Life-changing – a simple word that the 2022-23 National Student Officers used to summarize their experience this past year. In their Saturday breakout session “Using Our Voice for Change,” student officers Torrey McClain (President), Mary Kate Gebhart (VP of Engagement & Programs), Katelen Bennett (VP of Communications), and Keiren Minter (VP of Service), shared their experiences as student officers to a room full of students.

Being a student officer is no easy job. From meeting regularly with each other and national staff, creating engaging projects for students around the nation, and leading the annual conference, these student officers exemplify the true leadership and student voice of Educators Rising.

“Your experience will be what you put into it,” Mary Kate said when asked about her role as the Vice President of Programs and the responsibilities entailed as a student officer. “I did not plan on teaching originally,” Katelen mentioned. “It wasn’t until I was encouraged by my peers to join EdRising and then become a national officer. This officer team has been a great support system since we began working together.” Through their testimonies, they inspire Educators Rising members to potentially take on leadership roles in the organization on a local, state, or national level.

Elected by their peers and supported by national staff, the Educators Rising National Student Officers act as primary liaisons between the student membership and the national organization to promote student voice in education.