Dear Educators,

If I could share just one thing with every advisor, counselor, coach, mentor, and everyone who works with student leaders… it would be this: remind your student leaders that leadership is not a title, it’s a responsibility.

The skills they’re building (communication, organization, empathy) are like superpowers. And superpowers aren’t meant to be stored away; they’re meant to be used for the good of others. When you advise, I encourage you to focus less on the “what” and more on the “why.” It’s not just about the dance, the pep rally, or the event. It’s about the purpose behind it all. Push your leaders to see beyond the event and into the impact. That’s where true growth happens.

Ask them: Who will feel seen, heard, or supported because of this? How will our school be better because we chose to act?

Top Tips for Advising Student Leaders 

1. Shift the focus from “what” to “why.” Help students see the impact behind every action, not just the activity itself.

2. Model the behavior you want to see. Show your leaders that kindness, empathy, and service are lived values, not slogans.

3. Encourage empathy-driven leadership. Urge them to reach out to those who are different, and to build bridges instead of walls.

4. Celebrate small wins. Growth happens in the daily moments; acknowledge them often.

5. Push for courage. Remind students that leadership is about doing what’s right, especially when it’s hard.

And remind them to lead with empathy. To intentionally reach out to the students who look, sound, or are different from them. To work with those they may not always agree with, because the goal of leadership isn’t to be the leader of a few, or even many. It’s to be the leader of all.

Of course, they’ll learn this best if they see it in you first. Be better. Model it. Show them that kindness and service aren’t just Spirit Week slogans, they’re a way of life. Celebrate the small wins. Teach them to listen as much as they speak. Encourage them to lead with courage, especially when it’s hard.

Because when students are leaders who get this right, they don’t just change schools. They change communities. And by extension, they change the world.

So here’s to the school staff who pour their hearts into shaping leaders who fight forward. Leaders who don’t settle for “good enough,” but who call us all to something greater. This school year, may you remind your students (and yourself) that leadership is never about the spotlight. It’s about shining the light on others.

With gratitude,
Carlos “Chu” Ojeda Jr.