AZ Supt. launches Student Advisory Council to help shape policy

Superintendent of Public Instruction Kathy Hoffman announced the formation of the Arizona Department of Education’s first statewide Student Advisory Council on Thursday, Aug. 15, 2019.

Fifteen students representing grades 5 through 12 will be selected to participate in this student advisory council as part of Superintendent Hoffman’s efforts to elevate the voices of students in Arizona.

“When students have the opportunity to use their voice, it inspires and empowers them to be leaders in their educational experience,” said Superintendent Hoffman. 

“It’s important for me to hear firsthand from Arizona students about their experiences in school today, and I’m thrilled to convene this Advisory Council and to invite students from across the state to share their perspectives that will help influence education policy at the statewide level,” Supt. Hoffman said.

Superintendent Hoffman will seek student advisors’ perspectives on a range of topics, from curriculum and testing to school facilities and technology. 

Selected students will serve a one-year term on the student advisory council starting October 2019 and ending with the 2019-2020 school year. 

Students from grades 5 through 12 that are residents of Arizona are encouraged to apply.  Click here to apply.

Qualifications Each applicant must be currently enrolled as a full-time student in Arizona with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5.

The Arizona Department of Education recognizes that there may be extenuating circumstances that have resulted in a cumulative GPA lower than the minimum GPA listed above (for example, multiple school transitions, out on medical leave, etc.). If you feel this is applicable to your circumstance, please email a letter of explanation along with a letter of support from a teacher and/or employer confirming the circumstance to sophia.mayberry@azed.gov.

Application Directions: This form, completed and submitted before the deadline to apply. In addition, each applicant needs to email 1-2 letter(s) of recommendation from a teacher, employer, mentor, parent/guardian, or community leader to sophia.mayberry@azed.gov. If you need to submit the letter(s) in a different format, email sophia.mayberry@azed.gov. Applications/letters of recommendation that need to be mailed, should be mailed to Arizona Department of Education Attn: Sophia Mayberry Bin #2 1535 W Jefferson St Phoenix, AZ 85007.

Selection Process: Applications are due Monday, September 16, 2019. After an initial review of applications by ADE Employees and Community Members, applications will be evaluated and qualifying candidates will be asked to participate in an interview between September 23-29, 2019. Applicants will then be notified by Friday, October 4, 2019, if they are invited to serve on the council.

All applications must be submitted and emailed no later than  Monday, September 16, 2019.

The Student Advisors will be selected by Friday, October 4, 2019.

More information regarding eligibility and the application requirements can be found on our website www.azed.gov.