Dominique B. Smith

"In order for students to develop self-regulation skills, they need experience making choices. "

Dominique Smith, Ed.D. is Chief of Educational Services and Teacher Support at Health Sciences High and Middle College in San Diego, CA.

He is passionate about creating school cultures that honor students and build their confidence and competence. Smith's major area of research and instruction focuses on restorative practices, classroom management, growth mindset, and the culture of achievement. In addition to his school leadership responsibilities, Smith provides professional learning to K–12 teachers in groups large and small, on many topics that address classroom and school climate and organization.

He is a regular presenter at many conferences, including Empower (ASCD's annual conference). Smith holds his doctorate in Educational Leadership from San Diego State University with a focus on equity and a Master's degree in social work from the University of Southern California.

He also holds credentials from San Diego State University in administrative services, child welfare, PPS, and attendance. He is the winner of the National School Safety Award from the School Safety Advocacy Council. He delivered a TED Talk in 2018 about building relationships between students and teachers.

What subjects and themes does Dominique B. Smith write about?

Smith writes practical, research-informed books for K–12 educators on restorative practices, classroom management, growth mindset, culture of achievement, social-emotional learning, distance learning, and instructional leadership.

Who is the intended audience for his books?

His books are aimed primarily at K–12 teachers, instructional coaches, school leaders, and administrators seeking strategies to improve classroom climate, student-teacher relationships, and schoolwide practices.

Where should I start if I am new to his work?

Start with a title that matches your priority: Better Than Carrots or Sticks for restorative classroom management; Engagement by Design for creating motivating learning environments; The Distance Learning Playbook for remote teaching leadership; or The Teacher Credibility and Collective Efficacy Playbook for building staff effectiveness.

Are Dominique B. Smith's books part of a series or is there a recommended reading order?

There is no single required reading order. Most titles are standalone practical playbooks focused on specific topics, so read them by topic or the role you hold in your school.

Has he received any notable recognitions related to his work?

Yes. He is a recipient of the National School Safety Award and delivered a TED Talk in 2018 on building student-teacher relationships; he also presents regularly at professional conferences.