Our 2026 Middle School Student Sound Off winners remind us what happens when we invite young adolescents into real dialogue and decision-making: they rise to the challenge with creativity, courage, and insight. This year's prompts encouraged students to express their middle school experiences and relationships in whatever format felt most authentic to them. Their submissions show exactly why elevating student voice matters. 🙌 View the entries and join us in celebrating all our 2026 winners, finalists, and honorable mentions: amle.org/soundoff

At AMLE, we believe the true middle school is one intentionally designed for young adolescents ages 10–14 (typically grades 5–8). We exist to help schools bring that vision to life in their own communities worldwide. 📍 Through The Successful Middle School Program, we provide educators, schools, and districts with research-based tools, resources, and professional learning grounded in decades of research on young adolescent development and middle grades best practice. 💡Comment below or email us at info@amle.org for high-quality, affordable resources for your middle school. AMLE is here to support no matter where you are in your Successful Middle School journey! 👉amle.org/sms

🎉Congratulations to Ava Backing, a 7th grader from Byron Center West Middle School, who has been named a finalist in the 2026 Middle School Student Sound Off Contest! She expressed her middle school experience through this beautiful artwork. Artist’s Statement: "I'm very happy with how the lighting on the artwork turned out, because it gave the idea that art was streaming through the leaves of a tree. I also like how I made the birds in the center stand out from the color palette — it was intentional for them to look out of place. The birds in the center are meant to represent how people who are different can be perceived as outcasts among the 'norm.' But even if they are different, they still have each other and a place where they belong." We’re so impressed by Ava’s creativity and meaningful message honoring belonging and differences. View our gallery of Student Sound Off Contest honorees at amle.org/soundoff.

The stakes are high for middle schoolers as their personal development and academic growth during these years can dramatically impact their futures. The quality of students’ middle school experience substantially affects their overall sense of well-being and, in particular, their later chances for high school completion and post-secondary success. That’s why we’re so excited to celebrate these young voices who participated in our 2026 Student Sound Off Contest. Their creativity and courageous honesty remind us why supporting middle school students matters so much: for them and for all of us. Congratulations to Maggie Conaway, a 7th grader from Rockwood South Middle School for earning recognition as a finalist in our global Middle School Student Sound Off Contest! In her poem, she writes: ✨"But then I remember I have a choice, To raise my hand and express my voice." Keep on using your voice boldly and thoughtfully, Maggie! 🗣️View more contest submissions: amle.org/2026-student-sound-…

Do you (or someone you know) have the vision, experience, and passion to provide strategic leadership for AMLE? AMLE is now accepting nominations for two open positions on our Board of Trustees! Trustees are instrumental in guiding our mission to support middle grades educators so they can reach every student, grow professionally, and create great schools. Learn more and apply by June 30th: amle.org/getinvolved

Nominations for AMLE's Educator of the Year are due July 15th! Gather inspiration from Katrina Hill ('25 honoree), and review the nomination requirements: ow.ly/QpVM50Z7h7x

The housing block for this summer's Leadership Institute closes June 5th. Don't miss out on the best rates! Register & reserve your hotel stay: ow.ly/rfrT50Z6LbK

As educators supporting middle school students, we know this stage isn’t just a transition, it’s one of the most transformative periods in human development. Young adolescence (ages 10–15) brings rapid biological, cognitive, and social-emotional changes. These years shape lifelong attitudes toward learning, self-identity, and future possibilities. That’s why we created the Middle School Student Sound Off Contest: to give students a voice to provide insight into this critical window of exploration, self-discovery, and forward thinking. Join us in celebrating Nyla Whitaker, a 7th grader from Parker Jr. High School and 2026 Middle School Student Sound Off Contest finalist! 🏆 View Nyla's full entry all of the finalists' submissions: amle.org/soundoff

#AMLE25 Rising Star Presenter Adam Whitaker offers some thoughtful advice to ponder over summer break: 💭 What prompts are you putting into AI to spark culturally relevant learning for your students? 💭 What's a Gen Alpha experience you could try out this summer that could help you draw connections between classroom content and their world outside of school? Read the full article & listen to the podcast: 👉ow.ly/8Ben50Z6qYn

Today is #NationalCreativityDay, the perfect day to announce the winners of our 2026 Middle School Student Sound Off Contest! CONGRATULATIONS, Nasir Scott and Adrian Morales, 7th graders from Strong Middle School in Melvindale, Michigan who were named the overall winners for their game called, "My Life in School". Explore several middle school themes through the eyes of middle schoolers themselves in their interactive experience: 👉character-creator-chronicles… 🙌A huge thank you to every student who participated by using their voice to express their viewpoints boldly and thoughtfully. 💭🗣️ View the insightful student submissions, including our finalists and honorable mentions, here: amle.org/soundoff.

Attention junior/senior undergraduate students & pre-service teachers! 📢Don't miss this awesome opportunity to apply to be a Student Ambassador at #AMLE26 in Nashville! As an Ambassador, you’ll: 🌟 Gain an insider’s view of the world’s largest middle level education conference 🌟 Build your professional network with leaders and peers 🌟 Receive mentorship on your job search 🌟 Earn valuable resume experience through meaningful volunteer roles Learn more & apply by August 30:

Want to expand meaningful student leadership in your school or district? Our latest survey data reveals key trends for building student voice, agency, and collaboration for middle schoolers: ow.ly/UJUw50YZOLt

✏️ Want to sharpen your students’ thinking? Better questions = better learning. ICYMI, check out this great article podcast with Connie Hamilton on the power of effective questioning in middle school: ow.ly/Ye2950YZO00

At Dorseyville Middle School, an AMLE School of Distinction, a unique initiative called Exploratory Time (ET) is keeping kids excited to come to school while building stronger relationships between students and school staff. Gather recommendations for implementing a similar program at your school: ow.ly/pS5850YZKLt

Join an experience that will create lasting impact at your school for months and years to come! Limited spots remain for the 2026 Leadership Institute. Collaborate with expert faculty in interactive sessions and small-group “homeroom” communities, where you’ll focus on proven strategies that drive success in middle schools. ⚜️ Our amazing faculty will work directly with you (and your team if you’re bringing them!) to adapt these strategies to your unique school context and real-world challenges with young adolescents and the educators who serve them. Register while spots last! amle.org/institute-for-middl…

🌟Would you like to play a leadership role in advancing the middle level education movement? AMLE is accepting nominations for two open positions on our Board of Trustees. 🌟Trustees serve six-year terms beginning January 2027. To self-nominate or nominate a colleague, you’ll need a completed nomination form, a high-resolution photo, and three letters of reference. 🌟Learn more and submit by June 30: amle.org/get-involved

ICYMI, we're resharing this powerful case study from @JCPS featured in our Playbook for Career Exploration in the Middle Grades. What steps are you taking to boost student engagement as you head into summer planning? ow.ly/mAUx50YZbFk

Counselor, educator, and author Emily Kircher-Morris recently shared her expertise on what neurodiversity really means and how middle level educators can support a wide range of needs during a time when social awareness intensifies and differences become more visible. Worth noting: ☑️Common misconceptions about neurodivergence ☑️How strengths-based accommodations benefit all learners ☑️Practical strategies for fostering belonging, supporting executive functioning, and disrupting rigid social patterns in the middle grades Read the full article with the podcast interview: ow.ly/tX0E50YVhEt

🎉A HUGE CONGRATULATIONS to Katie Johnson, Principal at Belmont Ridge Middle School who was recently named Principal of the Year by @LCPSOfficial. Katie was recognized for making an extraordinary impact on her school community, leading with an open-door policy, and always making herself available to parents, staff, and students no matter how busy she is. 👆Which is saying a lot, considering Katie was also named a Principal of Distinction by the Virginia Department of Education last month. Katie was one of 25 admins to successfully complete all requirements demonstrating strong leadership in improving student achievement, providing effective instructional leadership, and cultivating a school environment that reduces non-academic barriers. 🎯 Katie currently serves as a member of the AMLE Board of Trustees. Join us in congratulating Katie on her exceptional contributions to her middle school community! 🙌 @VDOE_News

Save the Date! Our last Leadership Roundtable of the school year is coming up Tuesday, May 26. Topics for discussion include: ☑️ year-end priorities, including evaluations, school events and activities ☑️ planning for the summer, and ☑️ preparing for the upcoming school year Don't miss this valuable time to connect with other leaders in the middle grades! Register for the meeting link: ow.ly/foKX50YZ7S3