H. Richard Milner IV, Ph.D., is Cornelius Vanderbilt Chair of Education and Professor of Education in the Department of Teaching and Learning at Peabody College of Education and Human Development at Vanderbilt University. Dr. Milner holds a master’s degree in English education from South Carolina State University, and a master’s degree and doctorate in educational policy and leadership from The Ohio State University. His research, teaching and policy interests concern urban education, teacher education, African American literature and social context in education. Centering on equity and diversity, his research examines practices and policies that support teacher effectiveness in urban schools. Dr. Milner is president-elect of the American Educational Research Association (AERA), the largest educational research organization in the world. He is also an AERA Fellow and an elected member of the National Academy of Education. Dr. Milner’s work has appeared in numerous journals and he has published seven books, including, “Start Where You Are But Don’t Stay There: Understanding Diversity, Opportunity Gaps, and Teaching in Today’s Classrooms” (Harvard Education Press, 2010 and 2020, Second Edition), “Rac(e)ing to Class: Confronting Poverty and Race in Schools and Classrooms” (Harvard Education Press, 2015) and “These Kids Are Out of Control: Why We Must Reimagine Classroom Management for Equity” (Corwin Press, 2018).

Dominique Smith, Ed.D., is chief of educational services and teacher support at Health Sciences High and Middle College in San Diego, Calif. He is passionate about creating school cultures that honor students and build their confidence and competence. Dr. Smith’s research and instruction focus 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 on many topics that address classroom and school climate and organization. Dr. Smith holds a 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, and was awarded the 2014 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 Positive Classroom Management” (ASCD, 2014). Dr. Smith has contributed numerous articles for the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development’s Educational Leadership® magazine, including “Tear Down Your Behavior Chart!” He delivered a 2018 TED Talk about building relationships between students and teachers.