Illinois State Board of Education recently announced Urbana High School (UHS) student Theodore Johnson as one of 21 Illinois high school students chosen to be a part of its 2019-2020 Student Advisory Council.
Johnson found out early August he would be joining 10 new and 10 returning members from across as part of the council that provides the State Board with diverse student perspectives on education issues in Illinois as the Board develops policy throughout the year. As a student who has attended several school board meetings to advocate for his fellow students, he is looking forward to being more involved in The Board’s decisions as a member of the council.
“A lot of great, impactful things happen on the Board of Education level that we don’t really hear about that have a big impact on us,” said Johnson. “They’re doing a great job, and I’m happy that students get to have a voice through this great program.”
“Students’ voices have an important role in ensuring our education system is rooted in equity, quality, community, and collaboration,” said State Superintendent of Education Dr. Carmen I. Ayala. “I applaud the outstanding young people on this council for committing to give their time and efforts to improve Illinois’ education system for themselves and their peers. I cannot wait to get to know the members of this year’s council and hear what they have to say.”
The council of Illinois students will be conducting research and preparing presentations for Illinois State Board of Education (BOE). The students will also get a chance to sit in on BOE meetings during the months of September, January, and March. Within the council are three subgroups focused on three topics concerning the student experience: student success, student safety and student equity. Johnson is involved in the student success group, which will research and present information centered around teacher shortage, special education and social emotional learning.
“The State Board is proud to welcome this fantastic group of students to Springfield,” said ISBE Chair Darren Reisberg. “The Student Advisory Council has provided valuable insight to the State Board for more than 40 years. I know we can learn from our students and offer them a rewarding insightful experience in public service in return.”
Johnson hopes that his unique perspective as a student can help improve BOE policies and make Illinois schools the best they can be. Though he credits the BOE for doing a great job so far, Johnson knows that the hard work and dedication of the council will make a great impact on the Illinois school system. He also encourages all students to apply to be on the council themselves.
“All students should apply for this council,” said Johnson. “The more voices heard, the better. Last year’s student council interviewed everyone who applied to get in to improve their research, so there is no loss to applying. It’s a great program and everyone should try to get involved.”
ISBE will make applications for the 2020-21 council available in the spring of 2020.