Student Voice Unpacked: Defining, Understanding, and Amplifying Its Impact
Panelists
Jacqueline Hagel, Consultant
Jacqueline Hagel, B.Ed., M.A., A.Q.C., is an Educational Consultant with more than 20 years of experience working in schools and over 10 years with Student Achievement and Supports at the Ministry of Education in Saskatchewan. Her extensive background in both education and government organisations, uniquely positions her to support student learning effectively.
For over a decade, Jacqueline led the provincial implementation and utilization of student voice data through the OurSCHOOL student and teacher surveys. These surveys gathered feedback from over 100,000 students and 7,000 teachers annually across Saskatchewan, providing valuable insights into school climate, student well-being and engagement. These data served as catalyst for informed strategic planning and positive change within schools.
Jacqueline has presented at various conferences, emphasizing the importance of integrating student voice into educational practices to improve student outcomes and well-being. She is passionate about building community and fostering partnerships to drive school improvement and enhance teaching and learning.
Sarah Blackwater, Director of Learning, Tsuut’ina Department of Education
Sarah Blackwater, B.A., B.Ed., M.Ed. is the Director of Learning, responsible for overseeing educational initiatives and curriculum implementation to enhance learning experiences for Tsuut’ina students. Her role involves collaborating with educators to ensure that programs are relevant and supportive of student success.
Over the past three years, Sarah has led the implementation of the OurSCHOOL student, teacher, staff, and parent surveys. The data collected has enabled her team to develop professional learning opportunities that reflect student needs.
Her leadership demonstrates a strong commitment to creating an environment where students feel a sense of belonging and empowerment.
Noel Burke, Innovator, Teacher, Consultant, & Coach
NEXTschool Initiative
With 50 years of experience in education, Noel has become a recognized champion of Lifelong Learning, a successful agent of change, and a sought-after consultant and speaker on educational and institutional innovation.
He is the founder of LEARN and the Community Learning Centre Initiatives in Québec, the Quebec English-speaking Communities Research Network, and the School of Extended Learning at Concordia University. He is also the co-founder and Lead Designer and of the NEXTschool initiative – advocating the “personalisation of learning and the professionalization of teaching” through structural transformation of the high school environment.
He is currently a member of the Québec Education Minister’s Advisory Board on Education and a sessional lecturer for Graduate Studies in Educational Leadership here at McGill University.
As the principal partner of nEDworks Consulting, Noel continues to provide consultation services to educational stakeholders, Leadership Coaching to educational administrators, as well as Career Coaching to transitioning youth and adults.
Vanessa Gold, Doctoral Student
Department of Integrated Studies of Education, McGill University
Vanessa Gold is studying pedagogical change processes in secondary and post-secondary schools. The research areas informing her work include student voice, educational change, photovoice, and action research. Vanessa is currently overseeing the implementation of the first NEXTschool in Québec, Canada. She seeks opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and creativity whenever possible.
