School social worker of the year has passion for social justice, students
Tulani Vaughn is the N.C. School Social Worker of the Year
Tulani Vaughn, who is a social worker
at West Charlotte High, spent many weeks
one summer trying to track down a student
who’d dropped out of school.
“I chased her all summer long,” she
said. “I’d stop by her house two or three
times a day, early in the morning, late at
night.”
Vaughn finally caught up with the
student, who agreed to return to school.
She did extremely well, making the honor
roll.
“She asked me, ‘Who comes to
someone’s house at 7:30 in the morning?
Are you crazy, lady? It’s summertime! Who
cares that much?’ And I said, ‘I do.’”
That care for students is the reason
Vaughn has been named North Carolina
School Social Worker of the Year. She
received the award at the state social worker conference in Greensboro in
October. Social workers are nominated by region and then evaluated by their
peers. Vaughn said being recognized by her peers is the ultimate honor.
“This is probably the most substantial award I could have received,” she
said. “To be honored by people who do what I do and understand the job.”
Michele King, social work specialist, said Vaughn is highly deserving of
the award.
“She is dedicated to enriching the lives of students,” she said. “She is
determined to advocate and support students who may not have a strong
voice for themselves and empowers parents by providing knowledge and
direction.
The award is given in memory of Gary L. Shaffer, a former professor at
the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
“He was instrumental in terms of helping social workers get into schools
and making sure we have credentials to do so,” said Vaughn. “He was a
pioneer of school social work in North Carolina.”
Vaughn grew up in New York in what she describes as a “family of
activists.” She said her background helped shape her career decisions.
“I was raised during an era where protests and riots were all focused on
social justice. I had an older sibling who was a social activist and I wanted to
find the best way to help improve people’s lives.”
She earned her bac