Engagement isn’t about flashy lessons or entertaining performances. It’s about resonance, making learning feel deeply connected to a student’s life, identity, and sense of purpose. I’ve learned that when we invite students into the process, giving them voice, choice, and a say in what and how they learn, we shift from delivering content to co-creating meaning. Authentic engagement happens when we design with co-regulation, creativity, and connection in mind. It’s in the small moments: a student seeing themselves in a story, being trusted to lead a discussion, or being met with curiosity instead of control. When students feel seen, safe, and significant, they lean in. Not because they have to, but because they want to.