Every March, we take the opportunity to recognize the invaluable contributions of social workers during Social Work Appreciation Month while also honoring the resilience and leadership of women in public service for Women’s History Month.
At the School District of Lancaster, we are privileged to work alongside professionals who embody these principles every day. Among them is Jamie Showers, a dedicated social worker at Lincoln Middle School whose compassion and commitment have shaped the lives of countless students and families. Her work not only uplifts those in need but also strengthens the foundation of our community, ensuring that every child receives the support they deserve.
A Calling to Serve
Jamie has been a part of the SDoL family for nearly a decade, dedicating her career to supporting children and their families through some of life’s most difficult moments. “I always knew I wanted to help people in some capacity,” she says. “To see a better world for everyone.” It wasn’t until she discovered social work’s core mission and commitment to service, social justice, and human dignity that she realized she had found her purpose. Social work provided her with a way to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives, offering them the guidance and advocacy they need to thrive.
The Path to SDoL
Her journey to SDoL was driven by a deep desire to work in public education and advocate for children and families. “I always wanted to work with children and families in a way that allowed me to use my position to advocate for and uplift them,” Jamie explains.
Initially, she pursued a Master of Special Education but soon found that social work provided the broader platform she was seeking. “What keeps me? SDoL’s community, the partnerships with families and community members, and the commitment to ensuring every child has a fair chance.” Over the years, she has found immense fulfillment in being part of a district that prioritizes holistic support for students, acknowledging that their emotional and social well-being are just as crucial as their academic success.
Moments That Matter
For Jamie, the most meaningful aspects of her work aren’t tied to specific moments but rather to the privilege of being present during the most vulnerable times in a student or family’s life. “The most memorable moments of this job aren’t necessarily specific events,” she reflects. “It’s being with students and families during their darkest times and being called on when they need someone in their corner the most.” These relationships built on trust and resilience remind her why she does this work. “Then, getting to experience their joy when things start to come together, that’s what makes it all worth it.”
Whether it’s offering a listening ear, advocating for a struggling student, or reassuring a family, Jamie knows that even the smallest gestures can have a lasting impact on a person’s path toward stability and success.
Inspired by Students
Every day, Jamie finds motivation in the very students she serves. “This is going to sound corny, but I’m motivated by the kids every day,” she admits with a smile. “Middle school is such a tough period of adolescence. It’s this interesting ‘in-between’ stage. But their humor, their kindness, their boundary-pushing, their independence-searching, their self-exploration, it’s all amazing. It makes the hard days so much easier.”
She knows that middle school is a formative time in a student’s life, and she strives to create an environment where they feel supported, heard, and empowered to grow into their full potential.
Jamie also credits her Lincoln team for fostering a culture of care and support. “We take care of each other when someone needs it,” she shares. Having colleagues who understand the challenges of the work ensures that she never feels alone, even on the toughest days.
A Lifelong Commitment to Learning
Recognizing that social work is a field that requires continuous growth and adaptation, Jamie has committed herself to lifelong learning. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland and master’s degree from Shippensburg University and is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in Social Work at the University of Kentucky.
“Education helps me better serve my students and families,” she explains. “It allows me to more skillfully navigate the systems that impact them and to effectively advocate for change.” Her dedication to learning exemplifies the importance of staying engaged with evolving best practices in social work and education.
Elevating the Role of Social Workers
A significant moment in Jamie’s career was when SDoL officially recognized social workers by their rightful title. “It was validating to finally be called by a title we all worked so hard for, degrees and licensures we’ve achieved, and to dispel any myths about what social workers do,” she says. This recognition reinforced the importance of specialized training in social work and ensured that only those with the appropriate background and licensure would hold these vital positions in schools.
Looking ahead, she hopes to see future generations of women in social work gain greater recognition for their expertise and leadership. “Social workers should be integrated even more into school systems, not just as support figures but as essential partners in education,” she envisions.
She believes that by working alongside teachers and administrators, social workers can help create a school environment where every child has the resources and emotional support they need to thrive.
Recognizing Jamie’s Impact
As we celebrate Social Work Appreciation Month and Women’s History Month, we honor Jamie Showers not just for what she does, but for who she is, an advocate, a source of strength, and a passionate member of the SDoL community. Her work is a reminder of the lasting impact that social workers have in shaping the lives of students and their families.
To better support social workers like Jamie, we must continue to recognize their expertise, invest in their well-being, and ensure that their voices are heard in conversations about education and student success.
Jamie finds inspiration in those who work tirelessly to make education accessible for all, a mission she embodies every day. “I’m inspired by everyone who works in public education and by those who continue to advocate for education access for all students, regardless of where they live or who they are,” she shares.
Her dedication and leadership continue to make a difference in the lives of students, families, and the broader school community.
This month, and every month, we celebrate Jamie and all of our social workers who make a difference in the lives of our students and families. By highlighting her work, we hope to shine a light on the crucial role social workers play in our schools and encourage ongoing support for the invaluable services they provide.