<![CDATA[Washington Association of School Social Workers - News]]>Mon, 17 Nov 2025 10:42:55 -0800Weebly<![CDATA[FALL CONFERENCE! REGISTER NOW!]]>Fri, 26 Sep 2025 03:58:57 GMThttps://www.wassw.org/news/fall-conference-register-nowPicture

Ignite, Unite, Impact: Celebrating the Heart of School Social Work:
Recognizing how school social workers ignite positive change, unite stakeholders, and create lasting impact on the academic and personal growth of students and the communities they serve.
REGISTER NOW!

​Presentation Topics Will Include:
  • MTSS Approaches to Chronic Absenteeism, School Refusal and School Re-Engagement
  • Immigration: Upholding the Law, Supporting our Students and Families​
  • Supporting  Students in Foster Care 
  • Centering Care: Preventing School Violence Through Threat Assessment and Mental Health Intervention​
  • Social Work Licensure and National Certification
  • The New School Social Work Practice Model-And Leveraging it to Support SSW
  • Supporting Student Mental Health
  • AND MORE!
]]><![CDATA[Direct the Focus of our Advocacy!]]>Fri, 20 Jun 2025 04:12:02 GMThttps://www.wassw.org/news/direct-the-focus-of-our-advocacyYour WASSW volunteer Legislative/Advocacy Team wants to hear from you about what our priorities should be. Please check out this short survey.  Thanks!
Picture
]]><![CDATA[BE in THE KNOW!]]>Sun, 02 Mar 2025 23:48:09 GMThttps://www.wassw.org/news/be-in-the-knowWASSW Membership Meeting!
Tuesday, March 4th 6-7pm
LINK: meet.google.com/suq-qzhu-kpf
Picture
]]><![CDATA[WASSW Advocacy in Action!]]>Sat, 08 Feb 2025 23:22:35 GMThttps://www.wassw.org/news/wassw-advocacy-in-action
Picture
Picture
Did you know two WASSW members testified on WA Senate Bill 5369 January 29th? This bill improves the definition of school social work in WA State law and slightly improves our allocation in the prototypical school funding model, BUT (and it was a huge one) it also allows and encourages non-ESA social workers to potentially be employed by districts as mental health providers and/or have student placement without clear supervision by a school social worker. WASSW, WEA and our fellow ESA colleagues (school psychs and school counselors) joined together to register our opposition to section 4 of this bill. We need clarity on the difference between master level social workers and ESA school social workers. We were united in protection of what ESA SSW has to offer our students as district employees. We support community partner social work providers, but if hired by districts they need to have an ESA!
]]><![CDATA[WASSW Advocates in Olympia!]]>Sun, 26 Jan 2025 04:30:07 GMThttps://www.wassw.org/news/wassw-advocates-in-olympiaPicture
What are WASSW's Policy Priorities? 
BE PART OF TAKING ACTION BY RESPONDING TO UPCOMING ACTION ALERTS AND/OR ATTENDING OUR LEGISLATIVE/ADVOCACY TEAM MEETINGS!

WASSW Legislative/Advocacy Team
First Wednesdays · 6:00 – 7:00pm
]]><![CDATA[Supporting Students Navigate Tough Conversations Including Those Post Election]]>Mon, 18 Nov 2024 02:44:19 GMThttps://www.wassw.org/news/supporting-students-navigate-tough-conversations-including-those-post-electionSocial Workers, as do our nations' citizens, have a range of values and politics.  We can unite, though, around supporting students in learning how to listen and respond to others in a constructive way. Part of that is through modeling support and tolerance in our own interactions.  Check out these resources from SSWAA on supporting students post election and Committee for Children on helping students navigate difficult conversations.  
]]><![CDATA[Inspiration, Recognition and Advocacy & Connection: WASSW Fall Conference in Gig Harbor]]>Sun, 20 Oct 2024 19:13:04 GMThttps://www.wassw.org/news/inspiration-recognition-and-advocacy-connection-wassw-fall-conference-in-gig-harbor
Thank you those of us who joined us in beautiful Gig Harbor for two days of learning, networking and inspiration! Check out the conference resources if you didn't make it and plan to join us next year!  
 PictureDistinguished School Social Worker of 2024 Tracey Thompson, Distinguished School Social Work Leader of 2024 Therssa Warren, & Distinguished School Social Work Advocate UW SMART Center Team represented by Kelcey Schmitz
Picture
]]><![CDATA[Engage and Elevate your SSW Practice!]]>Sat, 12 Oct 2024 04:27:38 GMThttps://www.wassw.org/news/engage-and-elevate-your-ssw-practiceIt's not too late to register for the WASSW Fall 2024 Conference!  We have a great slate of speakers and information for you! Everything from your wellbeing, ways to improve equity in your school and district, to ways to shape the policies that impact our jobs and our families.  Check it out!
​
Sponsored by the UW SMART Center 

Picture
]]><![CDATA[Conference Keynote: Equity by Design~The Power and Promise of UDL (Novak Education)]]>Sun, 06 Oct 2024 18:22:35 GMThttps://www.wassw.org/news/conference-keynote-equity-by-designthe-power-and-promise-of-udl-novak-educationPicture
WASSW is excited to announce our Fall Conference Keynote Speaker, Mirko Chardin of Novak Education!

Equity by Design: The Power and Promise of UDL
We as school social workers are leaders in our districts. Gain tools to advocate for your students in the moment, in their individual plans, and by shifting school culture and systems for the better.
Every student, without exception, holds the potential for success. Regardless of their background or personal identity, each learner deserves an equitable chance to thrive. We're on a mission to create inclusive learning environments where every student's unique attributes are recognized as assets, not barriers. In this session, we will challenge the status quo by urging you to further confront your implicit biases, explore the dynamics of power and privilege, and see diversity as the cornerstone of progress. As we dive into Universal Design for Learning (UDL), you'll discover the power of this revolutionary approach to education. UDL is not just a strategy; it's a catalyst for change. It's about unlocking the potential within each student and creating a future where equity and inclusivity reign supreme.

​
Picture
]]><![CDATA[WASSW Conference Oct 17-18 Gig Harbor!]]>Mon, 16 Sep 2024 05:55:31 GMThttps://www.wassw.org/news/wassw-conference-oct-17-18-gig-harbor
Picture
]]>