Five to Rise: Unleashing the Abilities that Empower Educators

Everybody wants to eat. But who's willing to hunt?

In Five to Rise, Dr. Ray Lavan challenges educators, administrators, and leaders to confront the real reason growth stalls: not a lack of passion, but a lack of capacity. Drawing from his experience as a teacher, principal, and district leader, Lavan introduces a practical framework built on five essential abilities that separate intention from impact.

Through real stories, hard truths, and actionable strategies, Five to Rise equips leaders to build consistency, develop trust, and lead teams that actually perform, not just participate.

In this book, you will learn how to:

• Strengthen your leadership through daily availability and reliability.
• Build a culture rooted in coachability and growth.
• Lead teams with clarity, trust, and shared ownership.
• Adapt when pressure hits, and plans fall apart.
• Close the gap between who you are and who you need to become.

Leadership is not reserved for the most talented - it belongs to those willing to rise.