Leader Credibility: The Essential Traits of Those Who Engage, Inspire, and Transform

About Cathy J. LassiterDominique SmithDouglas FisherNancy Frey

Douglas Fisher is professor and chair of educational leadership at San Diego State University and a leader at Health Sciences High and Middle College. Previously Doug was an early intervention teacher and elementary school educator.  He is a credentialed teacher and leader in California.  In 2022 he was inducted into the Reading Hall of Fame by the Literacy Research Association. He has published widely on literacy quality instruction and assessment as well as books such as Welcome to Teaching PLC+ Teaching Students to Drive their Learning and Student Assessment: Better Evidence Better Decisions Better Learning. Nancy Frey is professor of educational leadership at San Diego State University and a leader at Health Sciences High and Middle College. Previously Nancy was a teacher academic coach and central office resource coordinator in Florida.  She is a credentialed special educator reading specialist and administrator in California.  She is a member of the International Literacy Associations Literacy Research Panel. She has published widely on literacy quality instruction and assessment as well as books such as The Artificial Intelligences Playbook How Scaffolding Works How Teams Work and The Vocabulary Playbook. Cathy Lassiter Ed.D. is an international consultant with over 35 years of combined experience as a public school teacher principal central office administrator and consultant. Her areas of expertise are in Visible Learning Teacher Clarity and all aspects of school leadership. Before this role she held various positions including Executive Director of Middle Schools and Senior Director of Curriculum Instruction and Staff Development. She also was a successful middle school principal and was named Virginias Middle School Principal of the Year. Cathy has served as an adjunct professor at The George Washington University teaching graduate courses in educational leadership. Dominique Smith EdD is chief of educational services and teacher support at Health Sciences High and Middle College in San Diego California. Smith is passionate about creating school environments that honor and empower students. His research and instruction focus on restorative practices classroom management growth mindset and the culture of achievement. Dominique also provides professional learning to K-12 teachers in small and large groups that address classroom and school climate and organization. He holds a doctorate in educational leadership from San Diego State University with an emphasis on equity as well as a masters degree in social work from the University of Southern California. Dominique also holds credentials from San Diego State University in administrative services child welfare PPS and attendance. Smith has been recognized with the National School Safety Award from the School Safety Advocacy Council. In 2018 he delivered a TED Talk on building relationships between students and teachers.