G - Reference, Information and Interdisciplinary Subjects Ser. : No Child- Or Adult- Left Behind

National literacy advocate John Corcoran helped to bring illiteracy out of the shadows with his autobiography,The Teacher Who Couldn’t Read.  His shocking and emotionally moving story—from being a child who was failed by the system, to an angry adolescent, a desperate college student, and finally an emerging adult reader—touched audiences of national television shows including theOprah Winfrey Show,20/20,Phil Donahue, andLarry King Live. His story was also featured in national magazines such asEsquire,Biography,Reader’s Digest, andPeople.   As a national literacy advocate, Corcoran earned the praise of former First Lady Barbara Bush, a strong advocate of literacy, who noted: “Nothing makes me happier than to know that strong, gifted people like you will continue to work your hearts out for literacy… You make us so proud.”   Corcoran formalized his literacy visions and, along with a diversified group of individual business and professional people, founded The John Corcoran Foundation, Inc. The Foundation’s mission is:   “To facilitate the eradication and prevention of adult illiteracy in America through the creation and dissemination of resources, training, mentoring, and public awareness through existing literacy organizational and educational programs.”   Now, Corcoran is going back into the “subculture of illiteracy” from which he escaped at the age of 48. In his new book,The Bridge to Literacy: No Child—Or Adult—Left Behind, Corcoran uncovers the crisis state of illiteracy in America and shares a vision of hope for millions of adults who lack basic reading and writing skills.   John Corcoran’sprofessional career represents a merger of his life as a teacher, real estate investor, and his passion for a literate America. His background in teaching demonstrates his commitment to sharing his knowledge and experience with others.   The Honorable John Corcoran was appointed to the National Institute for Literacy by President George H. W. Bush, was confirmed by the U.S. Senate, and subsequently served on the Board of the Institute under President Bush and President Clinton. He has testified before the U.S. Congress Subcommittee of Early Childhood Education and Family and to the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigation for the Committee on Economic and Educational Opportunities. In addition, he has served on numerous advisory commissions and corporate boards, has been a member of the board of the San Diego Council on Literacy, and presently is a member of the Executive Board of the Literacy Network of Greater Los Angeles. Corcoran is also the author of the bookThe Teacher Who Couldn’t Read,originally published by Focus on the Family and currently by Kaplan Publishing.   Corcoran is a nationally known and respected speaker and lecturer who has given presentations in 44 states, in Canada, and in Europe to students, professional and volunteer teachers, teacher candidates, service groups and organizations, policymakers, and prison inmates, as well as numerous small business and Fortune 500 companies. He has appeared on20/20,the Oprah Winfrey Show,Larry King Live, andPhil Donahue. In all, he has done more than 200 radio and TV interviews. Corcoran was also the recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2002 Literacy in Media Awards.   John is presently the president of the John Corcoran Foundation, Inc. He and his wife have lived in Oceanside, California, for more than 40 years. They have two adult children and four grandchildren.