School social workers deserve higher pay

As we commemorated National School Social Worker Week from March 3-9, I find myself reflecting on my tenure as a social work intern at two Anne Arundel County Public Schools.

During this time, I gained firsthand insight into the myriad challenges faced by school social workers as they support the most vulnerable children and families on a daily basis. As one of the most highly credentialed and dually licensed social workers in the state, I am intimately familiar with the rigorous process to attain independent licensure upon completing a Master’s Degree.

To achieve licensure, individuals must undergo a minimum of two years of clinical social work experience under the guidance of a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW-C), complete 100 hours of direct supervision and pass two licensure examinations. It is notable that AACPS social workers are required to hold more credentials than other Unit 1-related service providers, yet their annual compensation falls significantly short — $20,000 less, to be precise.

While I acknowledge Senate Bill 545’s proposition for a salary increase for certain public school employees, I urge consideration for aligning social work salaries with those of pupil personnel workers, speech pathologists and school psychologists.

It is essential to recognize the invaluable contributions of school social workers and ensure that their compensation reflects the expertise and dedication they bring to their vital roles within our educational system. — LaToya Nkongolo, Severna Park Nkongolo is a candidate for the Anne Arundel Board of Education