Belonging in School

Unlock a treasure trove of learning—make room for belonging in school

Belonging is an instinctual feeling: you know when you feel it—and you really know when you don’t. Creating a sense of belonging in the classroom has a significant impact on student learning and well-being; it serves as a gatekeeper for other aspects of learning to take root. But how do we create classrooms and schools where every student knows they belong?

This easy-to-use, illustrated playbook has you covered. 11 evidence-based modules feature actions and strategies that teachers can apply to help students feel more included. Interactive features such as essential questions and reflective prompts are designed to engage educators and deepen their understanding of the importance of connection and belonging in a student′s educational experience.

Readers will find

• Detailed coverage of the 11 dimensions of belonging
• Evidence-based actions in every module to help foster belonging, balanced between elementary and secondary levels
• Interactive features like Essential Questions, Two Truths and a Lie, Case in Point, What′s Your Advice? and What′s Next? to facilitate engagement and reflection
• A highly visual illustrated style to promote comprehension and information retention

By utilizing this playbook’s strategies to create environments where students feel a sense of belonging, educators can help improve learning outcomes and academic performance while supporting the overall well-being of their students.

Dominique Smith, EdD, is an award-winning educator, author, and school leader who has dedicated two decades to transforming schools into inclusive, safe, and empowering spaces for students and educators alike. He currently serves as Principal at Health Sciences High and Middle College in San Diego, California. Dominique earned his Doctorate in Educational Leadership from San Diego State University and a Master of Social Work from the University of Southern California. A passionate advocate for belonging, restorative practices, and leadership development, Dr. Smith has co-authored several influential books, including Belonging in School: Creating a Place Where Kids Want to Learn and Teachers Want to Stay; Better Than Carrots or Sticks: Restorative Practices for Positive Classroom Management; Building Equity: Policies and Practices to Empower All Learners; Leader Credibility; How Leadership Works: A Playbook for Instructional Leaders; and The Restorative Practices Playbook. Through his leadership, writing, and speaking, Dr. Smith continues to champion the belief that when students feel seen, heard, and valued, they are empowered to thrive—both academically and personally. His work challenges schools to move beyond compliance and discipline toward cultures of belonging, accountability, and restorative growth. Douglas Fisher is professor and chair of educational leadership at San Diego State University and a teacher leader at Health Sciences High and Middle College. Previously, Fisher was an early intervention teacher and elementary school educator. In 2022, he was inducted into the Reading Hall of Fame by the Literacy Research Association. He has published numerous articles on reading and literacy, differentiated instruction, and curriculum design, as well as books such as Your Introduction to PLC+, Welcome to Teaching, How Feedback Works, Teaching Reading, and RIGOR Unveiled. Fisher loves being an educator and hopes to share that passion with others. Nancy Frey is a professor in educational leadership at San Diego State University and a teacher leader at Health Sciences High and Middle College. Her published titles include The Courage to Learn, The Art and Science of Coaching, How Scaffolding Works, and The Illustrated Guide to Visible Learning. Frey is a credentialed special educator, reading specialist, and administrator in California and learns from teachers and students every day. 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 ASCA’s 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., is a Professor and Director of Academic and Career Programs within the Division of Student Affairs and Campus Diversity at San Diego State University. Her research and service concentrate on organizational change, policies, and practices within educational systems, particularly how these frameworks foster student success through engagement, retention, and post-graduate achievements. Dr. Stewart’s extensive personal and professional leadership development expertise enables her to provide coaching that supports leaders at all levels, promoting individual growth and organizational success.