Student Voice Taking Flight

Upcoming LEVinar: Reclaiming Student Attention: Spokane’s “Engage In Real Life” Initiative & the Momentum for Statewide Cell Phone-Free Schools

Next Thursday, July 16 at 12:30 pm, join us for a timely and engaging conversation spotlighting Spokane Public Schools’ innovative Engage In Real Life (IRL) program, a district-wide initiative designed to help students build healthier relationships with technology by limiting cell phone use during the school day. Grounded in student voice, community engagement, and a commitment to academic and social-emotional growth, Spokane’s approach is quickly becoming a model for others exploring the benefits of phone-free learning environments.

This free, interactive webinar will feature:

• Dr. Adam Swinyard, Superintendent of Spokane Public Schools, sharing insights on the development, implementation, and early impact of the Engage In Real Life program
• Students from across Washington state, offering firsthand perspectives on how cell phone use shapes their learning, relationships, and well-being
• Statewide policymakers and advocates discussing the growing momentum behind a proposed K–12 cell phone ban in Washington and what it could mean for schools, educators, and families

You will gain a deeper understanding of:

• The rationale and research behind limiting cell phone use in schools
• Lessons learned from Spokane’s implementation of Engage In Real Life
• Student experiences and perspectives on attention, belonging, and digital balance
• The policy landscape and next steps toward a potential statewide approach

LEVinar Recording: Washington state Teachers of the Year on Supporting Students to be Future-Ready

In this webinar, Washington state Teachers of the Year explore what it truly means to prepare students for an uncertain, rapidly changing future — and how today’s classrooms can rise to that challenge. Hear candid reflections from classrooms and communities about the challenges, breakthroughs, and lessons that shaped the year. Also, listen directly to students from across the state as they share what’s working, what’s missing, and what they need to thrive.

Panelists:

• Amishi Ahuja, a sophomore at Redmond High School in the Lake Washington School District and a member of the Association of Washington Student Leaders (AWSL)
• Harsheela Vishnum, a sophomore at Edmonds-Woodway High School in the Edmonds School District and a member of AWSL
• Jaden Hong, a sophomore at Eastlake High School in the Lake Washington School District and a member of AWSL
• Railey Lamb, a junior at Kennewick High School in the Kennewick School District and a member of AWSL
• Gabriela Whitemarsh, the 2026 Washington state Teacher of the Year and Bilingual Mathematics Teacher at Pasco High School in the Pasco School District
• Jerad Koepp, the 2022 Washington state Teacher of the Year and Native Student Program Specialist at North Thurston Public Schools
• Brooke Brown, the 2021 Washington state Teacher of the Year, Instructional Equity Specialist in the Franklin Pierce School District, and Vice Chair of the Washington State Board of Education
• Amy Campbell, the 2020 Washington state Teacher of the Year, Special Education Teacher at Woodburn Elementary School in the Camas School District, and Board Member of the Washington State Professional Educator Standards Board