Student-Led Conferences:

Helpful or Hassle?

By: Astrid Kim

1/14/26

As the end of the semester rolls around, Montpelier High School is preparing for a new form of reflection: student-led conferences. In addition to caregiver conferences, these are intended to be a conversation about the student’s dreams and plans for the future. For some, this could be a great opportunity, but for others, it may seem confusing or pointless. 

MHS held student-led conferences several years ago, but they were disrupted during the pandemic in 2019. Once school was back, the priority was to get students back to academics and learning. Because of this, academic conferences were enforced, and student-led conferences were left behind. This will be the first year that the school is reinstating them. 

Helen Sullivan, a Global Studies teacher at MHS, is spearheading student-led conferences this year in the hopes that it will be a way for students to reflect on their progress towards their goals and achievements. 

Two summers ago a committee of MHS staff members started planning the conferences. They thought about how students might benefit from more support and planning, like with senior projects, schedule changes, and conferences. During meetings, the committee developed a framework for student-led conferences, which they are piloting this year. 

Sullivan is excited and hopes that this will lead to an annual tradition and cultivate greater connection between students, caregivers, and teachers. 

While many teachers are looking forward to the conferences, the opinions of the students seem to be a mixed bag.