Temeka Bailey Shares Insights on School-Based Mental Health Fellowship in Social Work Today.
A recent Social Work Today feature spotlights Temeka Bailey's leadership of the School-Based Mental Health Fellowship, which has reshaped opportunities for future school social workers throughout Maryland.
In her interview, Dr. Bailey highlights the fellowship’s mission: “By providing targeted academic, financial, and professional development support, the fellowship equips participants to transition effectively from undergraduate training through graduate education and into the workforce.” She emphasizes the importance of reducing financial barriers for students and strengthening a workforce that reflects the communities served: “With financial support, it will strengthen the mental health workforce pipeline by providing stipends that reduce financial barriers, enabling fellows to complete their education and enter the field with less debt and greater stability.”
The article also underscores how the fellowship’s immersive practicum placements, mentorship, and training ensure graduates are ready to meet the complex mental health needs of K-12 students. Dr. Bailey notes, “This layered approach … ensures that fellows are well-prepared to meet the mental health needs of K-12 students in a wide range of school contexts.”