From Liberty City to lasting impact—what began with boldness became a blueprint for reaching every student.
Courage To Make a Difference
The courage to make a difference isn’t about having all the answers—it's about showing up with heart, holding the line, and believing kids are worth the fight.
“I’ll move to Miami and teach high school math if you give me the toughest school you have” Don told the Director of Human Resources for Miami-Dade County schools. Later that day, he was hired to teach mathematics in Liberty City in one of America’s toughest schools. With a B.S. in Mathematics and no formal teaching training, Don set out to change the students in his class with a whole lot of love, a little common sense and a style that is anything but common.
After having spent the previous year teaching in the highest rated high school in Georgia, Don learned through his experiences in Miami that kids are kids. They all want and need the same things: love, structure and direction. When these three elements are present, learning takes off!
One teacher. One mission. A powerful shift.
Results.
In a school where 80% of class time was lost to managing behavior, Don set out to change what was possible. By creating a New Teacher Training Program, modeling strong classroom management, and setting high standards for students who had long been underestimated, he helped spark a shift. Over three years, the math passage rate on the state graduation exam tripled—proof of what’s possible when one teacher helps others rise with him.
Across America
Don didn’t just survive one of the toughest classrooms in America—he helped transform it. In a book storage room packed with 42 high school students, he faced chaos, danger, and resistance. BUT, with unwavering resolve, he built a place where learning came alive. In fact, Don will forever remember when one of his students said, “Mr. B, this is the first time in 11 years I’ve been able to learn.”
That same courage, clarity, and care now drive the training that’s helping districts across the country turn overwhelmed teachers into confident, capable educators—starting day one.
Less interesting stuff- Don graduated with honors with a B.S. in Mathematics. He enjoys basketball, cycling, reading, playing the drums, his guitar and a challenge.