NASW-MD School Social Work Retreat 2026
NASW-MD School Social Work Retreat 2026
"Heart Like a Wheel: Beginnings, Middles and Endings"
Date: June 29, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM ET
Location: Howard County Public School System Staff Development Center
8830 Stanford Blvd., Suite 120
Columbia, MD 21045
CEs: 3 Category I CEs
Lunch Included
School Social Workers play a critical role in removing barriers to learning and supporting student success. Yet balancing the demands of the profession, the expectations of school systems, and personal well-being can be challenging.
Join fellow School Social Workers from across Maryland for a day of learning, reflection, and meaningful conversation focused on sustaining your passion for the profession and strengthening your impact in schools.
Centered around the theme "Heart Like a Wheel: Beginnings, Middles and Endings," this retreat will explore the unique role of School Social Workers within educational settings, the challenges of navigating multiple expectations, and the factors that influence long-term professional satisfaction and retention.
Through discussion, reflection, and peer connection, participants will gain valuable insights into their role, professional identity, and the ongoing work of creating a fulfilling and sustainable career in school social work.
What You'll Explore:
- The concept of the "host setting" and how it impacts School Social Work practice
- Findings from a landmark study on social work services in schools and the continuing relevance of "guest status"
- The relationship between role clarity, professional effectiveness, and job satisfaction
- Strategies for navigating competing expectations within school systems
- Personal reflection on career sustainability, fulfillment, and long-term retention in the profession
Whether you are new to school social work or a seasoned practitioner, this retreat offers an opportunity to reconnect with your purpose, learn from colleagues, and invest in your professional growth.
Register Here!