As of Feb. 19, 2026, Lightspeed microphones were placed in most of the classrooms at Des Moines East High School. The district received a grant to have microphones placed in classrooms for students who cannot hear well, and to enhance their education. The purpose of the installation of the ceiling microphones is to ensure that students can always hear the teacher, and to put less strain on teachers’ voices. Studies show that the addition of this advance technology improves the learning environment for students by enhancing their abilities to hear the teacher clearly and more often.

“It works very well, I really like it,” English teacher Alexa Livingston said.

According to an email sent to staff by Principal Jill Versteeg, it’s a requirement that teachers use the provided microphones in their classrooms.

“It is nice for teachers,” teacher Heather Carter said. “I feel like the kids are more engaged.”

Teachers are more impressed with how technology supports students with hearing differences.

“We have students that have hearing differences, these microphones allow me to be more readily heard by all students,” Science teacher Michelle Casto-Yerty said.

Since the Lightspeed microphones were installed in classrooms, some students were overjoyed that their teacher was having fun with the microphones.

“At first I thought it was hilarious how the teachers first used it, trying their best to adjust to the new setting and usage of the mics—pretty much theirs and the students’ wholesome reaction to it,” freshman Lam Thach said.

The Lightspeed microphones have helped students be able to hear their teachers better.

“I think that the students can hear me,” teacher Ryan Gladson said.

While teachers like the usage of Lightspeed microphones, there are some students who believe that it is too loud.

“Yes, a few of my teacher have. It’s really loud,” senior Fiona Bojdol said.

While there are some teachers who really likes the new Lightspeed microphones, there are some teachers who are a bit hesitant on using them.

“I do, I was a little skeptical at first,” FLEX teacher Jake Hoversten said. “It’s just been wonderful.”

Alongside some teachers being skeptical about the system, there are a few teachers who believe that the Lightspeed microphone system does not match what they teach.

“For my class, I don’t see any use to it. It doesn’t make a lot of sense for my content, teaching music and choir,” teacher Cameron White said.

Meanwhile the teachers are supposed to use their microphones, there has been some concerns that it clings onto their lanyards, which makes it hard for them to adjust to the microphone.

“With lanyards and stuff, it gets stuck around your neck,” Spanish teacher Jennyfer Yanqui said.