Dr. Kevin McDonald, Ph.D

Field Director @ Instructional Empowerment, STEMinist, Culturally Relevant Practitioner with expertise in turnaround school leadership.

[Dr. Kevin McDonald, Ph.D @kevindmcd]

@marianaatencio kicked off @IE_empower Building Expertise conference with a powerful start. Such a pleasure to work with and learn from her. #BE2026

[Mariana Atencio @marianaatencio]

I hadn't even stepped fully off the stage in Orlando when I put a microphone in front of Dr. Kevin MacDonald and asked him what he really thought.

He didn't lead with the compliment. He led with the confession: he didn't think the minute of silence I'd asked the audience to sit in was going to work. He was sure someone would break it.

Nobody did.

And that's the answer I was actually after — not the praise that comes after a keynote, but the doubt someone's willing to admit on camera, right after they've decided to trust you anyway.

Dr. Kevin and I got into what that says about trust in education, and where it tends to break first.

When was the last time someone trusted you enough to tell you they'd doubted you first?

[Lomax Magnet @HCPSlomax]

Lomax Class of 2019 is graduating from high school AND THEY CAME BACK TO SEE US!!! xoxox

[Dr. Kevin McDonald, Ph.D @kevindmcd]

Loved hearing @brewerhm get our conference started. @IE_empower

[Hamish Brewer @brewerhm]

Sensational time with the Instructional Empowerment team! The Building Expertise Educators conference was electric - 1000 educators on fire! Best part as always, the people - it’s always the people!

[Dr. Kevin McDonald, Ph.D @kevindmcd]

This guy is the real deal. It was great have you at #BE2025

[Hamish Brewer @brewerhm]

What’s up @ie_empower it’s on - wow the energy is electric!
We about to drop it hot lesssss gooo!
Shoutout to @kevindmcd77 our M.C for today for his hard work!

[Instructional Empowerment @IE_empower]

@brewerhm is bringing his bold, high-octane approach to #BE2025 this June! 🔥

Don’t miss the “Relentless,” Tattooed Skateboarding Principal’s keynote, where he’ll share his mission to empower students and educators to create a brighter future.

🔗 https://t.co/uzTWFhaVyx

[Dr. Kevin McDonald, Ph.D @kevindmcd]

I owe so much of my leadership journey to these men. #MCEL2024 @MCELLeaders

[Harrison Peters @HarrisonPeters]

My Hillsborough County Schools family! @MCELLeaders

[Dr. Kevin McDonald, Ph.D @kevindmcd]

Powerful takeaways from three amazing leaders: Don't doubt yourself! Don't try to be superman, build a great team around you! Take on tasks that are near failure or impossible! Find people who will tell you the truth and got you! #MCEL2024 @MCELLeaders @DBlackburnFH

[MCEL @MCELLeaders]

#MCEL2024

[Dr. Kevin McDonald, Ph.D @kevindmcd]

"Empower the people beyond compliance." This panel is amazing! #MCEL2024 @HowardHepburn @MCELLeaders

[Dr. Kevin McDonald, Ph.D @kevindmcd]

@laurammeehan @USouthFlorida @educationUSF Congrats!!

[Instructional Empowerment @IE_empower]

🎉 Exciting news! @brewerhm the "Relentless, Tattooed Skateboarding Principal," will open the 14th Annual Building Expertise Educators' Conference in Orlando, June 18-20, 2025! Explore his journey to see why he's among the most impactful educators today: https://t.co/qeLYH3z7n1

[Instructional Empowerment @IE_empower]

1 week until #BE2024! 📅 Prepare to be inspired, enriched, and engaged during our three-day event, packed with inspiring keynotes, transformative sessions, and so much more. Are you ready to join our community of empowered educators? Join us: https://t.co/pLj5wzr6Oc

[Instructional Empowerment @IE_empower]

#BE2024 is nearly sold out! Grab your spot to hear experts like @bpfleming, @NikkiGiovanni6, @robertjmarzano, & more. Gain insights & practical strategies while delving into our theme: Cultivating a Learner-Driven Classroom. Register now: https://t.co/xIro9Zrxlh

[Instructional Empowerment @IE_empower]

This #TeacherAppreciationWeek, we celebrate the incredible educators whose passion transforms students' lives. Your impact extends beyond the classroom. Thank you for your tireless work inspiring future leaders. #TeacherAppreciation #ThankATeacher

[Dr. Kevin McDonald, Ph.D @kevindmcd]

Thank you to @azedschools for the opportunity to present at the ESSA conference on how collaboration can deepen your root cause analysis. It was a pleasure to share the great work we are doing in Bullhead City.@IE_empower

[Dr. Kevin McDonald, Ph.D @kevindmcd]

@tonyvincent enjoyed learning today about AI and its applications for the classroom. #ESSA Conference.

[Dr. Kevin McDonald, Ph.D @kevindmcd]

@testonmellissa Congrats!!

[Dr. Kevin McDonald, Ph.D @kevindmcd]

My daughter Alexandria is registered for UNITED ALASKA from Grace Family Church. Help me spread the word! https://t.co/WcZTlSPpbV

[Dr. Kevin McDonald, Ph.D @kevindmcd]

@Corona1515 Congrats!

[Wallace Foundation @WallaceFdn]

A strong #principalpipeline comprises seven major parts. A new report from @VanderbiltU offers insight into how school districts can strengthen those parts to cultivate principals’ skills and ensure pipelines are sturdy. https://t.co/WvVzjWS3ce