Dr. Andy Parker, a native Mississippian and outspoken advocate for public education, is an energetic, motivational leader and speaker who has been teaching students, leading schools and districts, and coaching school leaders for over three decades. In 2008, he created his G.R.E.A.T. Leadership Philosophy(TM) that he applies to his work and life. His background as a high school English teacher and his passion for leadership and supporting those in leadership roles propelled him to write this book, Building Brilliant Schools: What GREAT Leaders Do Differently.Implementing his GREAT Leadership Philosophy in the role as a high school principal, Dr. Andy and his team accomplished these GREAT results: - The school's rating moved from underperforming to high performing.- Coaches and students secured 7 state championships in five years, up from 1 in the school's history.- The school's dismal drop-out rate - one of the highest in Mississippi - dropped to one of the lowest in the state, coupled with one of the highest completion rates!- His drive and inspiration compelled senior classes to jump from receiving under $700,000 in scholarship offerings to over $5 million.- Dr. Andy's team reduced physical altercations to almost 0 during his five-year tenure as principal.An energizing, humorous, and frank speaker on issues surrounding education, Dr. Andy is an avid lover of animals, and he knows that life is too short for bad coffee and cheap wine.