Belonging in School: Creating a Place Where Kids Want to Learn and Teachers Want to Stay--An Illustrated Playbook

About Dominique SmithDouglas FisherNancy FreyRachael StewartVincent Pompei

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.  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. Vincent Pompei Ed.D. is an education consultant who specializes in promoting equitable school practices and inclusive environments for LGBTQ and gender-expansive students. He currently works as an assistant professor in the doctoral program for Educational Leadership at San Diego State University. Previously Vincent was the National Director of the Well-Being Program for the Human Rights Campaign and held roles as a Project Director for the Center for Excellence in School Counseling and Leadership as well as a middle school teacher and high school counselor. His accomplishments include serving as President of the California Association of School Counselors writing the LGBTQ section of the ASCAs National Model® and working as a national cadre trainer for the NEA. Recognized nationally for his dedication to safety and inclusion Vincent has spoken at numerous events and conferences as well as authored several publications. His most recent works were focused on supporting LGBTQ students in virtual environments and helping students with disabilities. Vincent earned his doctorate in educational leadership from San Diego State University. Rachael Stewart Ed.D. holds the position of Professor and Director of Academic and Career Programs within the Division of Student Affairs and Campus Diversity at San Diego State University. Her area of expertise lies in the study of organizational leadership change policy and practices in education systems. Her research is primarily focused on the creation of conducive environments for student success through engagement retention and post-graduate outcomes.