Chicago Public Schools (CPS) recognized the contributions of nearly 700 school social workers as part of National School Social Work Month, according to a March 11 announcement. The district highlighted the role these professionals play in supporting students’ emotional and social well-being.
The recognition underscores the importance of school social workers in bridging gaps between home and classroom, removing barriers to learning, and ensuring students have the support they need to succeed. CPS Interim CEO/Superintendent Dr. Macquline King said, “Our school social workers deliver essential services that guarantee our students receive the critical support they need. Their dedicated efforts are crucial for our students, their families, and our schools.”
The district spotlighted several individuals for their dedication. Claudia Gutierrez at Eberhart Elementary used her experience to identify community needs through Behavioral Health Teams referrals and helped create a resource bank with supplies like dry food and detergent for families. Gutierrez said, “CPS provided an opportunity that aligned perfectly with my passion, purpose, and long-term goals. I am incredibly grateful that I took that leap of faith… I chose this profession to be that person for others, to guide, advocate, and empower students who may not yet see their own potential.”
At Kelvyn Park High School, Monserrat Pulido was honored with the CoRE Award for her commitment to community and empowerment. Pulido said, “Consistency is key, and students need someone that believes in them and I love being that trusted adult that they can come to in school… It’s very challenging to be a social worker and it comes with a lot of responsibilities but it’s also very rewarding.”
Kirsten Winston at Westcott Elementary developed the “Lunch Bunch” program to destigmatize seeking help from social workers among third- through fifth-grade students by offering group sessions focused on emotional check-ins in a supportive environment. Winston said, “By increasing positive interactions in the social work office, we have removed the stigma that students only visit when something is ‘wrong’ or because they are ‘bad.’ It’s about building a positive school culture for everyone and creating a safe space where they can freely express themselves.”
Joshua Long, Chief of the Office for Students with Disabilities at CPS, concluded: “These individuals represent just a fraction of our dedicated team. Every member of our staff works tirelessly to connect students with the vital resources they need to thrive.”
