How Many School Social Workers are in the United States?

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Published: Oct 18, 2024

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Brandon Seidensticker
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Tracy Mason
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Arielle Britten
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Abstract

This research project aimed to compile data on the total number of school social workers in the United States. Dr. Brenda Lindsey and a team of eight research students led the project on behalf of the National School Social Work Census project. Research can be unpredictable, and the process of determining the number of school social workers in each state varies. Numerous methods were employed to gather information, such as making phone calls, sending emails, submitting Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests, utilizing LinkedIn, and extracting data from each state’s Department of Education website. Our team faced numerous challenges and needed to think creatively to gain access to the information and assistance we needed. The goal was to showcase our progress and shed light on the lack of organization and accountability surrounding the number of school social workers in each state.

Article Details

Issue
Vol. 8 No. 1 (2024): A Journal of Undergraduate Social Work Research, Policy Reviews, & Other Creative Works
Section
Research-Based Poster Presentations
Author Biographies

Brandon Seidensticker, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Brandon is a junior BSW student. He is interested in examining substance abuse and suicide rates in the veteran population and evaluating the resources available to veterans and their families while undergoing the military-to-civilian transition.

Tracy Mason, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Tracy is a junior BSW student. She is interested in research projects examining policy reform, and practices surrounding harm reduction within the veteran population, and those experiencing substance use disorder.

Arielle Britten, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Arielle is a junior BSW student. She is interested in examining infant and early childhood mental health, facilitation with parent-child interactions, and pediatric social work.