When students feel seen, valued, and supported, they thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Belonging takes a research-based approach to improving the student experience by focusing on the key elements that strengthen connection and inclusion for every member of the school community, beginning with the children.

Belonging’s mission is to empower members of school communities in cultivating inclusive and supportive environments. Using his School Belonging Framework as a guide, Dr. Max Weinberg works to identify and implement targeted shifts that best support all community members — especially children who are adopted or looked-after, students with 504 plans or IEPs, and their families.

Max is committed to nurturing school communities where students experience a deep sense of belonging and are motivated to thrive academically.

Services

FAMILY ADVOCACY AROUND STUDENT BELONGING

Supporting families of students with disabilities in navigating the educational system with dignity and purpose, and fostering school experiences where every child and family feels a true sense of belonging.

While not a lawyer, Dr. Weinberg offers guidance that helps families advocate effectively and collaboratively with their schools.

SCHOOL LEADER SUPPORT AND COACHING

Partnering with principals and leadership teams to navigate school change with clarity and purpose, fostering inclusive practices that build schoolwide belonging.

This work helps leaders cultivate welcoming environments and strengthen the capacity to guide their communities with empathy, equity, and integrity.

ADOPTION, FOSTER, LOOKED AFTER CHILDREN AND FAMILY ADVOCACY WITH SCHOOLS

Partnering with families to navigate the educational system with dignity and purpose, ensuring they are welcomed as essential partners in their children’s learning journey.

This work helps families and children experience genuine belonging in their school communities while shaping practices that honor their stories and strengths.

TEACHER SUPPORT AND COACHING

Equipping teachers with practical strategies and personalized coaching to create inclusive classrooms that honor students’ diverse needs, build strong relationships, and foster a sense of belonging that supports each child’s growth and well-being.

This work helps educators translate insights into everyday practices that strengthen connections and improve learning for all students.

News

Excited to be a member of the 2025-2026 Fred Rogers Institute’s Educators’ Neighborhood cohort

Excited to be a member of the 2025-2026 Chicago’s Center On Halsted Inclusive Futures leadership cohort

About

Dr. Max Weinberg, founder of Belonging LLC, has spent more than 25 years in the education profession, serving as a teacher, instructional coach, and administrator, and leadership consultant.

Max’s passion for Belonging arises from his experiences as a student, parent, and professional advocating for marginalized children. Ensuring that all children are seen and understood in schools is personal and professional. Max brings his background as a loss-affected youth, as a transracial adoptive parent, and as a trauma-informed educator and advocate to each situation he encounters.

Max has researched and written about effective teaching practices and inclusive environments for children who have been adopted, looked after, or fostered. Beyond this precious population, Max’s research offers valuable insights for other students navigating outdated or rigid school systems.

Children who feel misunderstood often face undue pressure to conform, which can limit their potential. They deserve advocates who not only help them and their families feel welcome but also fight for systemic change to create more inclusive schools.

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Max holds a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from Concordia University Chicago. He earned a bachelor’s degree in English and American Literature from Brandeis University, a master’s degree in Elementary Education from Bank Street College of Education, and a master’s degree in School Administration and Supervision from Fordham University. He also holds endorsements in Special Education and Bilingual Education, as well as leadership certificates in Nonprofit Leadership (Northwestern University/Kellogg) and Human Resources (University of Illinois).

Dr. Max Weinberg (he/him)
Educator/Founder

CONTACT

Testimonials

  • Your support in these last several meetings has helped us make more progress than we could have any other way. I’ve also really appreciated our conversations, because you helped me feel less isolated in this process.

    – Parent Partner, 4th Grade Student

  • Max has the ability to listen beyond the words that are shared. He is able to connect on a deeper level and pull you past the current moment into a place of understanding and clarity. You walk away with clear and actionable next steps. He is a life saver.

    – Kahinde, School Principal

  • From day one Max made it a priority to make me feel comfortable and supported in my role as a new teacher in the school he led. His willingness to do whatever it took to make sure I had everything I needed to do my job shaped the positive experience I had working under his leadership.

    – Kennrith, Classroom Teacher

  • I attended Max’s training at the ATTACh conference in Minnesota. I am an adoptive parent and a school social worker so I related to him very well. I was in tears at the end of his session, just connecting with his story.

    – Mandy, School Social Worker
    https://attach.org

  • When you talk with Max you can quickly see his heart and intentionality. He works to deeply understand and listen to the experience children have had and are currently having in the school system. His work expands how you think about belonging and what it really means to have spaces where everyone feels seen.

    – Isaac, CEO at Identity
    https://www.identitylearning.co

  • Dr. Max goes above and beyond to provide skills, resources, and opportunities for individuals while providing guidance, humanity, and grace. He is a true asset to our world and he uses his gifts, intellect, and wisdom to better the world for the next generation.

    – Derrick, Classroom Teacher, Writer

  • Here's the story that stands out to me most: I had the joy of spending a day shadowing Max when he was working as a school principal. The intention to foster belonging was at the heart of every interaction I observed with students, teachers, and families--especially among those whose experiences or identities gave them an 'outsider' status.

    – Peter, Leadership Coach

  • As a teacher, I felt seen and that my story was not only valued but important. By welcoming and accepting me, it opened me up to be vulnerable and lead in places I would not have been comfortable before.

    – Natasha, Special Education + Classroom Teacher

  • Max was my 5th grade teacher. 17 years later I remember the impact he had on my school experience. You can just see that not only does he have the passion for what he does, but a huge talent! He made sure every kid felt included and no one felt left out. He also took the time out to make sure that we really understood the lessons he taught us.

    – Tiphani, Former Student

  • Max has been one of the greatest teachers I've had during my teacher preparation courses. He was always very understanding and flexible, characteristics that are of high importance in the education field. I always looked forward to his class because of his genuine and helpful personality. If I needed any guidance or help I knew I could reach out to Max and he would help with no hesitation.

    – Wendy, Pre-Service Teacher

  • I've known Max Professionally since 2012. He's been a friend since then too and he has meant so much for my personal and professional life. Max's ideas help guide my work regarding how we carry trauma that comes into our school community, as well as how live out what is right in a public school setting to do whatever is possible for anyone who walks in our doors.

    – Jason, School Principal

  • I have worked with Max in his capacity as a school principal and as a fellow community member and parent. Max brings a restorative, inclusive and deeply relational lived philosophy to all he does. Learning with Max is powerful and transformational. He is capable of both deep empathy, of truly being present, while also bringing a larger perspective and context to each encounter.

    – Pamela, Restorative Justice Manager for the James B. Moran Center for Youth Advocacy

  • I remember Mr. Weinberg always had a smile on his face and greeted everyone by name. He would always make sure all kids and family felt they mattered. Any concerns voiced would be addressed. He is all about inclusiveness and is an attentive listener. He would also follow-up and even rode the bus with the kids if needed. Mr. Weinberg is a front of the line leader!

    – Tiffany, Financial Professional and Parent at Max's school

A commitment to children's well-being is at the heart of everything I do.

I believe in fair and reasonable pricing for services.

Please contact me for pricing details.