About Todd

Dr. Todd Whitaker has been fortunate to be able to blend his passion with his career. Recognized as a leading presenter in the field of education, his message about the importance of teaching has resonated with hundreds of thousands of educators around the world. Todd is a research professor at the University of Missouri and professor emeritus at Indiana State University. This award-winning educator has spent his life pursuing his love of education by researching and studying effective teachers and principals.

Prior to moving into higher education, he was a math teacher and basketball coach in Missouri. Todd then served as a principal at the middle school, junior high, and high school levels. He was also a middle school coordinator in charge of staffing, curriculum, and technology for the opening of new middle schools.

One of the nation’s leading authorities on teacher and principal effectiveness, staff morale, teacher leadership, and school culture and climate. Todd has written over 65 books including the national best seller, What Great Teachers Do Differently. Other titles include What Great Principals Do Differently, Shifting the Monkey, School Culture Rewired, Your First Year, Dealing With Difficult Parents, Motivating & Inspiring Teachers, and How To Get All Teachers To Become Like The Best Teachers.Todd is married to Beth, also a

former teacher and principal, who is currently a faculty member in educational leadership at the University of Missouri and professor emeritus at Indiana State University. They are the parents of three children: Katherine, Madeline, and Harrison.