Twynnette Anderson

Curtistene S. McCowan Middle School
Glen Heights, Texas
twynnette.anderson@desotoisd.org

Why do you think student leadership development is important for all students?

Student leadership development is especially important in Title I schools because it provides a platform for equity, voice, and empowerment particularly for minority students who may not always see themselves represented in traditional leadership roles. In our community, leadership isn’t just a title; it’s a way for students to develop a sense of purpose, pride, and personal agency. Many of our students come from backgrounds where opportunities can feel limited. By providing access to real leadership experiences, we help break that narrative and show them they are capable of leading, creating change, and inspiring others.

For minority students, leadership development reinforces identity, culture, and confidence. Whether through service projects, performances, or school-wide initiatives, our students learn how to speak up for themselves and for their communities. These experiences help build critical life skills such as communication, collaboration, and resilience skills that extend far beyond school walls.

In Title I settings, where students often face additional socio-economic barriers, leadership roles also serve as motivators for academic and behavioral success. Students who are trusted with responsibility begin to see themselves differently; they view school as a place where they are not only safe but seen and valued. That mindset shift is transformative, creating a generation of young leaders who believe in their capacity to lead with purpose and passion.