Teacher Appreciation Week: Carol Hobbs at Glens Falls Middle School

Glens Falls City School District recognizes national Teacher Appreciation Week by highlighting committed and enthusiastic teachers from every one of our schools each day of the week! Read on for an inside interview with Carol Hobbs—one of the most dynamic teachers around our district.

Mrs. Hobbs is a School Social Worker at the Middle School. She earned her Masters of Social Work from Syracuse University and started as a Psychiatric Social Worker in Central New York and then Northampton, Massachusetts. When she returned to NY, she started at the Saratoga County Mental Health Center on the youth services team. "It is there that my passion for learning about the impact of traumatic experiences on children was sparked," says Mrs. Hobbs says. "I took some time to be at home with my children and then returned to work as a private practitioner. I began working for the school district as a part-time social worker in 2009. When offered the opportunity for a full time position in 2016, I didn't hesitate. I closed my practice and have been happy to come to school every day since then!"

Carrie Mauro, Principal of GFMS, says Mrs. Hobbs is a true gem — "our social worker extraordinaire! She supports students and staff with unwavering dedication, offering guidance, compassion, and a calm, steady presence no matter the situation. Whether someone needs advice, a listening ear, or a helping hand, Carol is always there, ready to go above and beyond. Her positive energy, deep care for others, and tireless commitment make her an invaluable part of GFMS!"

What do you do to engage students in their learning?

I just have to say that I love my job. Most days I just wish that I had more time to spend with more students.  Engaging young people is usually easy. They want to be seen, heard and understood. In my role I have a bit of a luxury in that I can spend more time with students one on one. I try to make group sessions fun and relevant to helping students learn about managing their thoughts, feelings and behaviors.  

Why do you think it's important to have social work support embedded within the learning environment?

I believe that having Social Workers in schools is more important now than it has ever been. Our job description includes so much more than casework responsibility. Making sure that students have their basic needs met is critical for learning, but Social Workers also provide clinical expertise in situations that require a mental health perspective. The demands on teachers in a classroom have grown. When a student is exhibiting behaviors that are disruptive to the learning environment, it is important for attention to be given to find out why. Usually, that behavior (whether it is disruptive in nature or disengaging) is the tip of the iceberg. Social Workers have the expertise to work with students and families to understand what is underneath the behavior and to find a solution.  

What's an example of the skills or abilities you teach students who come to see you?

I spend a lot of time teaching students to regulate their bodies and emotions. It might mean working with a young person to practice controlled breathing by having a blowing bubbles competition or engaging in some yoga stretches. Sometimes I work with students to develop organizational and planning skills.  

What's the best thing about GF Nation?

The best thing about GF Nation is the community. We have a strong school community that is inclusive of all of our buildings. That school community is a part of the larger Glens Falls City community. That community experience can be felt whether it is by cheering on a Unified Sports team, attending a professional grade musical, participating in the HOPE boutique or attending a championship basketball game. I am proud to be a part of this community.