Long hours. Mountains of paperwork. One urgent need after another. For a school social worker, the to-do list is more than a “caseload.” It is the profound responsibility of holding a student’s hand through some of life’s most difficult moments.
In the midst of a national youth mental health crisis, their role has never been more vital. Day after day, school social workers are a steadfast presence for struggling students—the bridge between the classroom and the world outside.
At Truancy Intervention Project (TIP), we know that the fight against chronic absenteeism is a collaborative effort that owes so much to the tireless work and dedication of our school social work partners.
To celebrate National Social Work Month, we are honored to highlight a few of our close partners who generously shared their “why” and the heart behind the work they do every day.
Collaboration in Action
The partnership between TIP and school social workers is rooted in a shared understanding: a child cannot thrive in the classroom if their basic needs or emotional health are unmet. Before a student can focus on a lesson plan, they need to feel secure, supported, and stable.
As Psylane Brown of Brookview Elementary observes, “Students can’t receive the instruction and strategies if they’re not present at school.” School social workers are the ones who identify the structural barriers that keep a desk empty—from a lack of transportation and food insecurity to health struggles and hidden trauma.
Through our partnership, we work to remove those barriers. At Toomer Elementary, Nisha Stevenson notes that the most vital part of the work is “connecting people with the resources they need to thrive.” She sees her role as a vital link for families.
“Access to resources can truly change the trajectory of a child’s or family’s life, and I want to be part of that change.”
—Nisha Stevenson, School Social Worker at Toomer Elementary
Whether it’s facilitating parent workshops on attendance, providing incentives that turn “showing up” into a celebration, or running group sessions to build student confidence, the goal is always the same: making sure every family feels seen and valued. Charmaine Sanders of Heritage Elementary reminds us that this is “purpose-driven work… rooted in a genuine belief that every child deserves the opportunity to succeed.”
The Ripple Effect
The true impact of a school social worker isn’t always measured in an improved attendance record or a resolved paperwork trail. It’s seen in the confidence a student gains, the stability a family builds over a year, and the doors that remain open for a child’s future.
As Elesha Curvey, Social Work Coordinator and District Lead for Attendance Support at Atlanta Public Schools, reflects after 27 years in the field:
“I’ve watched students grow into adulthood and thrive because a school social worker stepped in at the right time, removed barriers, and helped change the trajectory of their lives. Knowing our support can ripple forward for years is one of the most rewarding parts of this work.”
When we unite to support the whole child and the whole family, we are investing in tomorrow’s leaders and communities.
To all our school social work partners and school social workers everywhere: thank you for your tireless advocacy. Together, we are igniting a brighter future for Atlanta’s students—one presence at a time.