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Nominate a Colleague

Download our Nomination Form to nominate a deserving School Social Worker.

Other Awards

Friend of School Social Workers
Legislator of the Year
To see all the Past Winners, click here.

MSSWA Scholarship

Congratulations 2011 Recipients!
Sherry Niesen - Metropolitan State University - Minneapolis
Kris Brummand - Minnesota State University - Mankato

Eligibility

1. Applicant must be currently enrolled and accepted in a BSW or MSW accredited program.
2. Preference given to those who have an interest in completing a School Social Work internship.
3. Preference will be given to student members of MSSWA.

Scholarship Information

• Two scholarships awarded yearly.
• Value of each scholarship is $500.00.
• Application must be postmarked by February 26, 2012.
• Submit application and other credentials to:
MSSWA, 312 Sherwood Ave. North, Thief River Falls, MN 56701
Winner will be notified by March 21, 2012.

Application Procedures

Applicants must submit copies of the following information:

A. Evidence of acceptance in an accredited MN Social Work Program.
B. Two to three letters of reference (one from a faculty member and one from a field placement supervisor, if appropriate).
C. Proof of student membership in MSSWA.
D. A current resume.
E. Statement in 200 words or less about future plans in School Social Work.
F. A current college transcript.
Contact Jeri Nomeland at 218-681-4816 with any questions.

Complete Scholarship Information

Download an application now.

2011 School Social Worker of the Year

The Minnesota School Social Workers Association proudly announces the selection of Heather Alden Pope as the Minnesota School Social Worker of the Year for 2011. Heather has been a School Social Worker for the St. Paul School District for the last 11 years. She has served in the Museum Magnet School, the Mississippi Creative Arts Magnet School, and for the last 6 years she has been in the EXPO Elementary School. Prior to her work in Minnesota, she was a School Social Worker and Teacher in the Houston Independent Schools in Texas. Her academic background includes a Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology and French from Hamline University and a Masters of Social Work degree from the University of Houston.

Heather's principal, Darren Yerama, nominated her for this award stating that "Heather is the epitome of a team player. She is an active and respected member of the staff, the school community and the biggest advocate for the students at EXPO." He adds that "Staff regularly seek Heather's coaching to help meet the needs of our students. She is able to assimilate the school academic expectations with the needs of the child and help create an environment that allows our children to be successful."

In her building, Heather is known for going above and beyond for the needs of students. She has been able to co-create Project Connection which is a mentor program that pairs at-risk students with an in-school mentor. She was able to recruit 30 staff members to volunteer their time to meet with the students both daily and at a structured event once a month. The students involved have shown notable changes such as a 40% decline in discipline referrals and not more than 7 days missed in a school year. Heather has been able to fund the program entirely through grants that she has written and obtained through Eco-Lab and Education Minnesota. These dollars have assisted in everything from event supplies, nutritious meals, and taxi cabs for students and families to attend monthly or family events. She has also been able to further enhance the program by including an additional student mentor program and academic component to the overall project.

Her principal notes that the Project Connection Program has built the trust between parents and the school. He has observed that Heather has been an instrumental part in keeping constant communication with parents. This established relationship has led to more parents attending school events. In fact, this has led to a 100% participation in parent-teacher conferences by the parents involved in the project. One of Heather's co-workers, Heather Howard, notes that "Heather understands that families come first and that parent communication is key to the success of their child."

Heather is also known for her leadership in the field of School Social Work. She is a field instructor for both BSW and MSW students as well as an adjunct faculty member at Augsburg. She also has done presentations for her school and at State and Midwest School Social Work Conferences. In addition, she is a contributor to the published book Therapeutic Games and Guided Imagery, and is often a contributing writer to the MSSWA newsletter.

Heather has also shared her expertise and leadership skills with MSSWA since joining the board in 2001. She has been on several committees and co-chaired many conferences and events. She has even taken on the position of State President with grace, confidence and a contagious effort to recognize school social work service in Minnesota and beyond. She is currently serving as the Treasurer for the Midwest School Social Work Council.

Besides her commitment to schools, Heather is highly involved in her community as a member of the Multicultural Committee of the Hennepin Avenue Methodist Church where she is a Sunday school teacher. She has also been a treasurer and registrar for Jack's Run for MPS. In closing, Heather Howard states that Heather "Is strong, intelligent and will stop at nothing to find a path for students to reach their potential."

This fall Heather will be recognized for her excellence and leadership at the Midwest Fall Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana in September and the MSSWA Annual Fall Conference in Willmar in November. Please celebrate the high level of professionalism of School Social Work throughout the state exemplified by the character and achievement of Heather Alden Pope!

Congratulations may be sent to: Heather Alden Pope | 637 36th Ave. NE Minneapolis, MN 55418 | Heather.Alden-Pope@spps.org

AWESOME JOB Heather we are proud to have you as a member of MSSWA and grateful for your calling as a school social worker! Congratulations!