WASSW Mission: The mission of WASSW is to promote and develop the practice of School Social Work
WASSW Goal: To increase visibility, security and understanding of the School Social Worker position
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 200 school social workers are employed in several districts across the state including Bellingham, Bethel, Evergreen, and Cheney to mention a few. 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 board of ten members elected at the annual fall conference. This conference is one of the training opportunities we offer our members as well as peer review for certification. We also serve on several 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 200 school social workers are employed in several districts across the state including Bellingham, Bethel, Evergreen, and Cheney to mention a few. 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 board of ten members elected at the annual fall conference. This conference is one of the training opportunities we offer our members as well as peer review for certification. We also serve on several 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.