Quick take: Student voice isn't just nice to have—it's the missing ingredient in creating schools worth showing up for. Casey Wright proves that when you design with students instead of around them, everything from panini lines to classroom layouts becomes a catalyst for engagement.
Casey Wright has served as an educational leader in Illinois high school districts for 30 years. He began his career teaching social studies at Rolling Meadows High School while coaching girls track and boys basketball. After spending 12 years at Highland Park High School as an administrator, Casey is currently an Associate Principal at Glenbrook South High School in Glenview, Illinois. With a Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction from National-Louis University and a Bachelor of Arts in Social Studies Education from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Casey is also a member of the Illinois Association of School Business Officials.
In this episode, Casey Wright challenges traditional education paradigms:
Key Insight #1: Students Are Your Best Design Consultants
Key Insight #2: Physical Space Shapes Learning Dynamics
Key Insight #3: Mentorship Multiplies Leadership Impact
"Students don't care how much you know until they know how much you care." – Casey Wright
Ready to implement these ideas? Start here:
Tomorrow: Walk through your building and count how many spaces were designed with student input versus adult assumptions
This Month: Convene a student advisory committee to get feedback on one specific aspect of your school experience (food, spaces, policies)
This Semester: Pilot flexible learning spaces in 2-3 classrooms, involving both teachers and students in the design process
🔗 Follow Casey Wright: Casey is an Associate Principal at Glenbrook South High School in Glenview, Illinois
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