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.
About the Author :
Dr. Ray Lavan is an internationally sought-after educator, leadership strategist, and TEDx speaker known for helping educators unlock their highest levels of impact. As the creator of the Five to Rise leadership framework, Dr. Lavan challenges leaders to develop the abilities that drive meaningful growth, influence, and organizational success.With more than two decades of leadership experience in public education, Dr. Lavan has served as Assistant Principal, Associate Principal of Curriculum and Instruction, Principal, and Director of Fine Arts. His work focuses on leadership development, organizational culture, and the transformative power of the arts in education.Dr. Lavan holds a Bachelor of Arts in Instrumental Music Education from McNeese State University, a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Lamar University, and a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership from Abilene Christian University. He has also completed executive programs in School Management and Leadership from Harvard University and Executive Leadership from Rice University. At his core, Dr. Lavan believes leadership is not about titles but about the daily disciplines that shape influence and impact. When he is not working with educators or speaking to audiences, he enjoys spending time with family, traveling, and is a life-long musician.
Review :
"Leadership is a monumental responsibility. School leadership is especially challenging! Five to Thrive provides the reader with leadership insights, tools, and guidance to help make a seemingly impossible task, possible."
-Dr. Anthony Muhammad, Author and Educational Consultant
"Five to Rise is not a book you just read . . . it challenges you to move. Dr. Lavan breaks leadership down into what really matters. If you are ready to grow and lead with impact, this book is for you."
-Sheree "Principal Auntie" Bogany, HEB Secondary Principal of the Year 2025
"Dr. Ray Lavan offers a powerful and practical lens on leadership that every educator and leader needs to hear. As a 9-time Teacher of the Year, I highly recommend Five to Rise to anyone committed to developing leaders who are worthy of leading others."
-Mickey Smith Jr, Grammy Award winner, Educator and Speaker
"This book feels like a series of conversations with a mentor - highly applicable, reflective, and challenging. It is a great read for current or aspiring leaders looking to level up."
- Heather Alarcon, Elementary Principal
"Five to Rise is one of those rare leadership books that doesn't just inform-it challenges you to take a hard, honest look at who you are and who you're becoming. After 28 years in education, I can attest to how real and accurate Dr. Lavan's examples are. This is a must read for any educator looking to build their leadership capacity. Read it and take action!"
-Michelle James, M.Ed., Executive Director, Human Resources
"Leading with purpose is what it's all about, and Five to Rise is a great guide to help you get there. Dr. Ray Lavan wants you to take charge of your own growth and stop waiting for someone else to give you the green light."
-Nick Phillips, High School Principal
"Dr. Ray Lavan's Five to Rise is more than a book. It is a blueprint for educators and leaders who want to grow with purpose, lead with integrity, and make a lasting impact. This book will challenge you, inspire you, and equip you with practical tools to become a stronger leader. If you are ready to grow personally and professionally, Five to Rise is a must read. Dr. Lavan is the real deal, and this book is a gift to the education profession."
- Tailis Oniwon, Elementary Principal
