Liberation Journeys

Belonging is essential for students to thrive, yet too many young people feel disconnected from their school communities. Research shows that in middle and high school, this disconnect can lead to lower attendance, declining grades, and behavioral challenges. Paired with the burnout educators face in trying to address these issues, it’s clear that schools need bold, collaborative solutions. At Liberation Journeys, our mission is to place student voice, identity, and belonging at the core of school culture. We collaborate with educators and students to design tools, strategies, and programs that integrate student perspectives into school visions, policymaking, and instructional practices. Key Initiatives: Liberated Educators Collaborative - A national professional learning community where middle and high school educators embark on a liberatory journey to transform their practice. Through virtual sessions and peer collaboration, participants explore student voice, identity, and belonging while applying Liberatory Design as a framework to create equitable and inclusive school culture. School-Based Professional Development - Our professional development cohorts equip teachers with practical strategies to bring student perspectives directly into classroom practices, curriculum design, and daily instruction. These sessions address specific school and classroom challenges, empowering educators to create equitable learning environments where belonging and student voice is at the forefront. Student Fellowships - Our fellowships equip high school students with the tools to identify and problem solve school climate challenges and develop leadership skills. They design initiatives that foster belonging and create spaces that honor their diverse perspectives and experiences. The program culminates in an experiential learning trip reflective of their learning experience.