David Pooler

Pooler

Assistant Professor
Phone: 254-710-3884
E-mail: David_Pooler@baylor.edu

"Teaching is creating a safe place where people can learn to be questioned, be stretched, be challenged, and discover what brings them joy. Social work is a field where success is dependent on the social worker's capacity to flourish. Social workers who flourish are conduits of healing and compassion and are able to focus on helping people make change."

"Learning to be a social worker is more than an academic endeavor, it is an inside process of becoming. Teaching is also a collaborative experience-I am not the only expert in the room. Each and every person in the room contributes to the learning of others. Creating the space for people to learn to use their own voices and their own gifts is what I enjoy the most about teaching."


Education

Ph.D., University of Louisville and University of Kentucky
M.S.S.W., University of Louisville
B.A., Lee College
Full Curriculum Vita

Selected Publications

  • Pooler, D.K. (2011). Professional Flourishing: Re-visioning Self Care using imago Dei. Social Work & Christianity, 38(4), 440-452.
  • Pooler, D.K. (2011). Pastors and congregations at risk: Insights from role identity theory. Pastoral Psychology, 60(5), 705-712.
  • Sherr, M. E., Pooler, D., Stamey, J., Dyer, P., Smith, E., & Summers, A. (2011). The influence of religious participation on sexual activity in a randomized effectiveness trial for at-risk youth. Journal of Social Service Research.
  • Pooler, D.K. (2010). Validation of the Inventory of Professional Functioning (IPF): Occupational Health of Social Workers. Journal of Workplace Behavioral Health, 25(1), 19-33.

Research Interests

  • Professional Ethics and Professional Development of Social Workers
  • Professional Functioning and Impairment of Social Workers
  • Organizational Development
  • Organizational Leadership and Change; Organizational Justice

Background

Dr. Pooler has more than 15 years of social work practice experience with several different populations including at risk and abused children, adults with severe and persistent mental illness, persons with addictions, and homeless men. Dr. Pooler studies the health of practicing social workers and the organizational contexts in which social workers are employed. He is interested in social work management and leadership. Currently he is involved in a project to understand how social workers find joy in their work. As an occupational social worker, Dr. Pooler is interested in assessing and developing interventions for social service organizations so that work environments are safe, supportive, and just. He has a strong interest in helping congregations sustain health so that they can transform communities.

Dr. Pooler is married to Cheryl who is also a social worker. Their two children were adopted from China; they are Josianne (2000) and Emilie (2003).