Q&A with Task Supervisor of the Year, Sarah Pedrotti

Sarah is the Executive Director of Student Advocacy at Transformation Waco. Her work encompasses supervising wraparound services for the Transformation Waco schools, and her passion is to ensure that every student and family has equitable access to education and can experience academic success. Sarah is a proud Baylor graduate and says she could not do her work without her team of interns, which she has worked with since the start of the BEAR Project in 2016. Those who work with Sarah say “she embodies each of the core tenets of our professional Code of Ethics and is a fierce advocate for social workers both as interns and employees. Sarah has created multiple social work positions at Transformation Waco because she sees the value that social workers bring to schools”.

1. Why is it important for you to work with social work interns?

I cannot do my work without my team of social workers, who are in various roles, in our schools. Our social workers are everyday problem solvers, addressing individual student mental health, family support, and crisis intervention, while also keeping their eyes open to the systemic barriers that students and families face. These individuals have contributed so much to my personal learning and growth. I want to give back by giving the opportunity for future social workers to have internships in our schools and learn how to advocate for students and families while having excellent models on our campuses.

2. How long have you had GSSW interns?

I started working with GSSW interns during the first year of the BEAR Project during the 2016-2017 school year. I was the principal at Brook Avenue and the field supervisor.

3. Tell us a little about yourself and your job, including how long you have been in your position.

I am the Executive Director of Student Advocacy for Transformation Waco. My work encompasses supervising wraparound services for the TW schools, ensuring students have academic success. I am a proud Baylor University graduate, earning my B.S. in Education and my M.S. in Education Administration from Tarleton State University. I have been a teacher, instructional coach, assistant principal, principal, and director for Waco ISD for the past 18 years. My passion is to ensure that every student and family has equitable access to education.

4. Tell us a little about your agency.

Transformation Waco is a nonprofit, in-district charter partnership managing and operating five schools and supporting community needs. A community school model remains the backbone of our work. Our model provides an educational platform with an integrated focus on academics, youth development, family engagement and support, health and social services and community development that leads to improved student learning outcomes.

5. What does it mean to you to receive this award?

I am honored to receive this award. I love having interns in our organization because I think we are able to provide them with a unique experience. Receiving this award solidifies my belief that our interns are getting a well-rounded experience and education in school social work. 

What others have to say about Sarah: 

Sarah is a fierce advocate for social workers both as interns and employees. She has created multiple social work positions at Transformation Waco because she sees the value that social workers bring to schools. Sarah fully participates in creating learning opportunities for TW interns. She has participated in individualized book studies with interns concerning topics they care about, she invites them to attend and participate in community meetings with her, and she even agrees to take on more interns as they needed a change in placement. As a social worker in schools, Sarah has tirelessly advocated for me and our profession and she embodies each of the core tenants of our Code of Ethics. There is no one I know who loves and supports GSSW, its students, alumni, and interns more than Sarah Pedrotti!