About me
Dr. Don Parker is one of the nation’s leading experts on helping educators build trusting relationships with students who have trauma and challenging behavior. A nationally acclaimed keynote speaker, author, and professional development provider, he has inspired over 1 million teachers and school leaders through his high-energy keynotes, workshops, and leadership trainings across the United States. A former principal who led dramatic turnarounds in school climate, student achievement, and staff collaboration, Dr. Parker is known for transforming school culture through restorative justice, trauma-informed practices, and relational trust. His work empowers educators to see beyond behavior, understand the “why” behind student actions, and create classrooms where every child feels safe, supported, and motivated to thrive. Dr. Parker has presented at major conferences including ASCD, NASSP, AMLE, NABSE, the Innovative Schools Summit, and more. He is the author of Building Bridges and Be the Driving Force, and his TEDx talk on radical empathy leadership continues to resonate with audiences nationwide. A dedicated husband and father, Dr. Parker lives in Chicago with his wife Claudia and their two daughters. When schools want to reignite passion, rebuild culture, and equip staff with real, actionable strategies, Dr. Don Parker is the expert they call.
