Steve Spangler: The Engagement Effect

Every now and then, I meet someone who makes me sit up straight, lean in, and say, “Now this is the good stuff.” That is exactly what happened when I dug into Steve Spangler's work. Many of you know him as the Emmy Award-winning educator with the unforgettable science moments on television. Wild experiments, giant reactions, foam explosions that travel across a football field. Yes, all of that. But what Steve Spangler really teaches goes far deeper than fizz, bubbles, and the occasional flying potato.

He teaches engagement. Real, authentic, emotional, and intellectual engagement. His new book, The Engagement Effect, takes that idea and turns it into a blueprint for every educator, administrator, and leader who wants people to show up, lean in, and remember the experience.

Steve Spangler’s message connects to our climate and culture work. Because if there is one thing I know for sure, it is this: strong culture thrives when engagement thrives.

Let’s dig in.

Designing Experiences That Lead to Genuine Connection With Students

Steve Spangler explains that unforgettable learning starts with purpose, curiosity, and shared experiences. I love that. It reminds me of the moment in a classroom when the students shift from “I have to do this” to “I want to know more.”

According to Spangler, connection begins in the first fifteen seconds. Fifteen seconds. That is the window where we spark interest or lose it altogether. Think about how powerful that idea is for climate and culture. Many classrooms focus on rules, procedures, and tasks. But if we can design the first fifteen seconds with purpose and curiosity, we set the tone for the entire day.

I know many educators believe they need expensive supplies or wild props to do what Steve does. But here is the truth. You can create experiences without blowing anything up. Yes, I said it. You can keep the fire extinguisher in the closet.

Here are a few questions I often ask myself when I design climate and culture experiences:

• Does this invite students to lean forward instead of lean back?
  
  
• Does this build trust quickly?
  
  
• Does this help students believe that they belong here?
  

The best experiences are not about entertainment. They are about emotional and intellectual connection. When students feel something, they remember it. When they remember it, they engage. When they engage, they succeed.

That is the Engagement Effect.

Why Engagement Matters Now

Let me be completely honest. We are in a moment in education where attention is a precious resource. Distractions grow. Stress grows. Demands grow. But you know what else grows? The need for human connection.

Engagement matters now because students crave meaningful interaction. Staff members crave meaningful interaction. Families crave meaningful interaction. Steve Spangler explains that engagement happens when people feel safe, curious, and valued.

That message fits perfectly with what I teach about climate and culture. A positive climate lives in the choices we make every day. A positive culture grows from the way we treat people, welcome people, and share experiences together.

Engagement is not a bonus on the side. Engagement IS the culture. When people engage, they care. When they care, they try. When they try, they thrive.

Steve Spangler says that engagement is a chain reaction. One meaningful moment leads to another. I love that image. Think about your school. What if every classroom had one spark each day? What if every meeting added one meaningful moment? What if every staff member felt connected at the start of the week?

Small sparks create big outcomes.

Engagement To Improve Climate and Culture

Now here is where it all comes together.

If climate is the feel of the building, and culture is the repeated behavior that creates that feel, then engagement is the engine that drives both.

Steve Spangler uses curiosity, humor, and authenticity as tools for engagement. And let me tell you, that is climate and culture leadership in action. Students and staff do not want perfection. They want authenticity. They want leaders who show up ready to connect.

Steve Spangler believes that every leader can create moments that matter. I believe the same thing. You do not need a magic wand or a fog machine. You need purpose, presence, and a willingness to engage.

When engagement rises, climate rises.
When climate rises, culture rises.
When culture rises, achievement rises.
And when achievement rises, schools transform.

Steve Spangler gives us the science and the stories behind engagement. My work focuses on the daily habits that bring culture to life. Together, these ideas form a powerful roadmap for educators who want better energy and stronger relationships.

So here is my challenge to you today:

• Create one moment that sparks curiosity.
• Build one experience that strengthens trust.
• Design one connection that stays in your students' and staff's memories.

Because once the Engagement Effect begins, your school will never feel the same again.

Keep Standing Tall.

Ready for more from Steve Spangler?

Folks, you will love Steve Spangler’s new book, The Engagement Effect. It aligns perfectly with what we value most in climate and culture work: real connection, meaningful interaction, and experiences that people actually remember. As educators, administrators, and leaders, we know engagement is the fuel that drives learning, collaboration, trust, and positive school culture. Steve Spangler takes that idea and turns it into a blueprint that any educator can use.

What makes this book such a natural fit for Stand Tall Nation is that it mirrors the heart of what I teach. I always say that culture grows when people feel something. Spangler explains the science behind that idea and shows, step by step, how to design moments that matter. His strategies for capturing attention in the first 15 seconds, building trust quickly, and using curiosity and humor to invite participation are tools every educator can use immediately. If you enjoy my focus on practical, doable ideas that shift your climate fast, you will absolutely enjoy this book.

The Engagement Effect gives you a foundation for creating the kind of emotional and intellectual connection that strengthens teams, energizes classrooms, and moves an entire school community forward. It is a guide for leaders who want people to lean in, light up, and leave your space feeling inspired. If you want to deepen engagement in your school, your district, or your leadership journey, this book will serve you well. Order yours today! https://a.co/d/h2KzEIi 

Hop on over to Steve’s YouTube channel for more!

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