This phenomenological study investigated elementary teachers' perspectives on student engagement in competency-based education (CBE) classrooms in an upper Midwestern rural school district. The study addressed the limited research on CBE implementation in elementary settings by exploring teachers' lived experiences related to learner engagement. The central research question examined how eight teachers describe their experiences, with sub-questions focusing on the types of engagement that lead to greater learner success and the instructional best practices that increase engagement. Data was collected through classroom observations using the Learner Observation System and teacher reflections. The findings revealed a diverse range of learning engagement types, varied levels of student engagement, and effective strategies such as providing student choice, incorporating movement, utilizing small-group instruction, establishing clear expectations, encouraging active participation, maintaining a brisk pace, offering feedback, building relationships, ensuring relevance, and differentiating instruction. This research contributed to the understanding of student engagement in CBE classrooms from the perspective of elementary teachers, underlining the significance of incorporating active learning strategies, maximizing student agency, providing differentiated support, and fostering positive relationships to promote engagement and learner success. The study's findings have implications for educators, administrators, and policymakers involved in implementing CBE practices and improving student engagement in elementary education. Recommendations for further research include expanding the scope, investigating the alignment of best practices to CBE, and investigating long-term impact, including student perspectives, examining professional development, and exploring contextual factors. [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://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]