1. EachPod

Building Bridges with Dr. Don Parker

Author
Frederick Buskey
Published
Tue 02 Sep 2025
Episode Link
https://share.transistor.fm/s/252fb103

Description:

The number one thing is relationships – we’ve all heard that. It’s almost a meme. I think “the power of relationships” as an idea exists as two extremes where we tend to over emphasize and at the same time fail to appreciate the full power of relationships. I’m not sure I’m communicating what I mean, but I think it will become clearer in my discussion with today’s wonderful guest.


Sponsor Spot 1:I’d like to thank Kaleidoscope Adventures for sponsoring today’s show. Lots of companies can help you organize class trips, but Kaleidoscope helps you organize adventures – because isn’t that what student trips should be? Kaleidscope is a full-service tour company offering a range of adventure opportunities and they excel at customizing trips based on your unique context, needs, and goals. Kaleidoscope offers exceptional travel experiences for students (and their group leaders). Thinking about student travel? Reach out to Kaleidoscope using the link in the show notes.


Show Intro

Guest Bio:

Dr. Don Parker is a transformational keynote speaker and professional development provider who specializes in social emotional learning and supporting teachers to build trusting relationships. He is a former principal and served at Posen School in Posen, IL and before that, he was the principal of Lincoln Avenue School, a K-8 school in Dolton, IL, wherehe improved the culture, implemented a resilience program for underprivileged youth.Dr. Parker has presented throughout the United States at distinguished educational conferences and has trained and inspired thousands of educators.
Dr. Parker is also a TedX speaker and is considered one of the top authorities on school discipline and an expert on helping teachers to build trusting relationships with students. He is also the author of two Best Selling books –“Building Bridges: Engaging StudentsAt-Risk Through the Power of Relationships” and “Be the Driving Force: Leading YourSchool on the Road to Equity”
I will add, after interviewing Don, I have found him to be a remarkably authentic and caring person.

Warmup questions:

  • We always like to start with a celebration. What are you celebrating today?
  • Is there a story that will help listeners understand why you are doing what you do?

Questions/Topics/Prompts

  • “It’s all about relationships.” This phrase feels both exaggerated and underappreciated at the same time. I’d like to hear your take on this phrase.
  • Your book “Building Bridges” helps teachers connect with students through the power of relationships. What are the foundational pieces of building relationships?
  • How does this translate for APs? How can they use your techniques to build bridges with their teachers.
  • 2025 seems fundamentally different than the first 24 years of this century. School leaders are facing uncertain times and leading people who are experiencing disruption and turbulence both at home and at work. To support our people, what should leaders be especially attentive too right now?

Sponsor Spot 2:I want to thank IXL for sponsoring this podcast…
Everyone talks about the power of data-driven instruction. But what does that actually look like? Look no further than IXL, the ultimate online learning and teaching platform for K to 12. IXL gives you meaningful insights that drive real progress, and research can prove it. Studies across 45 states show that schools who use IXL outperform other schools on state tests. Educators who use IXL love that they can easily see how their school is performing in real-time to make better instructional decisions.
And IXL doesn’t stop at just data. IXL also brings an entire ecosystem of resources for your teachers, with a complete curriculum, personalized learning plans, and so much more. It’s no wonder that IXL is used in 95 of the top 100 school districts. Ready to join them? Visit http://ixl.com/assistant to get started.

Closing questions:

  • What part of your own leadership are you still trying to get better at?
  • If listeners could take just one thing away from today’s podcast, what would it be?
  • Before we go, is there anything else that you’d like to share with our listeners?
  • Where can people learn more about you and your work…


Summary/wrap up


  • The impact of relationships on performance and achievement – its not squishy
  • We need to nurture relationships with adults the way we nurture relationships with kids
  • 2x2 (2 minutes 2 days in a row); celebration, circles
  • Manage your priorities not your time, including closed door practice (to save your attention)
  • Supporting people in this moment: see, listen, give grace (there is so much you can’t fix)

Thank you to our sponsors!


Guest links:

 

Frederick’s Links:

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.frederickbuskey.com/ 

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/strategicleadershipconsulting 

Daily Email subscribe: https://adept-experimenter-3588.ck.page/fdf37cbf3a 

The Strategic Leader’s Guide to Reclaiming Purpose: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CWRS2F6N?ref_=pe_93986420_774957520

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