Illustrated Guide to Teacher Credibility

Inspire trust, raise engagement, and advance learning outcomes with teacher credibility

Why do some instructional strategies work better for certain teachers than others? Given the same materials, time and effort, these teachers seem to possess the secret to success when it comes to high-impact teaching. No secrets here—the key to increasing student learning outcomes is teacher credibility.

The Illustrated Guide to Teacher Credibility dives into one of the most impactful aspects of teaching, helping educators understand how trust, competence, dynamism, and immediacy shape students’ perceptions and influence their motivation to learn. By focusing on the relationship between teacher credibility and its influence on learning, this book delivers the goods for educators to overcome barriers, establish meaningful connections, and achieve high-impact teaching. With practical insights and strategies and a research-backed Visible Learning effect size of 1.09, the authors demonstrate how credibility is not just a concept but a fundamental driver for student success with:

• Comprehensive Frameworks: Explore the four pillars of teacher credibility (trust, competence, dynamism, and immediacy) and how to cultivate them in your practice.
• Practical Strategies: Gain actionable tools for building trust with students, improving teacher clarity, and fostering dynamic, engaging learning environments.
• Self-Assessments and Tools: Evaluate your own credibility and use reflective tools to enhance professional growth.
• Real-World Applications: Learn how to apply immediacy and proximity to improve communication and create enriched classroom relationships.

This essential resource is for every educator whose aim is to inspire trust, raise engagement, and advance learning outcomes. By focusing on credibility, you’ll empower your students and create an environment where they can thrive academically and socially.

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, Doug was an early intervention teacher and elementary school educator. He is a credentialed English teacher and administrator in California. 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, leadership, and curriculum design, as well as books such as The Teacher Clarity Playbook (2nd ed.), Your Introduction to PLC+, The Illustrated Guide to Teacher Credibility, Instructional Strategies to Move Learning Forward: 50+ Tools That Support Gradual Release of Responsibility, and Welcome to Teaching! Nancy Frey is a professor in educational leadership at San Diego State University and a teacher leader at Health Sciences High and Middle College. She is a credentialed special educator, reading specialist, and administrator in California. She is a member of the International Literacy Association’s Literacy Research Panel. Her published titles include 50 Strategies for Activating Your PLC+, The Illustrated Guide to Visible Learning, Welcome to Teaching Multilingual Learners, Teaching Foundational Skills to Adolescent Readers, and RIGOR Unveiled: A Video-Enhanced Flipbook to Promote Teacher Expertise in Relationship Building, Instruction, Goals, Organization, and Relevance.  Dr. Dominique Smith 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. Dr. Smith earned his Doctorate in Educational Leadership from San Diego State University and a Master of Social Work from the University of Southern California. His dual expertise in education and social work uniquely positions him to bridge the gap between academic success, emotional safety, and equitable school culture. 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. In recognition of his commitment to fostering safe and supportive school environments, Dr. Smith received the National School Safety Award from the School Safety Advocacy Council. His TED Talk on building authentic relationships between students and teachers has inspired educators across the country to reimagine connection as the cornerstone of effective teaching and learning. 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.   Taryl Hansen, NBCT, Ed.D is a visual practitioner and the creator of Frame the Message Ink, LLC (framethemessageink.com). She is an associate trainer for Cognitive CoachingSM and holds a doctorate in Teacher Leadership and Innovation from Arizona State University. Taryl has been trained by Thinking Collaborative and Grove Consultants International, leaders in the fields of learning and cognition. As a live graphic recorder and illustrator, Taryl works internationally to create vibrant and engaging visuals that bring essential elements to the forefront for learners, enhancing retention, driving engagement, and inspiring learners to collaborate in more meaningful ways.