BSW Field Coordinator and CWEC Coordinator NC State University School of Social Work
This presentation examines how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted essential professional skills—work ethic, self-motivation, and resilience—among 2025 BSW graduates. It explores challenges to obtain these skills and identifies strategies for social work educators to foster them. The goal is to better prepare future social workers for disability justice and inclusive practice.
Learning Objectives:
At the end of this session, attendees should be able to:
1. Upon completion, the participant will be able to analyze the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the development of essential professional skills (work ethic, self-motivation, resilience) among BSW students, specifically as it relates to their preparedness for working with individuals with disabilities.
2. Upon completion, the participant will be able to identify and evaluate practical strategies and pedagogical approaches that social work educators can utilize to foster these essential skills in a post-pandemic learning environment, with a focus on disability justice and advocacy.
3. Upon completion, the participant will be able to develop concrete resources and tools (e.g., assignments, discussion prompts, simulated scenarios) to support BSW students in developing the skills necessary to effectively serve and advocate for individuals with disabilities in a just and equitable manner.
