Discover the science behind why belonging matters in education. Learn about inclusion strategies, diversity in schools, and how to boost student engagement.

In this bonus episode, I explore the critical concept of belonging in education and why creating inclusive environments is essential for both students and educators. 

Drawing from extensive research, I break down how genuine belonging significantly impacts academic performance, mental health, and overall well-being for everyone in school communities.

As education policy becomes increasingly politicized, understand why representation matters and how inclusive practices create spaces where all students can thrive as their authentic selves. 

Episode Mentions:

• The Instructional Playbook: The Missing Link for Translating Research Into Practice by Ann Hoffman, Jim Knight, and Michelle Harris 
• Belonging One-Pager (Sample)
• The Hattie Check and Visible Learning:
  • Teacher-student relationships  .62; Belonging .46
• The Extended Research Check:
  • Agents of Change: How Content Coaching Transforms Teaching and Learning by Lucy West and Antonia Cameron  (setting intentions)
  • Coaching A-Z: The Extraordinary Use of Ordinary Words by Haesun Moon: (V=value) and (W=Wonder)
  • The Thin Book of Trust, Third Edition: An Essential Primer for Building Trust at Work by Charles Feltman → (trust language) Chapter 1
  • Intro to Trust by Dan Newbie (layers of trust)
  • Brené Brown About Fitting in and True Belonging (YouTube short 37 seconds)
• Samantha Bennett’s Circles of Engagement
• The Importance of Representing Everyone in Today’s Classroom by Diana Brannon (2024)
• Mirrors, Windows, and Sliding Glass Doors by Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop (1990)

Make sure to listen to my full interview with Erica (Season 4, Episode 34) before diving into this bonus content!

When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.