Stay In Touch With Dan
Award Winning Author, Speaker, Educator
Dan Blanchard is an award-winning author, speaker, and educator, as well as a parenting expert, certified life coach, columnist, double veteran of two different U.S. Military Branches, two-time Junior Olympian Wrestler, two-time Junior Olympian Coach, and father of five!
Dan Blanchard the Award Winning Author, Speaker, Educator, two-time Junior Olympian Wrestler, and two-time Junior Olympian Wrestling Coach grew up as a student-athlete. However, Dan admits that as a youth he was more of an athlete than a student. Dan has now successfully completed fourteen years of college and has earned seven degrees. He teaches Special Education in Connecticut’s largest inner-city high school where he was chosen by the AFT-CT as the face and voice of educational reform and is now on the speaking circuit for them. Dan was with the team that put forth Connecticut’s new Social Studies Frameworks and is also a member of the Special Education Advisory Board to the Connecticut State Department of Education. In addition, Dan is a Teacher Consultant for the University of Connecticut’s Writing Project. Finally, Dan is a double veteran of the Army and the Air Force.
Because Dan’s students repeatedly asked him to write a book to tell others what he tells them, Dan finally listened and has now authored, The Storm: How Young Men Become Good Men. Dan is currently writing The Storm’s sequel The Rising Tide. He has also written academia books called, Evaluating Professional Development in An Urban High School and co-authored another book with the American Federation of Teachers called, A Teacher’s Guide to the Common Core. Finally, Dan writes a dozen columns on things from leadership, teens, education, special education and parenting.
As an educator, coach, tutor, author, speaker, life coach, columnist, blogger and parent Dan feels that it is his duty to positively influence our youth every chance that he gets! He lives with his wife, Jennifer, their five children, and family dog in Connecticut.
Testimonials
Dan, Great Job…
What a wonderful story. Inspirational and moving. Adversity makes Champions. I love how you bring the young and the wise together. One speaks, one listens and one grows. Dan You have truly captured the essence of triumph in the human spirit.
Thank you for sharing this with me.
God Bless…
I personally know how difficult it can be sometimes for young men and their families.
I have known Dan for several years now and I personally know that he has done a lot of good for a lot of young men. His book, The Storm, will only compound the good that he does for families and their young struggling men.
Dan Blanchard Nails it
Truly wonderful read providing great insight applicable to all ages. Reflects the importance of mentorship in an easily read manner.
(Ret.) Army General Gay
Dan Blanchard is a hero in our family
He was a great role model and a source of inspiration for my boys when they were in high school. He helped them grow up to be good men and now he is sharing his heart-touching story, ‘The Storm’ which will do the same for you, your sons and your family!
Reading this book feels like sitting down with family and good friends
Daniel Blanchard’s parenting book, The Storm is a book I feel very lucky to have had the opportunity to read. Reading this book feels like sitting down with family and good friends, people who really care about you and want to share secrets with you to inspire, uplift and challenge you to live a truly meaningful life. The Storm has many valuable, commonsense lessons that can help anyone of us live a life full of promise, a life that we can truly be proud of. Sometimes even with the best of intentions, we feel stuck, unable and unsure how we can achieve our goals. The Storm will give you that extra nudge to go after your dreams, stop holding on to a past that may be holding you back, believe in yourself, and resolve once and for all to take control of your life.
Anyone who has ever said or thought “I wish I knew then I what I know now” needs to get a copy of, The Storm, read it and then pass it on to a loved one.
Dan’s writing is authentic
Dan Blanchard understands that intrinsic values and internal locus of control are essential attributes we as educators need to foster…. Dan writes about responsibility being key to our children’s success…. Dan’s writing is authentic and expresses his deep concern for our school children’s future.
My friend Dan Blanchard has spelled out the secrets to success
in this heartwarming story of a grandfather and his grandson. All of us can find words and concepts to live by in this interesting tale
Dan’s story contains excellent common sense advice in a very easy read
I would recommend it to teenagers, parents or anyone who works with young people. It is a great stimulant for family or classroom conversations.
Good luck Dan.
Dan’s book encompasses a great message while still be relevant to teens today.
It is rare these days to find a truly positive young adult text that is void of violence, sex and drugs. Dan’s book encompasses a great message while still be relevant to teens today.
Dan Blanchard’s book is a must read for any family dealing with generational issues.
A Grandfather reaches out to a troubled teen and helps him to discover how to make it though turbulent times. The message of Constant, And, Never-ending, Deliberate, Improvement, will help young and old to learn what it takes to succeed in an imperfect world. You will be feeling lucky after you read this book!
A must read for today’s young adults!
What a privilege to have an expert educator provide so much insight and inspiration through a modern story that really resonates with the tumultuous life of today’s teens. This book will make a wonderful gift for any teen you wish to see succeed.
Award-Winning Author, Daniel Blanchard shares tons of ageless wisdom in his delightful book.
If you have a youngster, make sure to read it with them. Warning- you most likely will be surprised at how much important information you, yourself, will learn.
Dan Blanchard has the making of top-notch writer, speaker and shaker & mover.
His history of self-development and striving to improve himself is incredibly admirable. But more importantly, his passion for influencing the lives of adolescents positively is impressive. I can’t wait to see what Dan will accomplish in the year to come!
Dan Blanchard has captured the essence of leadership development and teen mentoring
in a series of books which reveal Granddaddy’s wisdom. The overall message of Granddaddy is how one generation passes on wisdom to another generation. Dan answers the question of whether change is incremental or simply a transformational event. For most of us it is the former that facilitates change in our lives and gets to the heart of how Granddaddy orchestrates change in his grandchild. As you move through the story many of the cultural issues we experience today are addressed which have broken the traditional family structure that Granddaddy grew up with. Based on this if you are a teenager who does not have a father figure this book is for you as the secrets of life are revealed through the teenager in the story by his grandfather. His grandfather is the leader/mentor who passes on lessons this child may not have received otherwise. It’s not simply a story of connection for broken homes but it is also a story of leadership development and the mentoring process. Fatherless homes would deeply resonate with this story but I think it also can have appeal for anyone who believes in teen mentoring and leadership development. Overall the story Dan has presented in his series of books is geared towards parents and their teenagers however it can be used by teachers in the classroom, mentors who do one-on-one mentoring, and leaders who seek to develop those they lead. Not only is this a great story but it is told by a great leader and mentor whom I greatly admire, Dan Blanchard.
a story of family ties and the search for wisdom
Dan Blanchard’s newest book, The Storm is a story of family ties and the search for wisdom, with a healthy dose of inspiration thrown in for good measure. As a parent, teacher and now a high school administrator, I know and value the importance of motivation when it comes to working with teenagers. Both young and old will find something they can relate to in Dan Blanchard’s books exploring the turbulent and challenging world of today’s youth. A must read for parents and teachers alike.
Your work is AMAZING and SO IMPORTANT!!
Your caring, knowing wisdom, and believing in teens will SAVE many lives!! Your words, and insight will also be utilized as a tool to help mold, shape, and guide teens and parents, as well as me too, for the rest of our lives! I am speaking from experience!
a must read for school administrators
Dan Blanchard’s,Evaluation of Professional Development in an Urban High School is a must read for school administrators, instructional supervisors, and educators who strive to ensure the success of their students in an increasingly competitive 21st-century global economy. Dan brings to the fore the need for administrators to shift from the traditional role of manager to instructional leader. 21st-century instructional leaders must work collaboratively with teachers to design personalized professional development programs that will enable each teacher to attain success. Hopefully, Dan’s work will help lead to a paradigm shift in the development and delivery of professional development programs for instructional staff and leaders.
a must read for school administrators, classroom teachers and professors!
Dan Blanchard’s book, Evaluation of Professional Development in an Urban High School is a must read for school administrators, classroom teachers and professors! This is a well-researched book that sheds much needed light on how to maximize expert knowledge and transfer it to the hands on educators. Anyone in academia benefits from this guide!
Dan Blanchard has emerged as a leading voice in public education
as a dynamic speaker, author and coach for teachers and school leaders. His book on evaluating professional development not only identifies specific problems with professional development, it also provides a blueprint for workable solutions that can be adapted in any school environment. Let this strategy change your culture of professional learning.
It has been a pleasure getting to know Dan Blanchard
over the last few years. All readers out there should make it their mission to become more familiar with Dan and his Granddaddy’s Secrets teen leadership books, especially his second book, ‘Feeling Good.’! This mysterious and inspiring leadership book will leave its readers eagerly anticipating its sequel.
Never-ending efforts to help today’s youth, as well as helping our youth’s parents
Dan Blanchard has been on my radio show several times, and each time I find him more fascinating than the last with his never-ending efforts to help today’s youth, as well as helping our youth’s parents, and our educators who are trying to educate our youth. His book, “The Storm: How Young Men Become Good Men” is well worth the time and effort to read it. Keep going Dan. You’re making a difference out there for our youth and the people who care for our youth!
The difference he made in his students’ lives
I met Dan when I was a student in New Britain. The difference he made in his students’ lives back then, and the difference that he continues to make for all of us today is invaluable. We could all benefit from having more people like Dan in our lives!
Daniel Blanchard has his mind and his heart on the pulse of teenage issues and struggles
Daniel Blanchard has his mind and his heart on the pulse of teenage issues and struggles. He focuses on being a leader for your teen. How to help teens navigate through relationships and life gracefully and with inspiration. Inner Strength is something that teens are rarely being shown or taught in this day and age. There are a lot of confusing issues out there. Daniel points them out explicitly and shares amazing stories that draw you in and coach you at the same time.
I highly recommend his books to learn to coach your teen through the ups and downs of life!
I enjoyed reading, The Storm: How Young Men Become Good Men.
I don’t think I ever told you how much I enjoyed reading, The Storm: How Young Men Become Good Men. You have such an imagination, I couldn’t believe it. The Storm should be required reading for every young man in your classes, as it teaches some valuable lessons that they might not hear anywhere else. I passed your book on, as it needs to be read by as many people as possible, adults as well.
Keep up the good work
Love it when I find another former athlete who is now using his energy and vigor to make the lives of our youth better through his inspirational teachings, books, and speeches! Keep up the good work you’re doing Dan. You’re making a difference!
“Insightful, common sense approach to self-actualization.
“Insightful, common sense approach to self-actualization. Dan’ ability to focus on key factors in improving one’s life is key. Granddaddy’s advice crosses all generations…”
For Teens
Be sure to check out Dan's newest teen leadership book called, The Storm: How Young Men Become Good Men, as well as Dan's weekly teen leadership column at the West Hartford Patch: http://tinyurl.com/hnzbedr
For Parents
Be sure to check out Dan's weekly parenting column at the New Britain Herald: http://tinyurl.com/jqypecq
Dan's Blog
My Old Buddy Kevin Miller- The CT State Trooper
I met Kevin Miller my freshman year at East Hartford High School on the first day of wrestling practice in 1984. Kevin was a year older than me. He was also the returning varsity [...]
Dan’s Interview with All-State Athlete, Coach, and N.Y. Times Best-Selling Author Scott Schulte!
Scott Schulte is a former high school state champion wrestler and wrestling coach. He is also an accomplished journalist and the New York Times Best Selling author of, “A Wrestling Life: The Inspiring Stories of [...]
Dan’s Blog Interview with former professional wrestler Mark Smith!
Mark overcame childhood illness to become pro athlete as a pro wrestler for Ted Turner's WCW, for the NWA and AWA. After wrestling he went into ministry. He used his wrestling background to build an [...]