Professional Title: School Social Worker

Class Year: 2012

Major: Social Work

Location: Clayton, NC

Education Experience: 7 years

Please share your experience working with students during the pandemic?

Since the original shut down in March 2020, I began to rethink my existing approach, while also helping students and staff navigate the changes presented by the pandemic.

Social and emotional learning is just as important as academics. The pandemic further illuminated the need for emotional well-being resources.

One of the ways I prioritized the emotional well-being of my colleagues was implementing an end of week check-in. School staff are invited to complete a list of questions at the end of each week for school leaders and I know how they did and how they felt about the week.

The questionnaire asked a variety of questions, including how they did with teaching remotely, how they felt about their success, and if they have any concerns or worries, which can be regarding school or their personal life.

To best support the needs of all, I created a School Social Work Services website for my school. The website includes information about myself, student, parent, and staff resources, and ways to contact me. I have tried my hardest not to let distance stop me from lending emotional support to my school community.

I also have a portal where students can message me, ask questions, and fill out an open template of what they want to talk about. A lot of the kids just want to see my face, share what they have been up to, and talk about their feelings. Students are just missing the connections of being in the building with their peers.

What advice would you give to people during this pandemic?

Think about the past in small doses, think about the future in small doses, and stay in the present for the vast majority of your time. Of course, following these guidelines is easier said than done, but it will get easier with practice!