Salome Thomas-El
Keynote Speaker: Award-Winning Educator, Head of School & Chess Coach
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Salome Thomas-El Biography
“Every child needs someone to be crazy about them.” These are the words of Salome Thomas-EL, award-winning teacher and principal, and nationally recognized educator. They shape his life-long commitment to answering the question, “How do we ensure that every child achieves their greatest potential?” This question lies at the heart of the national dialogue on education policy, the day in and day out work of school personnel, and the hopes of every parent. Central to this challenge is how we succeed with children who are facing the most serious barriers to success: poverty, violence, neglect, and low expectations.
For over 20 years, Principal EL has taken on this challenge with the absolute belief that every child can and will learn as long as adults in their world care enough to not give up. Starting as a teacher and chess coach at Vaux Middle School and through his years as principal at several traditional public and charter schools, Thomas-EL has transformed the attitudes and strategies of school staff, parents, and members of the community to help hundreds of troubled children not only graduate from high school but go on to earn higher degrees from major colleges and universities. He brings to the process a powerful combination of passion, caring, and leadership to craft a refreshing, common-sense roadmap to help kids achieve their dreams, no matter the odds.
Salome Thomas-EL lives in Wilmington, Delaware with his wife and two young daughters. He has been a teacher and principal in various educational settings since 1987 and is currently the Head of School at Thomas Edison Charter School in Wilmington. Thomas-EL received national acclaim as a teacher and chess coach at Vaux Middle School, where his students have gained world recognition as Eight-Time National Chess Champions. Thomas-EL was a regular contributor on "The Dr. Oz Show" and has appeared on "The Oprah Radio Network". He is the author of the best-selling books "I Choose to Stay", about his experiences at Vaux Middle School, and "The Immortality of Influence" (Foreword by Will Smith), which stresses the importance of leadership, mentoring, parenting and service to others. The Walt Disney Company optioned the movie rights to "I Choose to Stay". Thomas-EL frequently appears on C-SPAN, CNN, and NPR Radio. He studied at Cambridge University and Lehigh University, holds a doctorate in Education from Wilmington University, and has received the Marcus A. Foster Award as the outstanding School District Administrator in Philadelphia and the University of Pennsylvania’s distinguished Martin Luther King Award. Educational Leadership and Reader’s Digest Magazine recognized Principal EL as an “Inspiring American Icon”.
Contact a speaker booking agent to check availability on Salome Thomas-El and other top speakers and celebrities.
Salome Thomas-El Speaking Topics
In this thought-provoking session, Principal EL shares how we can positively change our school cultures by empowering our educators and school leaders to focus on the protective processes that build resilience in every child. Principal EL unpacks this vision for change with the “4Cs of School Success:” being Crazy about students, Curious about their lives outside of school, Consistent as adults in their lives, and driven to foster a Culture that is grounded in joy, learning and resilience. Join this keynote session to better understand the power of adult-child relationships in schools and celebrate the impact we can make when we leverage our roles as learners and leaders, and Choose to Stay!
Thomas-EL is the author of I Choose to Stay: A Black Teacher Refuses to Desert the Inner City - an intensely moving story of loyalty and courage and a deeply personal tribute to the great potential of inner-city kids. In 1997, as a teacher at Roberts Vaux Middle School in Philadelphia's inner city, he was offered a promotion, not only because he had helped to improve scholastics, morale, and discipline at his school, but because he had taught children to play chess—and win local and national competitions . He turned down the promotion. He was committed to stay and be the role model those children needed. Armed with a chess board and a profound belief in their potential, Thomas-EL's faith and commitment has motivated hundreds of children in Philadelphia to attend magnet high schools and major colleges and universities. His story proves that teaching in the public schools can result in excellence and success for children most of society has abandoned. Reflecting on how it feels to see a young person he has mentored walk down the aisle toward a real future instead of to an early grave, Thomas-EL has said: "I've been to too many funerals; I need to go to more graduations."
Thomas-EL uses practical, real-world examples to present the universal methods he has so successfully used to help his students achieve their dreams. He famously began a chess club-the Mighty Bishops - to teach his students at an early age to think critically and to resolve conflict with their minds instead of their fists. Not only did his students win national championships and become local heroes among their peers, they also scored high on the SAT, which got them into colleges and universities. Thomas-EL found himself faced with kids who weighed more than he did, so he started a simple summer program where the students walked to museums and other cultural events around the city; those who exercised felt better about themselves and in turn became better students. Citing the importance of exposing his students to the world outside of their own sometimes troubled community, he tells of taking 15 of his African American kids to rural Vermont, where they interacted with white children their age and discovered how much they had in common. All of these students were later accepted to magnet high schools.
Based on his book, The Immortality of Influence, this keynote speech is a refreshing, commonsense roadmap to helping kids achieve their dreams, not only for parents and educators but for everyone who knows that just one person really can make a difference.
Salome Thomas-El Videos
How do I book Salome Thomas-El to speak at my event?
Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Salome Thomas-El for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Salome Thomas-El, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Salome Thomas-El or any other speaker of your choice.
How much does it cost to book Salome Thomas-El for a speaking engagement?
Speaking fees for Salome Thomas-El, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Salome Thomas-El are Below $10,000 for live events and Below $10,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Salome Thomas-El, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
What topics does Salome Thomas-El speak about?
Salome Thomas-El is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Authors, Family & Parenting, Education, Black Heritage, Diversity & Inclusion, Educational Motivational and Education Reform.
Where does Salome Thomas-El travel from?
Salome Thomas-El generally travels from Wilmington, DE, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances.
Who is the agent for Salome Thomas-El?
AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like Salome Thomas-El for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Salome Thomas-El for your next private or corporate function.
What is a full-service speaker booking agency?
AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host Salome Thomas-El or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us.
Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?
If you’re looking for the best speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.
Salome Thomas-El is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics including Authors, Family & Parenting and Education. The estimated speaking fee range to book Salome Thomas-El for live events is Below $10,000, and for virtual events Below $10,000. Salome Thomas-El generally travels from Wilmington, DE, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Dr. Adolph Brown, Liz Dozier and Donalyn Miller. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Salome Thomas-El for an upcoming event.
SPEAKING TOPICS
Salome Thomas-El Speaking Topics
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4Cs of School Success
In this thought-provoking session, Principal EL shares how we can positively change our school cultures by empowering our educators and school leaders to focus on the protective processes that build resilience in every child. Principal EL unpacks this vision for change with the “4Cs of School Success:” being Crazy about students, Curious about their lives outside of school, Consistent as adults in their lives, and driven to foster a Culture that is grounded in joy, learning and resilience. Join this keynote session to better understand the power of adult-child relationships in schools and celebrate the impact we can make when we leverage our roles as learners and leaders, and Choose to Stay!
-
I Choose to Stay
Thomas-EL is the author of I Choose to Stay: A Black Teacher Refuses to Desert the Inner City - an intensely moving story of loyalty and courage and a deeply personal tribute to the great potential of inner-city kids. In 1997, as a teacher at Roberts Vaux Middle School in Philadelphia's inner city, he was offered a promotion, not only because he had helped to improve scholastics, morale, and discipline at his school, but because he had taught children to play chess—and win local and national competitions . He turned down the promotion. He was committed to stay and be the role model those children needed. Armed with a chess board and a profound belief in their potential, Thomas-EL's faith and commitment has motivated hundreds of children in Philadelphia to attend magnet high schools and major colleges and universities. His story proves that teaching in the public schools can result in excellence and success for children most of society has abandoned. Reflecting on how it feels to see a young person he has mentored walk down the aisle toward a real future instead of to an early grave, Thomas-EL has said: "I've been to too many funerals; I need to go to more graduations."
-
The Immortality of Influence
Thomas-EL uses practical, real-world examples to present the universal methods he has so successfully used to help his students achieve their dreams. He famously began a chess club-the Mighty Bishops - to teach his students at an early age to think critically and to resolve conflict with their minds instead of their fists. Not only did his students win national championships and become local heroes among their peers, they also scored high on the SAT, which got them into colleges and universities. Thomas-EL found himself faced with kids who weighed more than he did, so he started a simple summer program where the students walked to museums and other cultural events around the city; those who exercised felt better about themselves and in turn became better students. Citing the importance of exposing his students to the world outside of their own sometimes troubled community, he tells of taking 15 of his African American kids to rural Vermont, where they interacted with white children their age and discovered how much they had in common. All of these students were later accepted to magnet high schools.
Based on his book, The Immortality of Influence, this keynote speech is a refreshing, commonsense roadmap to helping kids achieve their dreams, not only for parents and educators but for everyone who knows that just one person really can make a difference.
VIDEO
Salome Thomas-El Videos
BOOKS
REVIEWS
Salome Thomas-El Reviews
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“Principal EL’s speeches are amazing and we love having him be a part of the work that Franklin Covey is doing around the world. He has a unique way of motivating teachers and students alike that is unparalleled. I wish we all could speak like him.”
Global Solutions and Partnerships, Franklin Covey - Jan 09 2025
NEWS
Salome Thomas-El News
FAQS
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How do I book Salome Thomas-El to speak at my event?
Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Salome Thomas-El for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Salome Thomas-El, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Salome Thomas-El or any other speaker of your choice. -
How much does it cost to book Salome Thomas-El for a speaking engagement?
Speaking fees for Salome Thomas-El, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Salome Thomas-El are Below $10,000 for live events and Below $10,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Salome Thomas-El, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent. -
What topics does Salome Thomas-El speak about?
Salome Thomas-El is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Authors, Family & Parenting, Education, Black Heritage, Diversity & Inclusion, Educational Motivational and Education Reform. -
Where does Salome Thomas-El travel from?
Salome Thomas-El generally travels from Wilmington, DE, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. -
Who is the agent for Salome Thomas-El?
AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like Salome Thomas-El for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Salome Thomas-El for your next private or corporate function. -
What is a full-service speaker booking agency?
AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host Salome Thomas-El or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us. -
Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?
If you’re looking for the best speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.
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