Engagement by Design: Creating Learning Environments Where Students Thrive (Corwin Literacy)

Every teacher wants engaged students. No student wants to be bored. So why isn’t every classroom teeming with discussion and purposeful activity centered on the day’s learning expectations? 

Consistently finding a rhythm―where students progress through relevant and challenging content―isn’t easy. But not only is it possible, it can also seem effortless when teachers have the right design for genuinely engaging students.  

Classroom dynamics are inherently complex, as multifaceted as the personalities in the room, so where should a teacher begin? Engagement by Design gives you a framework for making daily improvements and highlights the opportunities that will bring the greatest benefit in the least amount of time. You’ll learn about relationships, clarity, and challenge, including

• How getting to know each student a little better can fundamentally change the classroom dynamics―and how to do that
• What it means to be an "intentionally inviting" teacher, and how it gives you an advantage in creating an environment conducive to learning
• How to bring more clarity to key aspects of your work―and how it can reap substantial rewards for you and your students
• How opening the culture to student voice―listening to students―is linked to academic motivation, and how to use it to shape your day-to-day planning
• The best ways to increase learning for your students, boosting the proportional value of their school year

Understanding engagement―and actively pursuing it―can make all the difference between forging a real connection with students and having a classroom that’s simply going through the motions. Engagement by Design puts you in control of managing your classroom’s success and increasing student learning, one motivated student at a time.

Douglas Fisher is a 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, leadership, 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 of 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.

Dr. Russell J. Quaglia is a globally recognized pioneer in the field of education, known for his unwavering dedication to student voice and aspirations.  Dr. Quaglia has been described by news media as America′s foremost authority on the development and achievement of student voice and aspirations.  His innovative work is evidenced by an extensive library of research-based publications, prominent international speaking appearances, and a successfully growing list of aspirations ventures.

Among these ventures, Dr. Quaglia authored the School Voice suite of surveys, including Student Voice, Teacher Voice, Parent Voice, and iKnow My Class.  His recent book, Student Voice: The Instrument of Change published by Corwin is already receiving international acclaim. 

In addition to founding and leading the Quaglia Institute for Student Aspirations, Dr. Quaglia also founded and currently chairs the Aspirations Academies Trust, a sponsor of primary and secondary academies in England built upon his aspirations research.  Most recently he has founded the Teacher Voice and Aspirations International Center, dedicated to amplifying the voice of teachers in order for them to realize their aspirations and reach their fullest potential.

Dr. Quaglia earned his bachelor′s degree at Assumption College, a masters degree in economics from Boston College, and master of education and doctorate degrees from Columbia University, specializing in the area of organizational theory and behavior. He has been awarded numerous honorary doctorates in humanitarian services for his dedication to students. Dr. Quaglia′s work has also led him to serve on several national and international committees, reflecting his passion for ensuring that students′ and teacehers’ voices are always heard, honored, and acted upon.

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See Russell′s Presenter Profile

Listen to Russ Quaglia′s Interactive EdChat on Student Voice

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. 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, Smith has co-authored several influential books through Corwin. In recognition of his commitment to fostering safe and supportive school environments, 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, 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.

Dr. Lisa L. Lande has dedicated her professional endeavors to advocating for teachers and students around the globe.  It is her aspiration that every classroom in every school is one that she would want her own three children to learn in―a lens through which she continually measures her research, writing, and professional development efforts.

 

She is the executive director of the Teacher Voice and Aspirations International Center (TVAIC), an outgrowth of the Quaglia Institute. The mission of TVAIC is to amplify teacher voice to enhance the aspirations of all.  As part of the Quaglia Institute team, Dr. Lande has provided professional development services to PreK–12 schools throughout the United States, Canada, England, and the Middle East.

 

Dr. Lande currently serves as a board member for the Aspirations Academy Trust in England. She is the co-author of Teacher Voice: Amplifying Success.