Beyond a Seat at the Table: Empowering Students as Partners in School Culture and Decision-making
Student voice should be more than collecting feedback; it should be a meaningful partnership that empowers students as active contributors to school culture and decision-making. Through Lewis Center and World Savvy’s collaborative work with Changemaker Hubs and Critical Conversations, students have engaged in authentic dialogue around issues that matter to them and have consistently shared that they feel heard, valued, and empowered through the process. This session will share lessons learned, best practices, and the values that inform growing student partnership in charter schools.
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Presented by
Dr. Lisa Lamb CEO Lewis Center for Educational Research
Dr. Lisa Lamb is the President/CEO of the Lewis Center for Educational Research. She serves as the Lead Educator for the GAVRT Radio Astronomy Program, a global citizen science partnership with NASA and JPL that engages students in radio astronomy research. Deeply committed to advancing education and community partnerships, Lisa serves on the boards of the Greater HD Chamber of Commerce, CA HELP, and the CharterSAFE. She is also involved in CSDC’s Advocacy Affinity Group, San Bernardino County Global Connections Program, and NASA’s Citizen Science Network.
Whitney McKinley Chief Program Officer World Savvy
Whitney McKinley is the Chief Program Officer at World Savvy, where she leads national program strategy, learning design, partnerships, and evaluation to help schools transform teaching and learning through inquiry, student agency, and real-world learning. Drawing on 14 years of experience as a teacher, instructional coach, and assistant principal, Whitney partners with educators and system leaders to create learning environments that build durable skills such as critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and adaptability. She is passionate about helping schools navigate meaningful change and prepare young people to thrive in work, life, and community.Whitney joined World Savvy in 2021 and has served as Professional Learning Facilitator, National Director of School Partnerships, and Interim Chief Program Officer. With 14 years of experience as a teacher, instructional coach, and assistant principal, she brings expertise in curriculum design, instructional leadership, and educational equity. Drawing on her visual arts background, Whitney has developed transdisciplinary curricula centered on identity and student choice while leading professional development and systems-level equity efforts. She holds degrees in Curriculum and Instruction and Visual Arts and is passionate about helping schools create inclusive, student-centered learning experiences.
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