Embracing Student Voice: Listening, Learning, and Doing Better Together

In the Fall 2024 edition of the Leaders Forum, I shared a quote from Maya Angelou: “Do the best you can until you know better. Then, when you know better, do better.” This principle resonates strongly as we strive to meet the diverse needs of our students and staff. However, “doing better” requires more than our own insights—it demands that we listen closely to our students. Their voices, experiences, and perspectives are key to uncovering what we don’t yet know. By seeking their input, we can evaluate how well we are meeting their needs and identify areas where we must grow. This continuous feedback loop allows us to make informed, impactful decisions that ensure we are truly doing better for all students.

Listening to Lead: Elevating Student Voice for Meaningful Growth
To foster genuine growth, we must recognize that change can’t be based solely on our adult perspectives. It’s not enough for us to make decisions without first understanding what our students think, feel, and experience. After all, they are the ones who walk through our hallways, sit in our classrooms, and engage with our curriculum each day. Our students know firsthand what encourages their success, what deters it, and what might motivate them to learn more deeply. Their voices are not just relevant; they are critical. If we want to “do better,” we must create conditions where students feel safe and empowered to share their authentic experiences and insights.

Student voice is not just a buzzword, but the foundation of meaningful progress. When students feel they are being heard, they feel valued. By listening to them, we build relationships and foster trust, demonstrating that their thoughts, feelings, and ideas matter. Schools must be environments where every student feels they belong, where they know they are more than recipients of information—they are collaborators and creators in their own educational journeys.

For students to become collaborators and creators, it is essential to provide opportunities for them to share their experiences and insights with us. During trimester one Superintendent Student Forums, students offered valuable feedback, with one remarking, “My teacher shows she values me because she acts as a guide on the side,” and another adding, “My teacher lets our minds explore.” This powerful feedback is shared with staff to inspire similar practices that foster deeper connections and engagement in classrooms. Students also provided practical suggestions to improve their daily experiences. For instance, a high school student challenged the lack of a la carte price postings in the cafeteria, explaining how an unexpected price increase left her embarrassed and unable to purchase cookies for herself and her sister, asking, “Why isn’t this information available so I can plan better?” Similarly, an elementary student questioned the restriction of checking out only two books at a time from the media center, explaining that reading is her escape and two books are insufficient. These examples underscore the importance of understanding both the practical and emotional needs of students and acting on their feedback to enhance their school experience.

Co-Constructing a Better Future with Our Students
As leaders, we need to be intentional in seeking out and amplifying student voices, especially those that have historically been silenced. Inviting students to share their perspectives on curricula, school culture, and their overall experiences helps them see themselves as active partners in their education. Their insights illuminate aspects of school life that might otherwise go unnoticed, helping us to better address inequities and create a more inclusive learning environment.

To truly make a difference, we need to go beyond listening. We must engage students in co-constructing their educational experience, inviting them to help shape programs, evaluate existing practices, and even inform hiring decisions. Our students bring with them a wealth of lived experiences and fresh perspectives that we, as leaders, may not see. By inviting them into these conversations, we can ensure our schools remain responsive, dynamic, and inclusive spaces that truly support and uplift every student.

One way we engage students in this process is through our annual Superintendent for a Day program, where a handful of young students spend a day following a “typical” superintendent schedule. The day includes classroom visits, facility and boiler inspections, meetings with central office staff, a visit to the bus garage, and a discussion with the school board chair. The insights students share after experiencing these aspects of district leadership informs our practices but also demonstrates how much we value their perspectives in shaping the future of education.

Empowering Change Through Student Voice: Uncovering Blind Spots and Unlocking Potential
Student voice is not just a driver of change; it is the cornerstone of a school culture built on trust, engagement, and purpose. By placing student experiences at the forefront, we open doors to “know better and do better” in ways that meaningfully impact their lives. Their feedback refines programs, dismantles outdated practices, and shapes a school climate where every student feels empowered to succeed. This process goes beyond temporary adjustments, focusing on building sustainable systems that continuously prioritize student perspectives. When we actively listen and create space for students to share, we uncover blind spots and reveal untapped potential, guiding us toward practices that resonate, inspire, and elevate the educational experience for all.

Using student voice as a catalyst for change provides a powerful opportunity to reimagine and refine how we support and engage our students. For example, during a Legislative Action Team meeting, a student challenged my thinking and technological savviness by asking why we rely solely on Facebook for communication instead of using other platforms to connect with a wider audience. This feedback not only prompted me to rethink our communication strategies but also underscored the value of leveraging student perspectives to address real-world challenges. Similarly, during a Superintendent Engagement and Advisory Team meeting, a student suggested evaluating and expanding elective course offerings, noting that some seemed outdated and less aligned with today’s interests and career opportunities. Such insights highlight how student feedback can help us create more relevant and engaging learning experiences that reflect the needs and aspirations of our students. By involving students in these discussions, we not only improve our practices but also empower them to take an active role in shaping their education.

A Commitment to Listening, Learning, and Growing Together
As we move forward, let us remember that doing better means recognizing that we don’t have all the answers—and being open to discovering them alongside our students. By prioritizing student voice, we create schools where learning flourishes and where every student feels valued and inspired to contribute. Let’s commit to this journey together, guided by the voices of our students, as we embrace a future where we not only “do our best” but continuously strive to do better.

Together, let’s embrace student voice. Let’s empower our students. Let’s elevate the voices that matter most.