National School Social Work Week is a time to recognize the critical role school social workers play in education. These professionals go beyond academics, working to remove barriers that affect a child’s well-being and success. From providing mental health support to connecting families with resources, school social workers help ensure that students feel safe, supported, and seen. At YES Prep Southwest Oaks Elementary, the founding Student Support Counselor, Jalyn Buchanan, takes on this responsibility every day.
In her own words, she shares her journey, her passion for social work, and the impact she hopes to leave on her students.
A Calling to Serve
I grew up in metro Atlanta, Georgia, and moved to Houston about two and a half years ago. My journey to becoming a school social worker started during my college years at Valdosta State University, where I earned my Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and later my Master of Social Work. During college, I was deeply involved in organizations that served women and children in low-income areas. That experience opened my eyes to my gift for creating change in young people’s lives.
Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working in different areas of social work. I’ve provided direct therapy, worked in group homes for foster youth, collaborated with Child Protective Services to help keep families together, and supported youth in the juvenile justice system as they navigated legal consequences. Each of these experiences strengthened my passion for helping children overcome challenges and find stability in their lives.
Building a Foundation at Southwest Oaks Elementary
As the founding Student Support Counselor at Southwest Oaks Elementary, and since this is our first year, I wear many hats. My primary role is to support the social-emotional needs of students and families, but I also serve as the SEL champion, ensuring that social-emotional learning is embedded in classrooms. In our first year, I also function as a librarian, providing direct instruction and giving students access to books they can take home and enjoy.
My work is rooted in the belief that academic success is just one aspect of a child’s overall well-being. A student can only succeed if their environment allows them to. That’s why I focus on reducing the non-academic barriers that might hold them back.
Why School Social Work Matters
This week is a time to recognize the unseen work that school social workers do every day. Many times, we are the only people on campus in our role, yet every social worker and counselor I know goes above and beyond to serve their students.
Our role is essential because a child’s success extends far beyond the classroom. Their academic performance is impacted by what happens at home, in their relationships, and in their communities. Our youngest students experience so much at an early age, and they need to know that someone sees them, cares for them, and supports them—beyond their test scores.
We shine a light in difficult times, offer encouragement, and remind students, families, and staff to keep moving forward. While things are always changing, I believe there is always something to be grateful for, something to celebrate, and something to work toward.
The Challenges We Help Navigate
In my role, I support students and families with a wide range of needs, including:
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Addressing urgent family concerns
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Providing school supplies, food, and resources
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Supporting students’ social and emotional well-being
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Assisting with family and home challenges
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Helping students navigate friendships and relationships
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Addressing concerns related to harassment, race, and fairness.
No two days are the same, and the needs of our students are constantly evolving. But no matter what, my goal remains the same—to ensure that every child I work with knows they are supported.
A Message to My Students
If there’s one thing I hope my students take away from our time together, it’s that they are capable of anything they put their minds to. They deserve the best that life has to offer. Even when they feel like they are alone, I want them to remember that they have themselves—and they have me.
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