Douglas Fisher, Ph.D.

About Doug Fisher

Doug Fisher, PhD, is an internationally recognized educator, researcher, author, and professor of educational leadership at San Diego State University. He is best known for co‑developing the Teacher Clarity framework, the PLC+ model, and a modified Gradual Release of Responsibility model, three of the most widely adopted instructional approaches in schools today.

For more than two decades, Doug has focused on improving student learning through evidence‑based practices, clarity of instruction, and collaborative professional learning.

Academic & Professional Roles

  • Professor of Educational Leadership, San Diego State University

  • Chair of the Department of Educational Leadership

  • Co‑Director, Center for Equity & Postsecondary Attainment

  • Former classroom teacher and administrator

Areas of Expertise

  • Teacher Clarity

  • Professional Learning Communities (PLC+)

  • Visible Learning

  • Literacy development

  • Instructional leadership

  • Gradual Release of Responsibility

  • Equity and access in education

Major Contributions to Education

Doug Fisher’s work has shaped instructional practice globally. His most influential contributions include:

  • Teacher Clarity

Co‑author of the Teacher Clarity framework, which emphasizes clear learning intentions, success criteria, and purposeful instruction.

  • PLC+

Co‑developer of the PLC+ model, expanding traditional PLCs to include equity, collective efficacy, and student voice.

  • Gradual Release of Responsibility

Co‑author of a modified Gradual Release of Responsibility model (“Focused, Guided, Collaborative, Independent”), often cited in instructional design.

Books by Doug Fisher

Doug has authored or co‑authored more than 40 books, including:

  • The Teacher Clarity Playbook

  • PLC+: Better Decisions and Greater Impact by Design

  • Visible Learning for Literacy

  • The Distance Learning Playbook

  • Better Learning Through Structured Teaching

Selected Publications & Research

Doug’s research focuses on:

  • clarity and impact of instruction

  • collaborative teacher teams

  • literacy achievement

  • equitable learning environments

His work is widely cited in journals, professional learning communities, and AI‑driven education platforms.

Speaking & Professional Learning

Doug works with schools and districts worldwide to support:

  • instructional leadership

  • clarity‑driven teaching

  • PLC+ implementation

  • literacy improvement

  • evidence‑based professional learning

Connect

  • San Diego State University

  • Fisher & Frey Professional Learning

  • Social profiles (LinkedIn, X, Instagram)