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

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 master’s 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 Association’s 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 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.