SDCOE to Recognize School Social Workers at Awards Ceremony March 6

The San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE) is hosting the sixth annual School Social Work Awards to honor school social workers and recognize the school social work profession. 

Open to all educators, the free event is scheduled for March 6 from 3 to 6 p.m. at Marina Village. Space is limited, so please register if you plan to attend. 

School social workers are trained mental health professionals who play a crucial role in the team that creates a supportive and nurturing environment for students. They serve as a link between school, home, and community resources, addressing barriers to a student's academic and social and emotional success.

This event, which takes place during National School Social Work Week, recognizes the work school social workers and interns do to help students and families in San Diego County and raise awareness about the important role they play in supporting the whole child.

The theme of this year’s event is Compassion in Action: Courageous Hearts: Advocate With Passion. 

The program will include remarks from SDCOE leaders and from school social workers throughout the county. It will conclude with eight individuals being recognized: four School Social Workers of the Year; one School Social Work Intern of the Year; and one Up and Coming School Social Worker of the Year. The Trailblazer Award, given to a retired school social worker or university professor in the school of social work, as well as the Light Award that goes to someone who goes above and beyond to support the profession. Learn more about the nominees.  

National School Social Work Week is an annual event held during the first full calendar week of March (Sunday - Saturday). The time is designed to honor and recognize the tireless efforts of school social workers, whose commitment to fostering positive school environments directly impacts students, administrators, teachers, educators, parents, and the community at large.

Initiated by the School Social Work Association of America (SSWAA) this year’s national theme is Unite to Ignite – Celebrating Our Impact.

Looking for ways to show your appreciation for your school social worker? Here are a few ideas:

• Send a handwritten note, email, or message expressing specific appreciation.
• Mention a concrete example of their impact, advocacy, or support.
• Acknowledge the complexity and emotional labor of their role.
• Invite staff, students, or families to share notes of thanks — without obligation.
• Provide optional ways to participate, such as cards or drawings, short messages collected digitally, or classroom or staff shout-outs (with consent).

Follow SDCOE on social media and share from the event and throughout the week using #schoolsocialworkSD and #SSWWeek2026.