State Board of Education

As students, we can feel so far removed from the rooms where decisions are made for our education. If our experiences in the education system and the time we spend in school shape so much of who we are, why shouldn’t we have a voice at the table? Letting a student be an independent, critical thinker in our state's educational field is just the start of how Tennessee can make all students become successful members of society. That is why being a student member of the Tennessee State Board of Education is so valuable. This role may seem like you are speaking for every student in Tennessee, but really you are bringing a student's experience to the forefront and letting your opinion be an example of how students might react. My responsibility as a board member is to shed light on how policies and rules can affect the student body overall. In this position, you are given a vote on any regulation that is proposed to the board without restriction. Since your vote holds the same weight as the other members of the board, you have to make sure you have done your research and know what your vote means. This role has helped me understand just a small piece of how our government works, and I am grateful to know that decisions are carefully thought out. You get to engage with students, parents, teachers, administrators, and faculty from schools across the state and learn more about their experiences with the educational system. You are working alongside some of the most influential adults in the educational field for the State of Tennessee. Not only have you become one of their peers, but you also have to be able to step into professional settings as a student, all while still being a student yourself and planning out your next steps. Now, I know that sounds very overwhelming, and it is, trust me, but the State Board has one of the best staffs to help you along your journey. They break down the meeting procedures and explain the systems that the Board has in place, and it is no understatement to say that they are with you every step of the way. The staff understands the juggling and the time management that the student member faces. As a senior at Cookeville High School, I have many activities I couldn’t miss. The State Board staff is the biggest tool and resource for the student member. Without them, this opportunity would be exponentially harder. Unsurprisingly, they are some of the most kindhearted people I have ever met, and they quickly became my friends. The staff and the other board members understand the value of having a student member be a part of their board and do not take the opportunity lightly. Everyone I have met during my year of being a student member has been a helping hand, enlightened me on a new area of education, and lifted me up to be able to have a seat at the table. I can say, without a doubt, that this experience has been one that will stay with me forever. I have a new insight and appreciation for Tennessee’s educational system and everyone who is a part of it. My mom is a middle school librarian, and I've had lots of family members and friends be educators, so I’m no stranger to the school system. However, seeing how policy and rule-making trickle down to our schools in real time is eye-opening. I think student negativity towards educational decision making can be misinterpreted a lot of the time. Students are quick to blame the teachers and administrators right in front of them when they are not always the true source of the rulemaking. Students need to be more educated on their own educational system. Educators already have a full plate and don’t deserve hate where it shouldn’t be given. Our educators help develop our voices and opinions, but it can sometimes feel as though we cannot fully utilize them until we become adults. This is the chance to not let that be the case. Students, no matter what walk of life, deserve the chance to be heard. I am happy to see recent legislation to make sure student representation is present on each local board of education. This is just the start of ways to have students actively involved in their own educational journeys. This opportunity to serve as a student member was life-changing for me, and I know it will be for students to come. I encourage all students to engage with their local school boards to see how they can be nominated for the State Board of Education student member seat. You can be the voice that helps students feel seen. You can be the voice for change.