School Social Worker of the Year

The Indiana School Social Work Association is pleased to introduce Mrs. Deidre Knop, the Indiana School Social Worker of the Year 2007.

In a letter written by Beth Guhl, the principal at Indianapolis Public School #96, she explains that “an excellent school begins with excellent staff and Deidre is at the top. She not only leads the students and their families to high expectations, but inspires her colleagues to do the same.” Deidre keeps the staff current on issues and social service trends that help the staff deal with student and family issues. This helps the staff provide a better educational environment.

Deidre has an excellent rapport with her students and has the ability to motivate them to give their personal best every day. Deidre makes herself available before and after school hours, which makes it convenient for parents to contact her. She is willing to make home visits to help parents connect with needed resources. Different people have commented on how Deidre works to her families’ strengths. She works within their family system to provide workable solutions to family problems.

Deidre started a school pantry for the families at Meredith Nicholson Elementary School. The teachers help to keep this stocked with emergency provisions. Last year, Deidre partnered with John Knox Presbyterian Church and organized a tutoring program for 25 students once a week in the evening. The plan is to continue that partnership this year and add a parent support component. She also wrote and received a grant to help with grounds beautification.

In all Deidre does at school, she is also a mom, a wife, a sister, and a friend to many. She has to be quite organized to accomplish all that she does. On a personal note, we understand that she loves IU and Notre Dame. In her free time, you might find her bargain shopping.

If you were to ask, Deidre would probably tell you that she doesn’t excel at any one thing, when in fact she does excel at many things. Deidre is always looking for new and better ways to meet the needs of her students and families. Mrs. Guhl remarked that it takes a special touch to work with students and families in crisis. Deidre has that “magic” touch.

Deidre will be formally recognized at both the Midwest School Social Work Council Conference in October and the INSSWA Annual Fall Conference in November.

Congratulations, Deidre!