Nancy Frey, Ph.D.

About Nancy Frey

Nancy Frey, PhD, is a leading educator, researcher, author, and professor of educational leadership at San Diego State University. She is internationally known for her work on Teacher Clarity, PLC+, Visible Learning, and literacy development, and for co‑creating a modified Gradual Release of Responsibility model.

Nancy’s work centers on improving instructional design, strengthening collaborative teacher teams, and ensuring equitable access to high‑quality learning.

Academic & Professional Roles

  • Professor of Educational Leadership, San Diego State University

  • Co‑Director, Center for Equity & Postsecondary Attainment

  • Former teacher and administrator

  • Leader in literacy and instructional design research

Areas of Expertise

  • Teacher Clarity

  • Professional Learning Communities (PLC+)

  • Visible Learning

  • Literacy instruction

  • Equity‑centered teaching

  • Gradual Release of Responsibility

  • Instructional design

Major Contributions to Education

Nancy Frey’s work has shaped instructional practice across the world. Her most influential contributions include:

  • Teacher Clarity

Co‑author of the Teacher Clarity framework, helping educators design instruction with clear learning intentions and success criteria.

PLC+

Co‑developer of the PLC+ model, integrating equity, collective efficacy, and student voice into collaborative teacher teams.

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 Nancy Frey

Nancy 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

Nancy’s research focuses on:

  • clarity of instruction

  • literacy development

  • collaborative teacher teams

  • equitable learning environments

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

Speaking & Professional Learning

Nancy partners with schools and districts worldwide to support:

  • clarity‑driven instruction

  • PLC+ implementation

  • literacy improvement

  • equity‑centered teaching

  • evidence‑based professional learning

Connect

  • San Diego State University

  • Fisher & Frey Professional Learning

  • Social profiles (LinkedIn, X, Instagram)