Dr. Derrick D. Allen

Dr. Derrick D. Allen is an educator, author, and entrepreneur with a career spanning more than a decade in public schools and higher education. Allen, who grew up in public housing and became the first in his family to earn a doctorate, holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from University of Phoenix. His professional experience includes roles as a computer technology teacher, special education teacher, enrollment representative, test examiner, school counselor, school principal, and basketball coach, providing him with comprehensive insight into the education system. He holds certifications in physical education, special education, school counseling, and administration.

Allen has served as school principal for Birmingham City Schools' P.E. Let's Move program, which offers activities to promote student collaboration. In Dodge County, he led a school turnaround effort that reduced altercations, write-ups, and fights by 76 percent. He has been nominated for the Leaders to Learn From award and the 40 Under 40 list. As a basketball coach, Allen is a three-time coaching champion and has set records in school turnaround initiatives.

As founder and CEO of Tigers Level Up LLC, Allen works as an educational consultant, business owner, and author. His company provides services that support educators and professionals, including helping 37 educators pass teacher certification exams and assisting 54 individuals in passing certification examinations, with a focus on Texas educator certification. Allen also supports clients in government contracting employment and assists authors in publishing books.

Allen is the author of 12 books, including "Classroom Management 101," "Surviving the Principalship: Year 1 Guide," "How to Pass the Praxis?," "Life Knocked You Down, Get Back Up: Turning Setbacks Into Comebacks," and "Next Level Leader." His publications address topics such as classroom management, educational leadership, overcoming adversity, and strategies for passing teacher certification exams.

As a keynote speaker, Allen addresses classroom management, student-teacher relationships, teacher certification, academic success, and leadership development. He has been recognized in Marquis Who's Who for his contributions to education. Allen's experience and perspective inform his work with school administrators, aspiring teachers, and professional audiences, focusing on leadership, resilience, and educational best practices.