Educators at Concord Middle School recently shadowed students to experience what it’s like to spend a day in the life of a student. (Photo Courtesy Concord Public Schools)
CONCORD — Six Concord Middle School educators recently stepped out of their roles and into students’ schedules, spending a full day observing what school actually looks and feels like from the other side.
The initiative, called “Shadow Day: Equity in Action,” placed four teachers, one specialist and one administrator alongside individual students from each grade — two sixth graders, two seventh graders and two eighth graders.
On April 8, each adult stayed with the student they were shadowing from breakfast through the final bell, observing advisory (homeBASE), six class periods, grade-level snack and lunch.
Nearly 70 students submitted requests to be shadowed. The six were selected based on their written responses, with a focus on themes including how students are settling into the new Ellen Garrison Building, their engagement in learning and their sense of inclusion and belonging.
On April 15, those six staff members sat alongside the students they shadowed during a faculty meeting, sharing reflections with the entire Concord Middle School faculty and staff.
Together, adults and students responded to questions including: When do students feel most seen and valued? Where might they feel overlooked or disconnected? How do daily routines, classroom language, and school structures shape a student’s sense of belonging?
“Shadow Day is designed to deepen our understanding of student experiences by inviting educators to step into a student’s daily schedule,” said Principal Justin Cameron. “These shared reflections grounded our conversation in authentic student voice and experience, helping us move from intention to action as we continue building an equitable and inclusive school community.”
The goal of Shadow Day was to provide a direct observation of the daily student experience.
“Shadow Day allowed our educators to experience the school day through a student’s eyes,” said Superintendent Dr. Laurie Hunter. “This experience gave our staff an experience beyond data. It allowed them to gain a true sense of what belonging looks like, and where we still have work to do. I’m proud of the students who raised their hands to be part of this and the staff who showed up ready to listen.”
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