La Salle University
What You’ll Learn
The School Social Work Certification Program at La Salle University prepares students to meet requirements necessary for School Social Work Certification through the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE). This certification program is developed to prepare advanced social work practitioners for practice in school settings. Students will learn essential skills to engage, assess, intervene, and evaluate individual, family, and community well-being within a school-based setting.
Why Study Social Work at La Salle?
La Salle University’s School Social Work Certification Program provides a direct pathway to meeting the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) requirements for School Social Work Certification. Designed for advanced social work practitioners, the program equips students with specialized skills to engage, assess, intervene, and evaluate the well-being of students, families, and communities within school settings. Through coursework aligned with PDE standards, students gain the knowledge and competencies needed to address social, emotional, and behavioral challenges that affect student success.
As Pennsylvania moves toward requiring PDE certification for all school social workers, this program offers a valuable credential that strengthens career opportunities and professional readiness. Graduates leave prepared to make a meaningful impact in schools while meeting the evolving standards of the profession.
Meet the Faculty
Dr. Laura Roy is a nationally recognized scholar whose work focuses on anti-racist pedagogy, refugee and immigrant education, critical race theory, language acquisition, and social justice in schools. Her research examines how schools can better support culturally and linguistically diverse students while challenging deficit-based approaches to education. As the author of Teaching While White and numerous peer-reviewed publications, Dr. Roy brings deep expertise in educational equity, advocacy, family engagement, and creating inclusive learning environments. Her work prepares future educators and school social workers to effectively serve diverse student populations and promote educational justice.
