Teachers and students describe "Leader in Me" lessons and student leadership across Clay County schools

At the March 9 meeting, building teams from Lincoln, Garfield, Wakefield and the middle and high schools presented short reports on implementing Leader in Me districtwide. Staff described three action-team domains (leadership, culture and academics), building-level goals ("big rocks"), and student leadership strategies including advisory lessons and student lighthouse teams.

Presenters gave examples of student-led lessons, partner-teacher systems to ensure continuity if a teacher is absent, visible scoreboards to track lesson completion, and classroom "power words" that both staff and students use for accountability. Middle-school teachers said they taught three lessons each week during advisory and were working toward student action teams leading some activities next year.

Administrators reported they launched a second MRA survey and expected additional data to inform next-year action plans; staff cited a 6% improvement in the question about support for students' social-emotional needs since 2021, which they attributed in part to Leader in Me implementation.

Students and staff said they're planning celebrations and cross-building partnerships (for example, high-school student leadership supporting younger-grade activities) to reinforce common language and leadership practices.

Next steps: staff will continue collecting MRA data, refine building-specific WIGs, and bring back follow-up metrics in future meetings.