Dr. Don Parker is a transformational keynote speaker and professional development provider. He specializes in SEL, supporting teachers to build trusting relationships with students, restorative practices, trauma-informed practices, and improving the culture and climate of schools to enhance students’ and teachers’ feeling of belonging.

Dr. Parker is a former principal and served at Posen School in Posen, IL where he improved the school climate, staff collaboration, parent engagement, and student achievement. Before that he was the principal of Lincoln Avenue School, a K-8 school in Dolton, IL, where he improved the culture, implemented a resilience program, managed the implementation of restorative justice, and increased attendance and student achievement.

Dr. Parker has been an educator since 1997 with a background as a teacher, Dean of Students, Assistant Principal of Student Life, Assistant Principal for Curriculum and Instruction, and Assistant Principal for Activities and Athletics.

His teaching experiences include working in inner-city Chicago Public Schools. Dr. Parker was also an Adjunct Professor and instructed graduate courses to students seeking their master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction at National-Louis University in Bolingbrook, Illinois. His diverse background in education has provided him with the knowledge of how to best apply evidence-based methods and student interventions to improve student behavior and increase student achievement.

Dr. Parker has a strong belief in creating a school climate in which the entire staff strives for excellence to meet the academic and social emotional needs of each student. He has presented throughout the United States at distinguished educational conferences including ASCD, Every Student Succeeds Act Conference, the National Principals Conference, Illinois Principals Conference, Oklahoma Secondary and Elementary Conference, the Raising Student Achievement Conference, and the Innovative Schools Summit Conference just to name a few.

Dr. Parker is the author of the book Building Bridges: Engaging Students At-Risk Through the Power of Relationships and Be the Driving Force: Leading Your School on the Road to Equity. He is an expert workshop facilitator and delivers professional development on the topics of “Building Trusting Relationships with Challenging Students”, “Building Resilience in Students”, “Culturally Responsive Schools”, “Taking Students from Trauma to Triumph: Supporting ACE Students”, “Burning Up Instead of Burning Out! Teacher Mental Health Awareness”, “Culture Strong: Strengthening School Culture”, “Restorative Practices” and “Be The Driving Force: Leading Your School on the Road to Equity”.

Dr. Parker received a bachelor’s degree in Physical Education and Health from Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, a master’s degree in Educational Administration from Governors State University, a doctorate in Educational Leadership from Argosy University in Chicago, IL, and his Illinois Superintendent Certification from St. Francis University in Joliet, IL.

Dr. Parker resides in Chicago with his wife and two daughters, the younger of which has FoxP1 Syndrome and autism. He and his family regularly promote autism awareness, FoxP1 gene mutation awareness, and support the FoxP1 and autism communities.

To learn more about Dr. Parker’s work, visit his website at: DrDonParker.com or follow him on Twitter @Dr DonParker1.

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E-mail: DrDonParker@DrDonParker.com