Belonging in School

Description



In this session, we examine Belonging in School by Smith, Fisher, and Frey. Students need to feel that they belong in order to learn and grow at school. But educators can’t assume belonging will just automatically happen. This book shares concrete steps to help us build classrooms where students will experience belonging.


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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.

Buy the book.

Contributors

  • Jenn David-Lang

    Jenn David-Lang has worked as a teacher, school administrator, consultant, and founder of educational organizations for over thirty years. She noticed that school leaders had little time for their own professional learning, so she founded The Main Idea. Her subscribers receive a thorough book summary each month, connecting them with the latest and most compelling ideas on education and leadership. Jenn also facilitates Masterminds (online groups of educational leaders learning together), facilitates workshops, coaches educational leaders, and conducts school evaluations. AWSP membership icnludes access to The Main Idea.

  • Kim Doepker, Principal, Garrison MS, Walla Walla SD

    Kim Doepker has worked in education for 29 years, gaining experience teaching in the classroom grades 3rd-8th, as an instructional coach, assistant principal and principal. As a seasoned principal, she is passionate about instructional leadership, growing the best in teachers and student success. In addition, she is also involved in principal mentoring through AWSP. Outside of school, Kim enjoys time with family, grandchildren, reading and staying active.

  • Terrie Garrison, Principal, Puyallup SD

    Theresa Garrison is a passionate and team-oriented elementary principal with over 20 years of experience building positive and inclusive school communities. She's led schools in the U.S. and abroad, always focused on creating environments where students can thrive. Theresa believes in being open and supportive and building strong relationships with her staff to ensure everyone feels empowered. With a rich background in working with diverse student populations and leading Title I schools, she’s all about finding data-driven solutions that put students first. Theresa’s love for education shines through in everything she does, always aiming to create a school culture where students and staff feel valued and supported. She hosted Senator Claire Wilson in January of 2024 for a "Principal for a Day" event and serves on the AWSP Board.

  • David Morrill, Communications & Technology Director, AWSP

    David joined AWSP in December 2013 after working for OSPI. He worked on the Basic Education Finance Task Force and started on the Teacher/Principal Evaluation Program in 2010. When he's not working, he's successfully escaping from escape rooms with his wife Taylor, playing tennis, or buying the latest Apple product. Email David.

October 21, 2024
Mon 4:00 PM PDT

Duration 1H 0M

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