WASSW School Social Worker of the Year 2006 - 2007:

Sue Martin.

Every organization hopes to have members who are passionate, committed and involved for several years.  This year's School Social Worker of the Year honoree, Sue Martin, is all of that and more.  For 27 years Sue has been a school social worker attending her first WASSW conference in 1980!  In fact she has attended every conference since then save one when one of her children was having surgery.

Sue received her MSW from Eastern Washington University in 1981, she began her school social work career at Educational Service District (ESD) 101 in Spokane, working there until 1992.  From 1992 - 2002 she worked as a school social worker in the Garfield/Palouse and St. John's/Endicott areas.  When dreaded budget cuts did away with her position she made the very difficult decision to take a position in the bethel School District.  Bethel was thrilled to have her!  For the next four years, from 2002 - 2006, she divided her time between her home in Onaway, ID and her work in Bethel. 

Sue has worked in these schools:  Reardan, Davenport, Wilbur, Grand Coulee, Nespelem, Keller, Republic, Valley, Ritzville, Oakesdale, LaCroose, Washtucna, Endicott, St. John, Garfield, Palouse and Bethel!

When the opportunity came to continue her work supporting school social work  and returning to her family and home, she took a leave of absence from Bethel to become the coordinator for the North Idaho MSW program in Lewiston, ID., a post ion she currently holds.  It is only fitting that someone as committed and passionate about school social workers should now be involved in their pre-service education. 

Over the years Sue has been an energetic advocate for the school social work profession and our state organization.  She has served on the board as secretary, treasurer and for the past several years as program co-chair putting together the annual WASSW Fall conference.  In her new position in Idaho Sue continues to support school social work and is assisting the newly formed Idaho School Social Work Association.

Particularly noteworthy is the fact that Sue has maintained her commitment to the WASSW board despite living and working in Idaho!  IN the past several years she has also donated countless hours as a part of a work group with OSPI to develop new standards for school social work certification.  Her leadership and experience has made this arduous process easier and lent clarity in developing the standards. 

When Sue is not working she loves being with her family including her husband, 4 children and 4 grandchildren camping and watching her grandchildren play sports.

WASSW is proud to honor Sue Martin as this year's WASSW School Social Worker of the Year,  There is not a truer, more committed school social worker among us!  Congratulations Sue!!