession.

SSWAA Professional Development Department Mission Statement:

At the School Social Work Association of America (SSWAA), our Professional Development Department is dedicated to curating intentional spaces of learning and belonging that empower and equip school social workers to excel in their roles. We commit to fostering an environment of continuous growth, innovation, and collaboration, ensuring that our members have access to applicable training, innovative resources, evidence-based practices, and a supportive community.

Staff Wellness

School Social Workers support the growth, success, and wellness of students, staff, and the school community.  Wellness begins with us!  We know that for School Social Workers to pour into others, we must begin with taking care of ourselves and prioritizing self-care.  SSWAA aims to provide a supportive environment for its staff so that they can be well and thus be fully present and engaged to provide quality services to members. 

Staff Wellness Statement:  

SSWAA is committed to fostering a supportive work environment that prioritizes the well-being of our staff. SSWAA recognizes that drivers of well-being may look different for each team member, and thus strives to provide diverse strategies of well-being. We actively provide flexibility, peer support, inclusion and belonging, and implement strategies to prevent burnout, ensuring our team remains energized and motivated. By investing in the wellness of our staff, we empower them to continue making a meaningful impact in their roles. 

---

SSWAA Staff (left to right): Ali Langen, Communications and Marketing | Rebecca Oliver, Executive Director | Capella Hauer, Associate Executive Director | JR Bullard-Batiste, Professional Development Coordinator