
Dan Evans
Dan brings a inspiring mix of humor and personal narrative to anyone who believes in the power education and the enduring promise of children. Get ready to restore your beliefs and renew your hopes.
Dr. Evans has lived and worked in America's largest school districts, amid all the challenges and successes that come with dedicating one’s life to children and families. He has led an accomplished career as a teacher and leader and is a sought-after speaker and trainer, using an inspiring mix of humor, personal narrative, and practical advice.
Dan stared down his own childhood struggles and turned despair and defeat into a lifetime of success through faith and love for children and teachers. He is a former Teacher of the Year, Principal of the Year, and Chief Academic Officer. His expertise in literacy best practices and high-yield instructional strategies drives his passion for what works in schools. His first book Instructional Soul debuted in 2019, and his follow up guidebook to instructional best practice is scheduled for release in 2025.
He believes in the enduring promise of children, and the power of education to change their lives. His message resonates with parents, teachers, and leaders across communities and industries. His leadership lessons are both practical and profound. He calls for bold, pioneering leadership in service to our next generation.
He most recently served as the Chief Academic Officer for Pinellas County Schools (FL), where he oversaw curriculum, instruction, and training for a district serving nearly 100,000 students across 130 school sites. In 2024, the district earned its highest achievement scores in reading, math, and science in district history. As a result, Pinellas earned an A grade from the state for the first time ever. Dan has also served as a successful turnaround principal and was named the district’s winner and state nominee for the Principal Achievement Award for Outstanding Leadership.
Dan's likes to remind us that his love language is affirmation and it is true that he sometimes refers to himself in third person (we’re not making this up). He also tends to quote a lot of dusty old books that he reads to avoid his wife’s “Honey Do” lists (no, seriously). Oh, and one more thing, he still believes in the power of schools and in the brilliance of teachers to change the trajectory of children’s lives, as it did for him so many years ago.
Dr. Evans has lived and worked in America's largest school districts, amid all the challenges and successes that come with dedicating one’s life to children and families. He has led an accomplished career as a teacher and leader and is a sought-after speaker and trainer, using an inspiring mix of humor, personal narrative, and practical advice.
Dan stared down his own childhood struggles and turned despair and defeat into a lifetime of success through faith and love for children and teachers. He is a former Teacher of the Year, Principal of the Year, and Chief Academic Officer. His expertise in literacy best practices and high-yield instructional strategies drives his passion for what works in schools. His first book Instructional Soul debuted in 2019, and his follow up guidebook to instructional best practice is scheduled for release in 2025.
He believes in the enduring promise of children, and the power of education to change their lives. His message resonates with parents, teachers, and leaders across communities and industries. His leadership lessons are both practical and profound. He calls for bold, pioneering leadership in service to our next generation.
He most recently served as the Chief Academic Officer for Pinellas County Schools (FL), where he oversaw curriculum, instruction, and training for a district serving nearly 100,000 students across 130 school sites. In 2024, the district earned its highest achievement scores in reading, math, and science in district history. As a result, Pinellas earned an A grade from the state for the first time ever. Dan has also served as a successful turnaround principal and was named the district’s winner and state nominee for the Principal Achievement Award for Outstanding Leadership.
Dan's likes to remind us that his love language is affirmation and it is true that he sometimes refers to himself in third person (we’re not making this up). He also tends to quote a lot of dusty old books that he reads to avoid his wife’s “Honey Do” lists (no, seriously). Oh, and one more thing, he still believes in the power of schools and in the brilliance of teachers to change the trajectory of children’s lives, as it did for him so many years ago.
Yes I Can! Building Courageous and Confident Learners
Format: 60-minute keynote or breakout
This program is perfect for: Anybody who cares about the next generation, and the power of schools and community agencies to foster creativity, confidence, and fearlessness in young people. A powerful mix of passion, humor, and practical advice for empowering teachers and community leaders. An inspiring message with practical examples of student success in bringing hope for all us moving...
What We Can Become. The Time is Now for Pioneering Leadership.
Format: 60-minute keynote or breakout
This program is perfect for: Leaders across business and industry, educational sectors, and community organizations who seek to build sustainability, relevancy, and a deep bench.
The audience will leave with: Four required skillsets to ensure future-ready success, relevancy, and results. High impact organizational change requires pioneering leadership if we are going...