Empowering Student Voice Through Student Leadership

By: Brooke Roussy, Program Assistant - Teacher Candidate

Let’s be real. schools work best when students are heard, not just seen. As a student leader, you have the power to help others speak up and shape your school community. Here’s how:

1. Listen Like a Leader

Leadership starts with listening. Create real ways for students to share suggestion boxes, polls, student forums, or even casual conversations. Make sure quieter voices get included, too.

2. Speak Up For Others

Use your access to teachers or councils to raise your peers’ ideas and concerns. Bring solutions, not just problems. When students see action, they realize their voices matter.

3. Collaborate, Don’t Dictate

You don’t need all the answers just the ability to bring people together. Involve others when planning events or solving problems. People are more invested when they help shape the outcome.

4. Support What Students Care About

Got a peer with a cool idea? Back them up. Help launch clubs, campaigns, or creative projects. When you support student-led initiatives, you send a clear message: your voice counts.

5. Keep Checking In

Student voice is ongoing. Ask who’s being heard, what’s working, and what needs to change. Try surveys, reflections, or open forums to collect feedback. You can always keep things anonymous if you want to reduce barriers and have everyone feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and ideas.

Final Thoughts

Student voice means creating a school where everyone feels safe to speak and where ideas lead to real change. When you lead by listening and lifting others up, you help more students discover the power of their own voice.