MAY 2026

The School Social Work Association of Arizona is deeply concerned about the growing trend of eliminating school social work positions across entire districts in our state. This is a troubling and dangerous shift with serious implications for student well‑being and school safety.

School Social Workers bring a professional, comprehensive, and evidence‑based approach to supporting students’ social, emotional, and academic needs. Removing these positions increases the burden on an already depleted teaching workforce and dismantles a critical safety net that helps students thrive.

Student safety must remain paramount. Safety extends far beyond physical protection—it includes the social and emotional conditions that allow students to learn, connect, and flourish. These conditions are strengthened through:

• Strong, trusting relationships with adults
• An inclusive and welcoming school climate
• Support for social, emotional, and mental health
• Bullying prevention and a positive peer culture
• Opportunities for student voice, agency, and belonging

The CDC identifies school connectedness—students’ belief that adults and peers care about them and their learning—as a powerful protective factor. Connectedness reduces risks related to substance use, mental health challenges, and experiences of violence. It grows when schools:

• Build and sustain trusting relationships
• Communicate high expectations paired with meaningful support
• Engage families through collaboration and consistent communication

• Create predictable, respectful, and supportive environments (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2023)

SSWAAZ urges districts to adopt an integrated approach that prioritizes both physical safety and social‑emotional safety. Anything less fails to meet the needs of Arizona’s students and families and undermines the foundation of safe, healthy, and effective public schools.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). School connectedness helps students thrive. https://www.cdc.gov/youth-behavior/schoolconnectedness/index.html

School social workers are the heart of mental health support in our schools. They build bridges between home, school, and community- offering trauma-informed care, crisis support, and advocacy for equity. However, too often, their impact goes unseen.

That’s why SSWAA launched the National Awareness Campaign: to shine a light on the critical role school social workers play in student well-being, safety, and achievement.

SSWAA also strives to stay up to date and provide various letters for you to use in advocacy anywhere from school to state level. Find SSWAA Legislative priorities here: SSWAA On The Hill