(Re) Capturing the Wisdom of Our Tradition: The Importance of Reynolds and Towle in Contemporary Social Work Education

Abstract

This article argues that social work education has distanced itself from founding principles articulated by Bertha Reynolds and Charlotte Towle in ways that compromise the professional development of the learner in social work education. The authors trace persistent and historical professional social work education themes and identify key changes that have contributed to threats to educational integrity, with particular attention to field education and supervisory practice. After identifying both positive and negative trends and challenges to the quality of field education, the authors examine implications for field supervision and its place in the overall educational environment.