Ready to transform your classroom into a place where every student can thrive?
Effective classroom management isn’t just about control—it’s about creating an environment where trust, fairness, and purpose guide every action. Instead of relying on quick fixes, this practical guide digs into proven strategies that go beyond simple compliance, helping you build real connections and engagement with your students.
This guide is fully illustrated, with visuals created to make complicated concepts easier to digest and remember. Whether you’re a visual learner or just want ideas to stick, the illustrations don’t just decorate the pages—they actually help bring strategies to life, making communication clearer and your own understanding stronger.
Inside, you’ll find:
- Clear explanations of classroom management and discipline, showing how they work together for a supportive classroom
- Research-based tips to create a positive climate, boost your credibility, and build community
- Proactive routines to kick off the year, manage transitions, and design instruction that fosters responsibility and belonging
- Handy quick guides for tackling common challenges, from off-task behaviors to conflicts
By blending strong management with responsive discipline, you can help students feel safe, empowered, and ready to learn. Perfect for new and experienced educators alike, this guide is your companion for building a classroom culture where every kid has the chance to succeed.
Dominique Smith, EdD, 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. Dominique earned his Doctorate in Educational Leadership from San Diego State University and a Master of Social Work from the University of Southern California. 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. 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.
Nancy Frey is a professor in 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.
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.
Dr. Carl Blythe is a dynamic and mission-driven educational leader who serves as Principal of Mary Castle Elementary in the Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township in Indianapolis, Indiana. With a strong track record of leadership, Dr. Blythe is known for fostering a culture of high expectations anchored in belonging, student voice, and collective accountability.
He holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership, an Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree, a Master’s degree in Education, and a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. His research and professional practice emphasize building collaborative instructional systems, developing teacher leadership, and cultivating a school culture that supports the success of every learner.
Dr. Blythe has led district-aligned efforts in professional learning communities, instructional rigor, culturally responsive practices, and community engagement. He is particularly passionate about creating school environments where all students feel seen, supported, and challenged to reach their fullest potential―believing that relationships and results go hand in hand.
As a writer, professional development facilitator, and thought leader, Dr. Blythe brings a practitioner’s lens to transformational work in schools and is committed to equipping educators with the tools to lead with purpose, impact, and integrity.
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.
