John Corcoran

John Corcoran, President, CEO, and Founder, of the John Corcoran Foundation, didn't learn to read until the age of 48. As painful as it was, he kept it a secret even while getting his college degree and going on to teach high school for 17 years. Only his wife, Kathy, knew the truth, but they never discussed it. His painful childhood and adult experience of being illiterate has driven him to prevent others from suffering the same enslavement. After learning to read himself, he finally came out with his story on various show appearances, including the Oprah Winfrey Show, 60 Minutes, and 20/20. He started the foundation in 1997 to make a way for anyone to learn to read. He has also written and published several books, among which: "The Teacher Who Couldn't Read" and "A Bridge to Literacy."

John Corcoran has served on numerous advisory commissions and corporate boards, including the executive board of the Literacy Network of Greater Los Angeles. He currently serves on the board of the San Diego Council on Literacy. He was appointed to the board of the National Institute for Literacy by Presidents Bush and Clinton and continues advocating on Capitol Hill.

John Corcoran is a passionate and respected speaker who has spoken across the United States, Canada, and Europe to students, professional and volunteer teachers, civic groups and organizations, as well as to small businesses and Fortune 500 companies. In addition to the shows mentioned above, he has also appeared on Larry King Live, CNN, Fox News, the Joan Rivers Show, To Tell The Truth, and The Travis Smiley Show and has done over 200 radio and television interviews.