Seven Ways to Increase Student Leadership
John Schembari, Ed.D.
![John Schembari, Ed.D.]()
John Schembari, Ed.D.
School Improvement Consultant | Leadership Development | Instructional Coaching | Strategic Planning | Data Analysis | Curriculum/Assessment | Technology | Educator Professional Learning
- Student Ambassadors: Students might be provided with the opportunity to conduct school tours and/or to greet visitors when they come into classrooms. This will develop a student's pride in their school community as well as enhance core competencies - i.e. speaking, presenting, etc. - thus strengthening student self-efficacy and confidence. Where applicable, students can even serve as guides to prospective students interested in visiting the school prior to applying and/or represent their school at community events such as school fairs. Consider an application process.
- Student Leadership Council: Involve students in some school-wide decision making as appropriate. Allow time for the leadership council to meet with school teachers and administration to express student body concerns and/or ideas for school improvement and events. Consider an election process. Also consider whether or not council members can serve on student discipline/restorative justice committees.
- Student District Board Representative: Allow high school students the chance to serve as non-voting district board members. Board members will appreciate having an immediate student voice present at board meetings.
- School Morning Announcements and Assemblies: This can be an activity shared by both administration and the student body. Once a week school-wide morning assemblies also can be a great way to shout out students for accomplishments and can be an activity where students can assist staff in planning and facilitating.
- Instructional Rounds: Where appropriate, consider allowing students to participate in instructional rounds particularly when student engagement is being observed.
- Focus Groups: Such groups may be a great way to increase student participation in school decision making. From time to time, randomly select some students to participate on focus groups to get a sense of the level of student satisfaction and/or need. Focus groups may be particularly effective when considering the needs of special and/or target sub-populations.
- Student Mentorship: Have older elementary students read to younger students. High school juniors and seniors might be able to advise ninth and tenth graders on what they will need to do - each year - to be college ready.