In this episode of the C3 Podcast, we welcome Heather, an educator, administrator, author, and superintendent whose work has reshaped how we think about student engagement. Heather shares her journey from aspiring writer to classroom teacher, staff developer, administrator, and now published author—bringing both practical wisdom and fresh metaphors to the conversation.
Heather’s book, Engagement is Not a Unicorn, It’s a Narwhal, reframes engagement as something real and attainable, not mythical or out of reach. She introduces us to the continuum of engagement—non-compliant, compliant, interested, and absorbed—and explains how shifting students along this spectrum is less like flipping a switch and more like adjusting a dimmer.
We also explore her follow-up collaboration, The Big Book of Engagement Strategies, a collection of over 50 practitioner-driven strategies to help teachers bring lessons to life. Heather highlights a few of her favorites, including:
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Caught Tickets – simple notes of recognition that strengthen relationships and encourage positive behavior.
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Almost/Some Learning Targets – a differentiation approach that creates choice, voice, and pathways for all learners.
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Room to Breathe – a balance of “inhale” (input) and “exhale” (output) that empowers students to engage actively rather than remain passive.
Throughout the episode, Heather emphasizes that engagement isn’t about students cheering at the end of a lesson—it’s about fostering genuine curiosity, investment, and moments of absorption that, while rare, are powerful and real.
Whether you’re a classroom teacher, coach, or administrator, Heather’s insights will leave you with practical strategies and a renewed belief that engagement is within reach.
Resources Mentioned:
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Engagement is Not a Unicorn, It’s a Narwhal by Heather
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The Big Book of Engagement Strategies by Heather and contributing educators
- To contact Heather for speaking or consulting, please visit www.LyonsLetters.com, where you can also subscribe to her weekly blog posts.
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