Don Smith

Don Smith brings over two decades of hands-on experience in education to his work as a consultant, author, and speaker. Starting his teaching career in 2003, Don spent 20 years serving in various capacities within schools. His leadership background includes roles as Director of Teaching and Learning for the Winneconne Community and Waupaca school districts, Principal at the Fond du Lac STEM Academy and Institute, and District Assessment Coordinator for the Fond du Lac Area School District.

Today, Don focuses his consulting efforts on Leader and Collective Teacher Efficacy, Standards-Based Learning, and School Schedule Reform. He frequently presents on leadership efficacy, drawing directly from his extensive background in school administration to support current school leaders. Don is the author of The Confidence to Lead: Building Principal and Collective Efficacy in Schools, the co-author of Extinguishing the Fires of Assessment, Grading Reform and the guide Leveraging the Block Schedule for Student Learning Growth. He also co-hosts the popular show Fires in Grading. Through his writing, speaking, and consulting, Don works alongside educators to implement practical, research-based strategies that support student learning.