North Columbus News

In 2023, a select group of teachers and staff from Dublin City Schools (DCS) embarked on a challenging two-year journey. Their efforts will soon culminate in earning a master's degree in social work from The Ohio State University and assuming roles as mental health specialists within the DCS system.

The Educator-to-Social Work Pathway program addresses a pressing need for mental health support within schools. Dawn Anderson-Butcher, a professor at the College of Social Work, emphasized the growing demand for mental health resources. "We’ve seen a 40% increase in depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation over the last 10 years among youth in the United States," she stated. The program aims to bolster the district’s current team of 18 specialists.

Anderson-Butcher is also the executive director for the Community and Youth Collaborative Institute, affiliated with DCS. Alongside her colleague Samantha Bates, she is evaluating the program's effectiveness at the policy level. “Dublin City Schools is a district that had recognized and acknowledged the youth and adolescent mental health crisis and taken immediate, proactive steps to address it,” remarked Tyler Wolfe, director of student wellness for DCS.

Program participants complete a comprehensive curriculum for a master of social work (MSW) degree. They also engage in field placements, one in conjunction with OSU’s LiFEsports Initiative, and another within a DCS school. Samantha Bates highlighted the benefits for teachers transitioning to new roles while maintaining their commitment to education.

Participant Kathy Poling, who has served as a paraprofessional for DCS, shared her enthusiasm: “I’m so grateful,” she said. Her background contributes to a diverse cohort, enhancing the learning experience. Poling is joined by educators from various fields, school psychologists, and others, creating a well-rounded group dynamic.

Bates explained, “Think about a teacher who knows how to teach well. What an amazing gift to then be able to do psychoeducation with a young person experiencing a mental health concern.” The intense MSW program fosters strong bonds among participants, as they manage full-time graduate studies while maintaining professional responsibilities.

Anderson-Butcher noted misconceptions about DCS, emphasizing its diverse student body. "Some kids … are experiencing a lot of vulnerability related to poverty and its correlates. At one middle school, 43 languages are spoken." Students face academic pressure, necessitating mental health support. Poling commended the district for prioritizing student needs, stating, “Things like this program don’t happen unless the very top of the organization values mental health.”