Amy Radke, MSW, CSW-PIP

Began at Teachwell:

 2024

Why did you choose this field?

I wanted to help people. I grew up with teachers and social workers in my family and I was bound to pick one of the professions. I am now a School Social Worker, the best of both worlds. I have found that school is where I want to be!

What did you think you were going to be when you grew up?

Growing up, I wanted to become a teacher or a social worker. I may have had a few off shoots from time to time, but the two professions I came back to time after time were teaching or becoming a social worker.

What or who most inspires you?

I have had the pleasure of working with so many amazing and talented Social Workers over the past 15 years. Consulting and collaborating with them pushes me to be better. Social Workers inspire me.

Why Teachwell?

Teachwell has high standards for not only their students, but for their staff as well. You can't be the best without working for the best.

What are you proudest of?

I decided to get my Masters of Social Work later on in life. The program I selected was through the University of Iowa, but located on a satellite campus in Sioux City, IA. I was living in Sioux Falls at the time and during this 3 year program, I gave birth to two children (one with complications), drove to Sioux City twice a week for 4 hour night classes, and worked full time. Graduating with my degree, with life happening all around me, is one of my proudest moments.

How do you hope to make a difference?

I want to be a safe person/space for our students. Welcoming and accepting students for who they are and what their backgrounds are can make such an impact.

What lessons has your work life taught you?

The most recent lesson is that burnout is a real phenomenon and if you are not actively thinking of ways to take care of yourself, there is a high probability you will burnout.

What is your background? Experience, degrees, skills, etc.?

I have been in the social work field for 15 years. I received my Bachelor of Social Work from Wartburg College and then later on in life, I received my Masters of Social Work from the University of Iowa.

People would be surprised to know that I . . .