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Fall 2024 Group Work Series Announced with Endorsement from IASWG
The Loyola University Chicago School of Social Work is proud to announce the Fall 2024 Group Work Continuing Education Series. Group work is a vital skill for social workers, educators, administrators, and professionals throughout the world. With presentations by national and international experts, this series aims to enhance the knowledge and skills of anyone who works with groups.
“Many skilled professionals lack adequate training in group work," said Program Director Shirley Simon. "While group work remains a vibrant method within the practice arena, schools of social work have all too often decreased their attention to this important methodology. This series attempts to begin to address this need.”
Simon's Group Work Series received a formal endorsement from the International Association of Social Work with Groups (IASWG) after its board voted unanimously in the series' favor.
Simon has been working with groups for more than 40 years and has developed the Group Work Continuing Education Series, now in its fourth year. Working with leaders in the field, she has created a successful and highly regarded bi-annual, primarily online series to enhance practitioners' and students’ group work knowledge and expertise. This Spring the sessions include:
September 20, 9:30am-4:30pm – Group Work Essentials: Engaging Empowering, and Facilitating Effective Groups hosted by Greg Tully, Ph.D. (6 CEUs)
October 18, 1pm-4pm - Working with Grief and Loss in Groups hosted by Kris Drumm, LCSW (3 CEUs)
November 1, 1pm-4pm - Using Activities Effectively in Groups hosted by Christian Itin, Ph.D. (3 CEUs)
November 2, 9am-1pm - Adventure-Based Group Work hosted by Barney Straus, LCSW (4 CEUs)
November 8, 1pm-4pm - Strategies for Leading Online Groups hosted by Sera Godfrey-Kaplan, LICSW (3 CEUs)
November 15, 1pm-4pm - Group Work Strategies for Working Effectively with Teams, Volunteers, and Committees hosted by Marci Mayer Eisen, MSW (3 CEUs)
November 22, 1pm-4pm - Effective Group Work with Diverse Latinx Communities hosted by Mauricio Cifuentes, Ph.D. (3 CEUs)
All sessions are held online with the exception of November 2's Adventure-Based Group Work event, which is held in person at Heller Nature Center in Highland Park. All of the seven sessions this fall are hosted by local and international experts in the area of group work.
This series offers:
- Cutting-Edge Curriculum – Developed with international experts, our curriculum is designed to address the latest trends, challenges, and best practices in group work.
- Practical Skill-Building – Participants will engage in hands-on activities, case studies, and interactive sessions to enhance their practical skills in group facilitation, conflict resolution, and group dynamics.
- Expert-Led Workshops – Renowned professionals with content and teaching expertise lead specially developed workshops providing insight and real-world experiences to enrich participants’ understanding of group process.
- Flexible Learning Options – Most sessions in the series are offered in a virtual online format with a few highly specific in-person sessions allowing participants access to high-quality education from wherever they are.
- Continuing Education Credits – Participants will have the opportunity to earn up to 25 CEUs, contributing to their professional development and ensuring they stay current with industry requirements.
Loyola-affiliated individuals receive a discount on registration. Students are eligible for a highly discounted registration fee. There is also a 20% discount for anyone who registers for three or more sessions and scholarships may be available upon inquiry. Questions and requests for additional information can be directed to cgosselin@luc.edu.
