Go Back to School With NASW
School social workers work to empower students to reach their full potential, not just in school but in life, regardless of circumstance.
The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) works to empower school social workers to reach their full potential as advocates, mental health specialists, and support-systems for students, and to enhance their career satisfaction.
Through public education; lobbying at the national, state, and local levels; collaborative efforts; evidence-based research and resources; professional development opportunities; peer support and specialized member communities, NASW elevates the role of school social workers and enables them to do their jobs even better.
Is NASW Membership Right for You?
(We think so, but please keep on reading.)
NASW resources help school social workers every day. Below is a sampling of resources members rely on to enhance their job performance and help students. View more resources and NASW benefits. If you’ve been meaning to join NASW but just haven’t gotten around to it, that’s OK—you can join NASW right now in minutes.
Peer Support and Connectedness
MyNASW Member Community
School social workers may be the only social worker on campus. NASW’s MyNASW online member community is a fast way to break through the isolation and connect with peers in your specialty who are eager to listen and help you out. MyNASW community members bring new points of view to discussions, share useful resources, and add to the knowledge base. MyNASW is also a great resource for new school social workers to find mentors and for those who want to share their years of experience.
School Social Work Specialty Practice Section
NASW’s School Social Work Specialty Practice Section connects school social workers with practice-related resources and FREE CE webinars. Focus your professional development by adding this Section to your NASW membership. Members of the School Social Work Specialty Practice Section can join the “Children, Youth, and Schools” MyNASW community, a sub-community of MyNASW that is exclusively for members of the School Social Work; Child Welfare; and Children, Adolescents & Young Adults Specialty Practice Sections.
Chapter Membership
NASW membership includes membership in your state NASW chapter, at no additional cost. This dual membership gives you that much-needed connection to the profession where you live or work. Meet up with other school social workers at chapter-run events.
Research to Practice
NASW membership opens doors to evidence-based research that you can use to advocate for students, shape treatment plans, and inform school policies.
NASW Journals: Social Work, Children & Schools
Social Work, the premiere journal of the social work profession and the official journal of NASW, is included with NASW membership. Social Work is dedicated to improving practice and advancing knowledge in social work and social welfare. Children & Schools, available at reduced subscription rates for NASW members, provides articles on innovations in practice, interdisciplinary efforts, research, program evaluation, policy, and planning.
Social Work Advocates Magazine
NASW’s award-winning magazine, Social Work Advocates, carries in-depth feature articles about social work trends and issues. Our inaugural issue (August/September 2018) emphasized school social workers’ key role in preventing school violence. NASW membership includes a subscription to our bimonthly digital magazine.
NASW Research Library
A members-only research tool, the NASW Research Library helps school social workers find evidence-based research, client education, assessment tools, and more.
Professional Development Discounts
Social workers turn to NASW for continuing education, credentials and certifications, and licensing support. NASW members receive discounted pricing on their professional development needs.
Social Work Online CE Institute
Take free and discounted CE courses as an NASW member at the
Social Work Online CE Institute.
Search “school social work” for relevant courses.
Certified School Social Work Specialist
NASW’s Certified School Social Work Specialist (C-SSWS) certification shows you meet national levels of excellence in social work. NASW members save more than $250 on the initial certification fee and the renewal certification fee!
CE Tracker – Free 90-Day Trial for New Members
CE Tracker is an online tool that tells you exactly what you need to renew your license and tracks your progress along the way. It even suggests content to obtain the continuing education you need. NASW members receive discounted subscription rates. New NASW members get a free 90-day trial with their membership.
Dedicated Support
Ethics and Legal Consultations
NASW members facing job-related ethical dilemmas and social work-related legal issues can talk privately with NASW ethics and legal staff. These are free services that are highly valued by our members.
Practice Expert at National Level
When you join NASW, you help ensure that there’s a dedicated practice expert at the national level who advocates for you and for students and their families and who works to get you practice tools that help you perform your job even better.