OASW Recognizes Jacqueline Davis with the 2021 School Social Work Achievement Award

OASW and its School Social Work Advisory Group are pleased to recognize Jacqueline Davis, MSW, RSW with the 2021 School Social Work Achievement Award.
 
Jacqueline is the Lead Elementary School Social Worker for the Halton Catholic District School Board, servicing 11 schools and the Board’s Virtual School. Described as tenacious, with tremendous determination, passion, drive and excellence in service delivery, Jacqueline leads by example when working towards equity and inclusivity for the families she serves.

See what Jacqueline's nominators and colleagues had to say about her commitment and contributions:

"Even with extremely busy days, she takes the time to allow each and every student and family to feel like they are the only family that she is servicing. Some of the ways Jacqueline's practices has improved the provision of care and services for students in our school is by walking alongside families, black families, and racialized students, to create a space for their voices to be heard."

"What separates Jaqueline from other Social Workers is her ability get staff engaged and inspired to contribute. The School Social Worker role is far to intricate, to believe it can be done alone.  The issues surrounding an individual student/family are far too complex, and Jacqueline knows that to get the job done, you must bring people and resources together."

"Through her involvement in board wide training and other important initiatives, Jacqueline was able to help staff through dialogue navigate through personal biases, reflect on white privilege, and shift our thinking. As a group we had several courageous conversations about identity and race and we were all able to grow in our understanding about what it truly means to enact anti-racist approaches. We have been changed for the better because of the intentional, compassionate work Jaqueline has provided us with. The change in ourselves will change the culture of our schools, which in turn can change society and thus the world for the better."
 
Jacqueline accepted her award and shared remarks with attendees at our virtual School Social Work Symposium on November 16.

OASW congratulates Jacqueline on being selected for this award in recognition of her outstanding commitment to students and families.

OASW’s School Social Work Achievement Award recognizes an OASW member, RSW and School Social Worker in Ontario who has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to students, families, social work values, and their communities. Recipients demonstrate a commitment to equity and social justice, exemplified through community advocacy and engagement, enhancing equity-focused learning, knowledge, and practice at a school, community, or system level, grounding practice in decolonizing and anti-racist approaches promoting systemic change, or promoting equitable and just learning environments for students and the entire school community.