Beyond the Classroom: How Teachers Can Advocate for the Students and Communities They Care About

Teachers do more than just deliver lessons—they are often the most trusted adults in their students’ lives. But what happens when a student’s challenges extend beyond the classroom? Lisa Maria Rhodes, founder of ALAS, has built a model that empowers educators to advocate for their students in ways that can change the trajectory of their lives.

When a Letter Can Change a Life

One of the most powerful tools a teacher has is their voice. ALAS trains educators to write letters to judges on behalf of students who have been caught up in the legal system. This simple act of advocacy has had a profound impact—every single time a teacher has written a letter, the judge has either reduced bail or allowed the student to return home pre-trial.

“That is a very light lift that any educator can do to humanize their student with the core values of their school, with all the things that they’re great at.” — Lisa Maria Rhodes

By providing firsthand accounts of a student’s character, work ethic, and contributions to their school community, teachers can ensure that judges see more than just a case number—they see a young person with potential.

The Reality of the School-to-Prison Pipeline

Educators often see firsthand how the justice system disproportionately affects students from marginalized communities. Lisa Maria’s experience in New Orleans revealed a heartbreaking reality: many students disappear from classrooms not because they’ve dropped out, but because they’ve been arrested.

“About once a week, I would get a response from a parent saying, ‘Oh, my son has been arrested. My son is incarcerated.’”

For many teachers, this news can feel overwhelming. But ALAS provides a roadmap for how educators can step in—whether by writing letters, showing up in court, or simply connecting students with legal resources.

Educators as Community Advocates

Beyond the legal system, teachers have the opportunity to be powerful advocates for students navigating other challenges, including immigration court.

Without legal representation, an undocumented student has only an 8% chance of winning their case. But with legal support—often facilitated by a teacher’s advocacy—that number jumps to over 90%.

Lisa Maria recalls how educators at her school, including herself, stepped up to accompany students to immigration court, helping them understand the process and secure legal assistance. These small acts of advocacy helped students stay in school, gain permanent residency, and pursue higher education.

“It allows educators to not let the court system stand in the way between the student and their studies, which is essentially standing in the way of the student and their future.”

Empowering Teachers to Make a Difference

Many educators want to help but don’t know how. ALAS provides training that equips teachers with the knowledge and tools they need to support students effectively. These resources enable educators to:

• Write impactful letters to judges that highlight a student’s strengths.
• Connect students with free legal representation.
• Advocate within their schools to ensure that policies support, rather than hinder, students facing systemic barriers.

A Call to Action for Teachers Everywhere

Teachers already change lives inside the classroom—but their influence can extend far beyond school walls. By stepping into advocacy roles, they can ensure that students receive the opportunities, protection, and justice they deserve.

Lisa Maria and ALAS are proving that small actions—like writing a letter or accompanying a student to court—can have life-changing effects. The message to educators is clear: You don’t have to be a lawyer to advocate for your students. You just have to care enough to act.

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