Contact: Tammy Lane • First Posted: Monday, August 9, 2010

Janet Doss, a child guidance specialist at Liberty Elementary, is the state’s 2010 School Social Worker of the Year. She will be recognized at the Kentucky Association for School Social Work’s annual conference Sept. 17 in Florence.

“I’ve been working with kids in different capacities for about 26 years. The kids just keep you going. They’re always teaching you something new,” said Doss, who values the smiles and hugs.

Doss is a graduate of the University of Kentucky and earned her master’s degree at the University of Louisville. She joined Fayette County Public Schools in 1994, working first at J.R. Ewan Elementary and then moving to Liberty when Ewan closed.

Colleagues nominated her for the statewide award. The selection criteria include the nominee’s primary responsibilities, participation in professional organizations, demonstrated leadership, and creative programs and practices in working with students, parents and school faculty.

The current KASSW president, Tina Johnson, compiled a narrative from Doss’ nomination letters to be read during the Midwest School Social Work Conference. In it, she noted that Doss teaches at the University of Kentucky, was state association president from 2006 to 2008, and served on the Midwest Council for School Social Work. She also cited Doss’ extensive knowledge, compassion and love for the field of social work.