Changes in the instructional environment cause differences in student engagement. During the school closures of March 2020 through August 2021 changes in classroom instruction caused changes in student engagement and learning. This study examined the changes that high school students and educators experienced when there were changes in the instructional environment. The methods used to obtain data were interviews and surveys with educators and surveys with students in grades 9-12. The findings revealed the changes in instructional practices and the effects on student engagement in virtual, face-to-face, and hybrid classrooms. Student engagement changed significantly as a result of changes in the instructional environment. Students reported lower grades, less participation in class, emotional anxiety and depression, and feelings of alienation from the community that a classroom otherwise provided. Students whose families chose virtual school during the pandemic voiced an opinion that focused primarily on how frustrating the learning process was at home without educator instruction. Educators reported experiencing a frustrating school year amidst the changes in teaching and teaching in multiple instructional environments. Learning new methods of engaging students quickly was a focal point. Technology use and acquiring new skills among educators presented the most challenges. The recommendations that are relevant to this study include the development of more student and educator resilience, personalized instruction, educator professional development that strengthens technology, relevant teaching strategies and pedagogical practices, and conversations about the future of education and how changes ultimately affect students for years to come. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]