Derrick Lawson

Derrick Lawson is an award-winning educator, author, and leadership advocate with over three decades of experience spanning every level of K-12 education. Recently retiring after nine years as principal of his alma mater—Indio High School in Desert Sands USD—Derrick’s career is defined by a deep commitment to high-poverty schools, long-term English Learners, and special needs populations.

Throughout his distinguished career, Derrick has opened two new campuses, served as an adjunct professor in university credentialing programs, and directed his home state Principals Academies. A recognized leader in the field, he was named State Middle Grades Principal of the Year, NASSP 2012 Middle Level Principal of the Year for California, and the NASSP 2026 High School State Principal of the Year. Beyond the school site, he has spent over a decade shaping education policy through state and national lobbying efforts, leading the nine western states as the Region 7 Coordinator, and serving on the Board for a national principals organization..

Today, Derrick serves as the Executive Director for the California Association for Teaching, Leading, and Learning (CATLL) formerly known as Califronia ASCD. He lives in Bermuda Dunes, California, where he enjoys traveling, all things Disney, and hanging out with his wife, two adult children, and an "unexpected four" grand-dogs.