The Illustrated Guide to Teacher Credibility: Increasing Student Learning Through Your Competence, Immediacy, Dynamism and Trustworthiness
About this ebook
Why do some instructional strategies work better for certain teachers than others? Given the same materials, time and effort, these teachers seem to possess the secret to success when it comes to high-impact teaching. No secrets here—the key to increasing student learning outcomes is teacher credibility.
The Illustrated Guide to Teacher Credibility dives into one of the most impactful aspects of teaching, helping educators understand how trust, competence, dynamism, and immediacy shape students’ perceptions and influence their motivation to learn. By focusing on the relationship between teacher credibility and its influence on learning, this book delivers the goods for educators to overcome barriers, establish meaningful connections, and achieve high-impact teaching. With practical insights and strategies and a research-backed Visible Learning effect size of 1.09, the authors demonstrate how credibility is not just a concept but a fundamental driver for student success with:
- Comprehensive Frameworks: Explore the four pillars of teacher credibility (trust, competence, dynamism, and immediacy) and how to cultivate them in your practice.
- Practical Strategies: Gain actionable tools for building trust with students, improving teacher clarity, and fostering dynamic, engaging learning environments.
- Self-Assessments and Tools: Evaluate your own credibility and use reflective tools to enhance professional growth.
- Real-World Applications: Learn how to apply immediacy and proximity to improve communication and create enriched classroom relationships.
This essential resource is for every educator whose aim is to inspire trust, raise engagement, and advance learning outcomes. By focusing on credibility, you’ll empower your students and create an environment where they can thrive academically and socially.
About the author
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, Doug was an early intervention teacher and elementary school educator. He is a credentialed English teacher and administrator in California. 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 The Teacher Clarity Playbook 2/e, Your Introduction to PLC+, The Illustrated Guide to Teacher Credibility, Instructional Strategies that Move Learning Forward: 30 Tools that Support Gradual Release of Responsibility, and Welcome to Teaching!
Nancy Frey is a Professor in Educational Leadership at San Diego State and a teacher leader at Health Sciences High and Middle College. She is a credentialed special educator, reading specialist, and administrator in California. She is a member of the International Literacy Association’s Literacy Research Panel. Her published titles include 50 Strategies for Activating Your PLC+, The Illustrated Guide to Visible Learning, Welcome to Teaching Multilingual Learners, Teaching Foundational Skills to Adolescent Readers, and RIGOR Unveiled: A Video-Enhanced Flipbook to Promote Teacher Expertise in Relationship Building, Instruction, Goals, Organization, and Relevance.
Dominique Smith, EdD, is chief of educational services and teacher support at Health Sciences High and Middle College in San Diego, California. Smith is passionate about creating school environments that honor and empower students. His research and instruction focus on restorative practices, classroom management, growth mindset, and the culture of achievement. Dominique also provides professional learning to K-12 teachers in small and large groups that address classroom and school climate and organization. He holds a doctorate in educational leadership from San Diego State University with an emphasis on equity as well as a master’s degree in social work from the University of Southern California. Dominique also holds credentials from San Diego State University in administrative services, child welfare, PPS, and attendance. Smith has been recognized with the National School Safety Award from the School Safety Advocacy Council. In 2018, he delivered a TED Talk on building relationships between students and teachers.
Taryl Hansen, is a National Board Certified Teacher, Associate Trainer of Cognitive Coaching SM, a highly skilled visual practitioner, and the founder of Frame the Message Ink. As a live graphic recorder, Taryl works internationally to create vibrant and engaging visuals that bring essential elements to the forefront for learners, enhancing retention, engagement, and inspiring learners to collaborate in more meaningful ways.
