We all have hard days, but luckily at Jackson-Reed, we have a team to help us manage our emotional stress.
March is National Social Work Month and the celebration began in 1963 as a time to celebrate the great professionals of social work. Each year there is a theme, this year being “Social Work: Compassion + Action.”
We have an entire roster of talented social workers at JR: 12th-grade social worker Kimberly Wilson, 12th and 11th-grade social worker Lacey Maddrey, 10th-grade social worker Nekia St. Clair, 9th-grade social worker Tina Johnson, bilingual social worker Luis Morales.
The field of social work is important yet often undervalued. I spoke to several of our social workers to give you some insight into what they do and how they plan to celebrate National Social Work Month!
Johnson wishes people understood that school social work is difficult because there are many issues they have to address, like bullying and family issues. “School social workers often manage a large number of students, which can make it difficult to provide the individual attention and support that each student needs,” she stressed. Even with the challenges she still thinks it’s a rewarding role.
“Social work can be emotionally taxing, so celebrating by taking care of myself is important. Whether it’s through mindfulness, spending time with family, or simply relaxing, I will make sure to take the time to recharge!” said Johnson. Additionally, she plans to attend workshops, webinars, and networking events so she can connect with colleagues!
Wilson wants people to know social work is like wearing “many hats,” like educators, advocates, and therapists, and that they don’t just deal with mental health. “I wish people knew social workers possess a wide range of skills.”
This March, Wilson plans to practice self-care: “I plan to do rejuvenating activities that I encourage others to partake in, [like] journaling/reflecting, going to the spa, listening to music, cooking, [and] creating artwork.”
Wilson and Maddrey emphasize that social workers aren’t employed in one setting but in many. Social workers are employed in courts, hospitals, schools, corporate companies, and private mental health agencies.
Maddrey said she plans to reach out to colleagues to let them know how important their work is and to thank them. She also plans to celebrate colleagues and raise awareness on social media: “I will celebrate my social work colleagues here at Jackson-Reed with words and treats. I will bring awareness to the field of social work and helpful social work developments through social media platforms to educate others on this important field!”
Lastly, Maddrey would ask for clinical social workers to be mandatory across the US in schools to make sure all students have access to care. “I would motion for clinical social work to be mandatory in school settings across the country to ensure that students receive free access to necessary mental health services.”
This National Social Worker Month, make sure to thank a social worker and let them know what an amazing job they are doing. It will make them feel appreciated!
