ASCD Faculty Bio

Dominique Smith

Dominique Smith is a social worker, school administrator, mentor, and member of ASCD's FIT Teaching (Framework for Intentional and Targeted Teaching^®) Cadre. 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 a Master's degree in social work from the University of Southern California and a Bachelor of Science degree in human services management from the University of Phoenix. He is currently a doctoral student in educational leadership at San Diego State University. 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.

His publications include All Learning Is Social and Emotional: Helping Students Develop Essential Skills for the Classroom and Beyond (ASCD, 2018), Building Equity: Policies and Practices to Empower All Learners (ASCD, 2017), and Better Than Carrots or Sticks: Restorative Practices for Postive Classroom Management (ASCD, 2014). In addition, he has contributed numerous articles for ASCD's Educational Leadership^® magazine, including "Tear Down Your Behavior Chart!" He delivered a TED Talk in 2018 about building relationships between students and teachers.