School Social Worker of the Year
Click Here to Download the 2008 School Social Worker of the Year Nomination Form
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!
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