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DailySpark: Ensuring a Sense of Belonging for All Students

Learn how to build a classroom culture of belonging so that every student feels welcomed, valued, and included in learning.

5 Hours | 30 Lessons | Video Instruction

What you will learn

We are learning how to build a classroom culture of belonging so that every student feels welcomed, valued, and included in learning.

Educators will be successful when they can:

  • Identify at least one practice in the classroom that already communicates belonging (e.g., greetings, student work on walls, positive feedback).
  • Demonstrate belonging-building behaviors, such as greeting students by name, using positive language, or intentionally inviting quieter students into learning.
  • Reflect on how classroom environments (physical space, routines, or language) influence students’ sense of belonging.
  • Explain the dimensions of belonging (e.g., being welcomed, invited, present, accepted, known, supported, befriended, involved, heard, needed, and loved).
  • Commit to one new or refined practice that strengthens belonging (e.g., doorway rituals, strength spotting, re-entry routines, peer recognition).

Overview

Belonging is the foundation of learning. When students feel they belong, they are more open to curiosity, persistence, and growth. When belonging is missing, energy shifts into self-protection rather than learning. Belonging is not accidental. It’s created by consistent, intentional choices that adults make. Together, we’ll explore those choices and their impact.

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Course format

DailySpark is a professional learning series that delivers short daily videos with simple action items, helping K-12 educational professionals grow through small, consistent steps that build sustainable habits over time. Released intentionally one weekday at a time, email notifications will be sent Monday through Friday. This approach allows you to apply one strategy at a time, reflect on it, and gradually integrate it into your practice without adding workload, making professional growth part of your everyday rhythm.

  • Introduction
  • Day 1: Belonging as the Gateway to Learning
  • Day 2: The Dimensions of Belonging
  • Day 3: Names Are Identity
  • Day 4: The Doorway Ritual
  • Day 5: Walls that Speak
  • Day 6: Intentional Invitations
  • Day 7: The 2x10 Relationship Plan
  • Day 8: Optimism in Action
  • Day 9: Present as a Team
  • Day 10: Re-entry Matters
  • Day 11: Grit Letters
  • Day 12: Self-Acceptance and Self-Determination
  • Day 13: Strength Spotting
  • Day 14: Personal Best Goals
  • Day 15: Modeling the Struggle
  • Day 16: Academic Scaffolds for Success
  • Day 17: Trauma-Sensitive Design
  • Day 18: Buddy Check
  • Day 19: Connection Circles
  • Day 20: Peer Recognition
  • Day 21: Agreements that Involve
  • Day 22: Co-constructing Success
  • Day 23: Meaningful Responsibility
  • Day 24: Listening that Counts
  • Day 25: Circles in the Classroom
  • Day 26: A Culture of Helping
  • Day 27: Cross-Age Mentoring
  • Day 28: Teaching as an Act of Love
  • Day 29: Celebrating Small Wins
  • Day 30: Sustaining the Ripple
  • Conclusion


Who this course is for

This course is designed for K-12 educational professionals at all levels—from classroom teachers to district administrators—who are committed to advancing instructional quality, whether you're directly teaching students, supporting teachers, or leading educational initiatives.

 

Meet the thought leaders

Douglas Fisher photo

Douglas Fisher

Douglas Fisher is 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, differentiated instruction, and curriculum design, as well as books such as Your Introduction to. Full bio
Nancy Frey photo

Nancy Frey

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. Full bio
Educator working with student at desk


$15

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This course also includes:

  • 90-Day Course Access
  • 30 Instructional Lessons
  • Practical Classroom Application
  • Course Learning Log
  • Certificate of Completion
  • Available in US and Canada only

Not ready to register?

DailySpark Demo: Courage to Learn is a 5-day FREE demo to give professionals the opportunity to try our DailySpark at no cost.

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