WASSW Mission
The mission of WASSW is to promote and develop the profession of school social work and to empower school social workers as anti-racist educators dedicated to social justice and the mental health and well-being of our school communities.
WASSW Vision:
Centering member voices and experiences, we co-create our spaces to ensure we are developing an association that cultivates an environment and mindset of anti-racism, inclusion and belonging in which school social workers grow, contribute and develop as practitioners.
WASSW Goal
To increase visibility, security and understanding of the School Social Worker position
The mission of WASSW is to promote and develop the profession of school social work and to empower school social workers as anti-racist educators dedicated to social justice and the mental health and well-being of our school communities.
WASSW Vision:
Centering member voices and experiences, we co-create our spaces to ensure we are developing an association that cultivates an environment and mindset of anti-racism, inclusion and belonging in which school social workers grow, contribute and develop as practitioners.
WASSW Goal
To increase visibility, security and understanding of the School Social Worker position
The Washington Association of School Social Workers has a long and rich history. The origin of school social work is traced to 1907 with the concept of “visiting teachers”. School social work began in Washington State in 1947 when principals and educators requested help for children experiencing emotional and social problems that were impacting their academic progress. WASSW as a professional organization was formed in the late 1950’s.
Currently, about 900 school social workers have their educational staff associate status with Washington State and many are employed in school districts across the state. Due to the varied ways in which school social work positions are funded, practice models and job titles vary from district to district. School social workers are found at elementary, secondary and alternative schools as well as district level positions that address program and/or grant responsibilities.
School social workers are required to have a Masters in Social Work with additional coursework provided in a school social work class that addresses school law and special education requirements. All school social workers must have ESA certification from the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction.
As an association, WASSW has a leadership team and a range of other team options (Legislative Action, Membership, Conference/Professional Development, Finance, etc.) to which all are welcome. WASSW holds an annual fall conference, among other professional options we are currently developing. An Eastern Washington conference is developed as interest and volunteers supports it; historically we offer this every other year. We also serve on multiple community and state level committees addressing issues impacting students and families. We partner with other ESA professions to provide seamless services to students and school communities. It is WASSW’s strong belief that the broad based services provided by school social workers highly increase student learning and contribute to a healthy learning environment for all.
Currently, about 900 school social workers have their educational staff associate status with Washington State and many are employed in school districts across the state. Due to the varied ways in which school social work positions are funded, practice models and job titles vary from district to district. School social workers are found at elementary, secondary and alternative schools as well as district level positions that address program and/or grant responsibilities.
School social workers are required to have a Masters in Social Work with additional coursework provided in a school social work class that addresses school law and special education requirements. All school social workers must have ESA certification from the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction.
As an association, WASSW has a leadership team and a range of other team options (Legislative Action, Membership, Conference/Professional Development, Finance, etc.) to which all are welcome. WASSW holds an annual fall conference, among other professional options we are currently developing. An Eastern Washington conference is developed as interest and volunteers supports it; historically we offer this every other year. We also serve on multiple community and state level committees addressing issues impacting students and families. We partner with other ESA professions to provide seamless services to students and school communities. It is WASSW’s strong belief that the broad based services provided by school social workers highly increase student learning and contribute to a healthy learning environment for all.