My goal is to bring out the best in teachers so they can bring out the best in their students, Dr. Donald Parker told Pivotal Moment. The former principal, author, professional development leader, and keynote speaker has a message for educators. Listening is the first step to letting students know that you care.

In this episode, the author of Be the Driving Force shares helpful tips from his TEDx talk and proven strategies for success in the classroom in 2025 and beyond:
 

• Take a stand against authoritarian leadership and embrace radical empathy leadership.
  
  

• Teachers must touch the heart before they touch the brain. 

• A job is something you do, a calling is what you love. Its an inspired action.
  
  

• Stressed-out teachers make stressed-out students. Healthy teachers make healthy students. 

• Practice the SNAP method. Speak up for yourself. Never compromise your respect. Affirm your worth. Protect your rights. 

TEDx Arlington Heights talk

• How to start a radical leadership rebellion

Books by Dr. Don

• Be the Driving Force: Leading Your School on the Road to Equity

• Building Bridges: Engaging Students at Risk Through the Power of Relationships

Booking, contact, and details

• https://drdonparker.com/about/

Suggested readings

• The Speed of Trust: The One Thing that Changes Everything by Stephen Covey

• The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John Maxwell