National School Social Work Week 2023

March 5-11 is National School Social Work Week, a week dedicated to celebrating and recognizing the important work school social workers do for students and families.

At Lincoln Public Schools, our more than 40 school social workers work to build relationships with students, families, and staff to identify the best possible solutions. Whether it be making sure students have mental health supports during challenging times, connecting families to assistance for food, clothing, or housing needs, or collaborating with parents, teachers, staff, and community providers around individual student needs while at school, our social workers are dedicated to the success of students and families.

We asked a few of our school social workers at the building and district levels about their careers, what motivates them, and what they'd like people to know about their work.

Kathryn Hull, Huntington Elementary/Dawes Middle School

Where did you attend college?

University of Iowa and UNO School of Social Work

What made you want to become a school social worker?

Over 30 years ago, I had the opportunity to work in a poor and low-income neighborhood in Baltimore City, Maryland.  Part of this work was helping students obtain their GED.  I witnessed the power of combining education and community support and how it transformed people’s lives and moved them in a positive direction.

What is something people may not know about school social work?

School social workers are licensed mental health practitioners who are also advocates for social justice.  We address all inequities that are barriers for students and families and we provide the relational link between the school, home and community.

What is your favorite part of your job - what is your "why"?

It’s a privilege to work with families and students.  My favorite part is facilitating communication.  Whether it is between families and students, parents and staff or students and staff, I have learned that when communication increases, relationships get better.  The better our relationships, the healthier we can cope with the stress in our lives. I feel passionate about working with people who are struggling through painful circumstances or who are marginalized by our society.  I enjoy focusing on the positive attributes of people and advocating and empowering them to keep moving forward in a productive way.

Ursula Vernon-Hansen, Wysong Elementary/Moore Middle School

Where did you attend college?

University of Nebraska-Lincoln and University of Nebraska Omaha

What made you want to become a school social worker? 

I became a school social worker to help and support students through their successes and challenges, to be their advocate. It is true, all students need someone in their corner to help navigate challenges and concerns during their school career. Social workers have the opportunity to be a part of students' daily life. It's a very powerful experience to develop a relationship with a student, engage with them and empower them to be successful, emotionally and academically. It is such a wonderful role to watch students grow and change, to develop a sense of self and who they want to be. Some of of my best experiences are watching students move from one grade to the next, especially the journey from 5th to 6th grade. So many growth experiences occur with our students during that time.

What is your favorite thing about your job - what is your "why"?

My favorite part about being a school social worker is that I get to make a real difference in the lives of our students. For me, it's about the impact a social worker can make. In this job, I have the opportunity every day to support students on their very best day and/or on their worst day ever. I appreciate and enjoy forming relationships. It's about the trust that develops between the student and social worker. The relationship is key! It creates a sense of hope for the future and a sense of belonging. 

Why are social workers important in schools?

Social workers are so important in our schools as we are part of a team that provides mental health services to our student body. The mental health needs of our students have risen over the years for a number of factors including social media, Covid, and being exposed to traumatic events. Social work is about building relationships and empowering our students and staff in our buildings. We allow students to express their feelings openly and honestly. This creates an environment that is trauma informed so our students can excel socially, emotionally and academically.  

Gretchen Baker, Lincoln Southeast High School

Where did you attend college?

Nebraska Weselyan University and UNO

What made you want to become a school social worker?

I was a social worker in our community before working for LPS.  In those roles, the families were required to work with the social worker.  I wanted to work with students and families in a setting where they willing wanted help and were looking for new ideas to improve their family situation, mental health, etc.  Being a part of a student's team to help them move towards graduation and see their little successes is a very satisfying experience.

What is something people may not know about school social work?

We do not work in isolation.  School social workers are just one piece of the puzzle.  We do our best work when we are a member of the school team to assist administrators and teachers as they work to educate students who struggle with the impact of trauma, mental health concerns or family struggles.

What is your favorite part of your job - what is your "why"?

Probably the most rewarding part of this job is helping students really connect with their parents regarding their mental health needs.  When we can get parents involved in supporting their student's mental health and in working with the school and the student as a part of the team, we see the most success.  

Allyson Headrick, Safety Social Worker on the LPS Threat Assessment Team

Where did you attend college?

Undergrad degree from UNL Child, Youth, and Family Studies and a Masters Degree in Social Work. I became a licensed mental health practitioner in 2012. 

What made you want to become a school social worker?

I wanted to become a social worker because of the unique helping philosophy that is grounded in strong ethical guidelines and values. My interest in school social work came after working with adults to address behavioral health needs in a forensic setting and recognizing the need for early intervention as well as the potential for significant impact to serve youth within the school setting.  When the opening became available to serve the district through the Threat Assessment Team, this allowed for the opportunity join two areas of interest to make an impact on school safety. This allows me to help on a micro and macro level to help make an positive impact with students, families, employees, and the community at large. 

What is something people may not know about school social work?

School Social Workers are licensed mental health practitioners and often school social workers have experience providing clinical care outside of the school environment. School social workers are flexible and offer services that are diverse. They are best positioned to be leaders within buildings and across the district in building systems of support to meet behavioral health needs for students.  

What is your favorite part of your job - what is your "why"?

My favorite part of my role is to partner with schools to offer support lifelines to students and families in crisis. My "why" in this job comes from the belief that all people have value and deserve to have what they need to live a life that gives purpose and belonging.

Andrea Phillips, LPS School Social Work Coordinator

Where did you attend college?

I attended UNL for my undergraduate and received my Master of Social Work degree from UNO.

What made you want to become a school social worker?

My mom was a social worker and my dad was a pastor, so I grew up seeing the important work they did in our community. Once I started my masters program and learned about the broad scope of social work, I knew I wanted to work with children's mental health. I have always had a passion for preventative work, so school social work is a perfect fit.

What is something people may not know about school social work?

LPS school social workers are licensed mental health practitioners. 

What is your favorite part of your job - what is your "why"?

My "why" for doing this job is the amazing school social workers I get to work with and support. I support them so that they can provide support and connection to students and families across the district. School social work can be a challenging job, so I love the opportunity to help social workers navigate difficult situations. 

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