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.

David Levine is an award-winning educator, author, presenter, and program designer with more than 30 years of experience in K-12 education and professional learning. As Director of the School of Belonging, he develops curricula and learning experiences that help educators create classrooms where every student feels welcomed, included, and connected. A synthesizer of ideas and experiences, David translates research, classroom practice, and lived experience into practical resources, professional learning, student dialogue sessions, and original songs that cultivate empathy, belonging, and healthy relationships. He served as Chief Trainer for the U.S. Department of Education's Safe and Drug-Free Schools Program, was founding director of Teaching Empathy Institute and directed the School of Belonging Initiative in New York City. He is the author of Teaching Empathy, as well as the award-winning A Year of Belonging and Field Guide to a School of Belonging. His educational documentary, Finding Howard received best film on youth welfare at the Helsinki Educational Film Festival International and two of his recordings were Parents' Choice Award Winners.