How to harness student voice for better experiences

As educators, we often look to experts—professors, researchers and thought leaders—for ways to improve learning. Yet, too often, we overlook the most valuable voices in the conversation: Our students.

In every school, shifts in student engagement are inevitable, and the typical response is to introduce new interventions and activities. But real progress happens when we take the simplest approach: Just ask students—ask what excites them, what frustrates them and what would make learning more meaningful.

At Eastern Hancock Schools, that belief led to the creation of our Superintendent’s Student Advisory Group, a space where students share their perspectives, challenge assumptions and shape the future of their education.

In one powerful conversation, we simply asked, “What do you wish your teachers knew?” Their honest responses became “10 Things I Wish My Teachers Knew,” a project that now shapes how we think about teaching and learning.

Through these conversations, we learned:

1. We already have incredible teachers in our building: Students told us that if every class were as engaging as their most engaging teachers, their school experience would be amazing.
2. Students hate busy work: Assignments that feel like filler drain motivation and don’t add value.
3. Relevance matters: Students are more engaged when they understand how what they’re learning connects to their lives and future goals.
4. The pressures are real: Academic stress, extracurricular commitments and life outside of school can be overwhelming.

By listening to students, we’re not just improving our schools, we’re creating a place where they feel heard, valued and excited to learn.

Beyond the advisory group, student input has led to initiatives like senior exit interviews, which provide insight into what prepared students for life after high school—and what could be improved. It’s also why every middle and high school student has an advisor who checks in regularly, ensuring they feel supported and heard.

By engaging students as partners in their education, we’re not just improving schools, we’re empowering them to take ownership of their learning and their future.

Blending school with the real world

Students are wired for purpose. They want to know that what they’re learning has real-world relevance.

When we engage them in authentic, meaningful work—work that connects to their communities, interests, and potential careers—they light up with curiosity and determination.

At Eastern Hancock, through our award-winning, work-based learning initiative, one-quarter of our juniors and seniors spend half their day on local job sites, from manufacturing to education to construction.

We are also building a more robust health careers program with industry partners because our students expressed a need for more hands-on healthcare experiences.

By blurring the lines between school and the real world, students are learning about different careers, earning credentials and gaining experience that will open doors after graduation.

Just as important, we are committed to celebrating their successes in ways that recognize their unique strengths. We acknowledge all forms of achievement.

How to transform students’ futures

Respect is the foundation of meaningful relationships; the same is true in education. When students feel respected as partners in their learning journey, their sense of ownership and engagement grow.

At Eastern Hancock, we don’t just invite students to share their thoughts; we act on them. One way we do this is through Passion Project Week, where every student, regardless of grade level, engages in a hands-on, real-world learning experience designed by our teachers.

While students don’t create the projects themselves, they have the freedom to choose from a variety of thoughtfully crafted experiences that align with their interests. Whether they’re launching a business concept, exploring engineering through hands-on builds or leading a community initiative, students are actively applying their learning in meaningful ways.

By ensuring that every student has the opportunity to engage in purposeful, relevant work, we reinforce the idea that their interests and talents matter. When young people see their learning experiences thoughtfully designed with their passions in mind, they don’t just feel heard, they feel valued.

Taking students seriously doesn’t mean giving them free rein; it means respecting their ideas, valuing their experiences and working alongside them to build learning environments where everyone can thrive. By dedicating time to listen, learn and empower, we don’t just improve our the school experience—we transform futures.