About the Author: Douglas Parker, M.S.Ed.

As a trained counselor and veteran Speech and English teacher, Douglas Parker successfully coached his Debate and Speech team winning numerous local, state, national, and international titles. His school achieved an international reputation for speech being four times American National Champions representing America at the English Speaking Union's Final Competitions in London, England where Mr. Parker coached the American Team twice.

Douglas Parker has worn several hats in his twenty-five years as a master teacher, coach, educational administrator and mentor to thousands of boys and girls over the many years. Mr. Parker is a member of the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC), the Florida Association for the Gifted (FLAG), and the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD) among many other academic organizations. He holds dual Masters degrees in counseling and educational administration and has taught English on the 6th, 7th, and 10th grade levels along with AP Literature at some of America’s finest preparatory schools.

Mr. Parker, a member of both the National Forensic League and the Catholic Forensic League, was also a collegiate head Speaking coach and was a regional Coordinator for Speech and Debate. Because of his extensive experience both in the classroom and behind the podium, Mr. Parker was named as tournament director for the National Catholic Forensic League Grand National Debate and Speech Tournament. Presently, Mr. Parker is called upon very often to make presentations to groups of all sizes and compositions. A former collegiate individuals speech champion himself, Mr. Parker presents several of the topics included in his textbook at major national educational conferences, including the NAIS and ASCD international conferences over the years. As a final point, Mr. Parker holds dual Masters degrees in Child Counseling and in Education, and is certified in English and Educational Administration.

Mr. Parker successfully coached his teams using the same lessons and techniques that he brought to his Public Speaking and English classes. In Basic Public Speaking, 2^nd Edition - The Roadmap to Confident Communications, Mr. Parker shares his experiences and classroom gifts with everyone who wants to discover Public Speaking from the thinking and feeling learner's point of view.

Teachers, please feel free to contact Mr. Parker if you have any questions, or would like some help with your programs!

The Premier Staff Development Tool for Teachers and Administrators.