What does it really mean to elevate student voice? Join the conversation on how to co-create learning experiences and reimagine engagement through tech.
Introduction
Hi everyone! I’m Tanya, a district K–12 Instructional Technology Coach in Clinton Township, Michigan. For over 12 years, I’ve supported 1:1 iPad integration across all grade levels, and I’ve seen firsthand how technology—when purposefully used—can completely transform teaching and learning. I’m proud to be an Apple Teacher, Apple Learning Coach, and Apple Distinguished Educator. My heart beats for student empowerment, and my passion lies in how we remove barriers through technology and elevate creativity across learning spaces.
Modeling with Adult Learners
We can't talk about elevating student voice without first acknowledging the importance of modeling it with our adult learners. If we want students to co-create their learning journey, we must first create systems where educators and administrators are invited to do the same. Student voice won’t thrive in schools where professional learning is still one-size-fits-all. As instructional leaders, we need to champion voice and choice at every level—starting with how we engage our colleagues.
Empowering Student Voice Through Choice
Empowering student voice starts with lesson design. By co-planning lessons that include meaningful choices—such as choice boards, playlists, or project-based pathways—we give students ownership of their learning. Encouraging reflection through journaling, podcasting, or video creation using tools like Clips or iMovie deepens engagement and makes learning more personal. Below you'll find one example of engaging students through a choice board.
Amplifying Voice with Digital Tools
Technology offers powerful ways for students to document and reflect on their learning. Support students in building personalized digital portfolios. These platforms allow them to showcase growth, share reflections, and take ownership of their learning journey in a creative and meaningful way. Below is one slide from a year-long learning portfolio that students use to document their growth, reading, progress, and creativity.
Coaching the Shift to Co-Creation
Empower teachers to move beyond content delivery by embracing a co-creation mindset. Support them in launching lessons with student input—inviting learners to choose how they’ll demonstrate understanding through video, audio, design, or other creative formats. Initiatives like “Proposal Days,” where students pitch their project ideas, foster ownership, engagement, and a true partnership in the learning process.
Elevating Voice Across the School Community
True student voice extends beyond the classroom. Partner with school leaders to embed student perspectives into school-wide initiatives through digital surveys, testimonials, and even student-led professional development. Promote student-led conferences and digital portfolios as platforms for sharing growth and goals. Ensure all voices are heard by supporting multilingual learners with inclusive tools like visuals, audio, and translation features.
Resources to Explore:
Let’s Continue the Conversation
What structures or practices have you seen—or would like to try—that give students a real voice in their learning? How can we, as leaders and coaches, model what it looks like to co-create and truly listen? Drop your ideas, tools, and strategies below! Let’s build a culture where every learner—and educator—feels heard.
June 01, 2025
Tanya - your point about modeling with adult learners is so important. It seems to me that modeling through professional learning how we want colleagues to engage students will go a long way in making us more effective teachers. One needs to participate in good teaching/learning practices as part of professional learning.
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