Dr. Don Parker

About Dr. Don Parker

Dr. Don Parker is a highly sought-after speaker and professional development provider. He specializes in supporting teachers to build trusting relationships with students and improving the culture and climate of schools to optimize staff and students experience. 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. Previous to 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, Staff Development for Educators, and the National Principals Conference just to name a few. Dr. Parker is the author of the book Building Bridges: Engaging Students Through the Power of Relationships. He is a keynote speaker and 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”, and “Burning Up Instead of Burning Out! Teacher Mental Health Awareness”.

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