Educators are continuously searching for ways to increase teaching effectiveness and improve student outcomes for nursing programs across the country. Educational research historically has focused on student engagement and teaching effectiveness separately, and while there is a connection that is presumed between the two in the literature, it is not clearly stated. An important factor in improving student outcomes and teaching effectiveness is the impact of student engagement on learning and the consideration of environmental factors beyond the classroom. The focus of this research is to determine how teaching effectiveness affects student engagement, and what the level of engagement of students has on the perception of teaching effectiveness. This study aims to review teaching characteristics that show teaching effectiveness and promote student-centered learning, and explore the relationship between perceived engagement of nursing students and what they feel are the characteristics of effective teachers. The purpose of this study is to explore how teaching effectiveness impacts student engagement, what are student perceptions of teaching characteristics that show effectiveness, and to assess the relationship between student engagement and the various levels (Level 1-5) of the nursing student within a conceptual-based Baccalaureate nursing program. The relationship between student engagement and teaching effectiveness needs to be explored for early interventions to improve student learning and to consider factors that become barriers to learning. This research will add to current nursing educational research by providing knowledge regarding student engagement related to: (1) Discovering teaching characteristics that show teaching effectiveness and promote student-centered learning; (2) Providing information about student perceived engagement among the different levels of nursing students; and (3) explore the relationship between perceived engagement of nursing students and what they feel are the characteristics of effective teachers. An exploration of the relationship between those characteristics that make an effective teacher and the perceptions of student engagement though a self-analysis of students' perceptions will be performed using the Student Engagement Instrument (SEI) and the Teaching Effectiveness Instrument (TEI) through the framework using Neuman Systems Model. [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.]