School social worker Dr. Michelle Martin helps break down barriers so students can be successful.
School social workers serve a variety of key roles serving students. They advocate for families and the school system and do whatever they can to help improve school attendance and student outcomes.
“We work to alleviate economic needs and to remove health barriers,” said Martin.
They serve as a liaison between parents, the school, and the community. They make home visits and work with homeless students. They collaborate with local community organizations who can assist. They identify resources, help fill out applications, and help with transportation gaps.
Generally the process begins when a teacher notices a need and they tell a counselor, nurse, or administrator. That referral then comes to Martin or one of our three other school social workers.
“When it comes to something outside of the school, they call us.”
Martin went to college planning to major in computer science, but found it didn’t speak to her heart.
“There was no passion. It was just boring.”
She took an intro to social work class as an elective, and it all clicked.
“When I took the class, I really, really enjoyed it,” she remembered. “I said, ‘This is it. This is what I want to do.’”
Martin always keeps it in mind that you need know what a person is going through when it is time to step up and help.
“You’re looking at a family through your lens, but their life is not your life. Their obstacles may be different than yours, so you need to meet a family where they are, not where you want them to be,” she said. “Then you work from there.”
It is key to earn the trust of the family. They may fear losing their child.
“Trust is very hard for some families to give because they’re scared,” she said. “That’s not my role. My role is to help you.”
It means the world when she can build a bond. She’s been invited to dinner to help groups of families, and she’s had students warmly greet her in public.
“My favorite is when I help a family with something and they call me back and say, ‘Can you help my friend?,’” she said. “It makes me feel good when I can see students are happy and parents are happy.”
Martin’s goal is helping a student be in a positive mindset to make the most of their school day.
“My why is a desire to make a positive impact on the lives of others because that’s what we’re here for, to help our students and our families,” she said. “There are so many challenges that a family can face, and I want our students to not have to worry about things that are out of their control. I just want them to come to school and learn and have a productive day. I can help with any situation family that the family is going through so they don’t have to worry about it.”
“The Honor Role,” an official podcast for Fayette County Public Schools, features employees, rotating through key stakeholders, including teachers, staff, nurses, custodians, cafeteria workers, and bus drivers. Join us as we dive in and learn about their journeys, their inspirations, and their whys.
Episodes are available on all major podcast platforms, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and promoted on the social media channels of Fayette County Public Schools.
Episodes will also be available here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2200811.
Posted 4/15/2025
