From Burnout to Breakthrough | Keynotes That Change Schools
Ignition
Don lights a fire in the hearts of teachers—rekindling their passion, fueling their purpose, and turning burnout into unstoppable energy. When teachers' hearts burn, students feel the warmth.
More than a keynote—Don’s keynotes deliver the keys you need to know to unlock your full potential
Presentations
Teaching Isn't for WIMPS!
Whether in inner city Atlanta, suburban Detroit or rural Alabama, teachers face challenges that require courage, strength and tenacity! Don has discovered that the setting makes no difference! All students want and need three things that, when present, enable learning to take off! Don has ignited the hearts of thousands of educators and will light a fire in yours with stories of teaching in Liberty City in Miami, in one of America’s hardest schools, while revealing the keys to success found in the acronym WIMPS!
What did you expect?!
To be effective, we must first set high expectations for OURSELVES! In this motivational keynote experience, Don reveals the expectations that he had for himself, as a classroom teacher in one of America’s hardest schools, and the 33 principles that dictated every course of action he took. Once we set crazy high expectations for ourselves, then we are prepared to set high expectations for others. They WILL meet and exceed them when we expect it! Don knows- he’s seen it!
Climate change: Warming up your classroom
Scientists may debate whether the earth is warming or cooling but what is not up for debate is the path to a child’s heart- creating a warm, inviting climate in your classroom. In fact, the shortest path to a child’s head is through their heart! Once you have made a child feel welcomed and loved, they will be willing to allow you to expand their mind!
In this moving presentation, Don brings to life the transformative impact of leading with love- showing how a heart-centered classroom can ignite lasting change in students and teachers alike!
Floyd Collins
President, AAPASS in Alabama
"If you're looking for a keynote speaker that's dynamic . . . he's a speaker that will be greatly beneficial, not only for your educators, but for everyone in your district!"
Michael Smithart
Superintendent, Opp City Schools AL
"We were very blessed to have Don come speak to our staff today! He brought an engaging and passionate conversation about public education and the changes we can make in kids' lives. We look forward to hearing from him and working with him again!"
Dr. Al Griffin
Superintendent, Meriwether Schools GA
"Mr. Barefield's presentation was second to none! It was very motivational! I would recommend this presentation to any school system anywhere! Every school system can benefit from this. Board members and teachers, alike, . . . EVERYONE who came up to me was bragging on Mr. Barefield!"
Dr. Jack Catrett
Superintendent, Talbot County Schools GA
"I just want to let everyone know what a GOOD event we just had with Don and his group- the way he spoke to our teachers, the content . . . FIRED EVERYBODY UP! We were so happy to have him! I would endorse him. Please, give Don a call because it was certainly worth the time and effort to bring him to our school system."
Gabriel Sanders
Director of Orthopaedic Education
"The message today was spot on. I'm able, now, to educate surgeons, staff, nurses- it is because of people like him . . . that gave me the confidence that I could do it. Tonight was incredible for me and to motivate this group of people."
Dr. Parrish King
School Board Member, Andalusia City Schools AL
"We just listened to a really impactful presentation from Don! . . . He touched on a lot of points that will really kick the year off great. We are so glad he came and you should get him into your system!"