Education Commons^™

Beyond Obligation: Social Workers As Lifelong Learners, Carla Mueller, M. Denise King

Journal of Educational Leadership in Action

The profession of Social Work is dynamic. “Social workers practice in rapidly changing and complex environments where they encounter challenges that include increasing evidence-based practice requirements, a shifting information landscape, and diminishing workplace resources” (Nissen, Pendell, Jivanjee, & Goodluck, 2014). Lifelong learning has long been recognized in the field; indeed, it is incorporated into our professional responsibilities. The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics states, “social workers should critically examine and keep current with emerging knowledge relevant to social work” (2017, Section 4.01). Social workers are also held accountable by state licensure to participate in ongoing professional …