Celebrating National Social Worker Week with Hamilton County Schools
March 3, 2025 – At Ooltewah Elementary, the hallways are filled with the sounds of laughter, learning, and the occasional reminder to keep hands and feet to ourselves. But behind all the daily routines, there’s someone working tirelessly to make sure every student feels seen, heard, and supported. That person is Sydney Smith, the school’s dedicated social worker.
Smith’s journey to social work wasn’t exactly a straight path. She originally set out to become a teacher, drawn to working with kids through years of volunteering at the Boys and Girls Club and summer camps. But as she approached student teaching, she felt something was missing. That’s when a friend encouraged her to explore social work. One class changed everything.
“I absolutely loved it,” Smith recalls. “I felt like this is where I’m supposed to be.”
Now in her second year at Ooltewah Elementary, Smith spends her days greeting students in the morning, checking in with those who need extra support, leading group sessions, and helping kids navigate big emotions in individual sessions. Every morning, she checks in with students who are part of a structured support system, helping them set goals for the day and reminding them of the skills they’re working on. At the end of the day, she checks back in, celebrating their progress and encouraging them to keep growing.
No two days are the same, but one thing remains constant—her commitment to making sure every child knows they are valued. When behavior issues arise, Smith and her team are the first to respond, stepping in to de-escalate situations and provide immediate support. Whether it’s helping a student regulate their emotions or working with teachers to create a positive intervention plan, she plays a crucial role in keeping the school environment safe and supportive.
One of her proudest moments came from working with a kindergartener struggling with emotional regulation. “It was intense,” Smith admits, remembering the constant redirection and teaching of coping skills. But as the student moved into first grade, Smith saw real progress. “She’s using all the skills we worked so hard on. I could cry. It’s working.”
Beyond her students, Smith also works to support teachers and families, ensuring they have the resources they need. Whether it’s helping a family find after-school programs, de-escalating a tough moment with a student, or just being a listening ear, she is always there.
Working in an elementary school brings unique challenges compared to middle and high school social work. At this stage, students are still learning to identify and express their emotions, so a big part of Smith’s role is helping them understand what they’re feeling and teaching them how to cope in healthy ways. While older students may be able to verbalize their struggles, younger children often express their emotions through behavior, which means Smith spends a lot of time guiding them toward self-awareness and emotional regulation.
Her biggest lesson? Kindness goes a long way. “You never know what someone is going through,” she says. “Just asking, ‘How are you?’ and actually listening to the answer can make a difference.”
During National Social Worker Week, we celebrate Sydney Smith and all the school social workers who help make Hamilton County Schools a place where students can grow not just academically, but emotionally, too. ❤️
