ASCD & ISTE Author

Salome Thomas-EL, Ed.D., is a K-8 principal in Wilmington, Delaware. Also a veteran teacher, EL earned national acclaim as a teacher and chess coach at Vaux Middle School in Philadelphia where his students went on to win worldwide recognition as eight-time U.S. Chess Champions. Principal EL is also the author of the bestselling books I Choose to Stay, which has been optioned by Disney Films, and The Immortality of Influence, which stresses the importance of leadership, mentoring, parenting, and service to others. He’s also the co-author of three new books: Passionate Leadership, Building a Winning Team, and Retention for a Change. EL is a frequent presenter for groups nationwide, and has appeared on C-SPAN, CNN, and NPR Radio. He studied abroad at Cambridge and the University of London, as well as at Lehigh University in Pennsylvania. He holds a doctorate in education leadership from Wilmington University in Delaware. El received the Marcus A. Foster Award for outstanding School District Administrator in Philadelphia, and the University of Pennsylvania’s distinguished Martin Luther King Jr. Award. Reader’s Digest recognized Principal EL as an “Inspiring American Icon.” He was recently featured on “Good Morning America” and has appeared on the Oprah Radio Network.

Sessions

• Saturday Mainstage