Schlotter wins state School Social Worker of the Year

Catheleen Schlotter has been in public education for 16 years, seven of them in Cheney. Her hard work is known throughout the Cheney School District but it was recognized by the state when she was named the Washington State School Social Worker of the Year.

“I have nominated other people in previous years, so winning it myself is a huge honor,” Schlotter said.

Currently, Schlotter is the district’s intervention and re-engagement specialist along with being Snowdon Elementary School’s assistant principal. Before this job, she was a counselor at Salnave Elementary for five years.

The first person to nominate her for the award was Jenna Linerud from the Washougal School District. She was somebody that Schlotter previously mentored who is now a school social worker. Schlotter has stayed connected with the colleague and they have maintained a good relationship.

After receiving the nomination, the committee contacted CSD and Eastern Washington University for recommendation letters. Schlotter received numerous letters including ones from Associate Superintendent Sean Dotson and Director of Student Support Services Kristi Thurston, who are both part of CSD, and Lisa Parise from EWU.

“It is very humbling,” Schlotter said. “I love the work I do. It validates the hard work and that it matters.”

Along with her work in the school district, Schlotter teaches a class at EWU that discusses the social work theory in the actual role of social work. She has been doing this for about three years now with eight of the 11 students doing practicum work in Spokane.

Out of all her experience, Schlotter said she is just truly grateful that she chose the career path that she did. Years ago, she was at a crossroads to choose either social work in schools or becoming a therapist for another organization.

“I really do love working with the kids, teachers and parents,” Schlotter added. “It is a great opportunity to support most of the kids.”

Her ultimate desire is to become a principal but she also has a discipline goal for the whole district, which is to have training for all schools in trauma informed practices. She does this by being a part of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) for all schools in the district.

“I never do any of this work thinking that I will get an award,” she said. “It is a blessing and I really appreciate it, it’s a very nice thing to be honored.”

She sometimes has to remind teachers and herself that they are making an impact on kids in their everyday lives.

“We do make a difference, we just do not always know it,” she said.

Grace Pohl can be reached at grace@cheneyfreepress.com.