Classrooms of Belonging

Classrooms of Belonging is a practical, inspiring, and reflective guide that helps educators intentionally create classrooms where students feel safe, understood, and listened to.

Through seven core practices, David Levine shows how belonging is built through the everyday micro-interactions—how teachers listen with curiosity, respond to conflict without judgment, nurture self-expression, and foster trusting relationships. Drawing on classroom stories, reflective practices, and integrative strategies, the book offers tools, processes, and lessons educators can use immediately while deepening their understanding of connection, empathy, and community. Rather than promoting a program or initiative, it invites teachers to see belonging as an intention and practice grounded in relationships and presence. Readers will come away with greater clarity, confidence, inspiration and language for creating emotionally safe and inclusive learning environments.

This book is written for K–12 educators, pre-service teachers, instructional leaders, and teacher educators, and is well suited for coursework and professional learning in classroom management, school climate, and culturally responsive teaching.