Keynote Speakers
Al Roker
Weatherman and Host of NBC’s The Today Show
Bestselling Author
As weatherman and a host of NBC's The Today Show, Al Roker greets more than 30 million viewers each week as America prepares for work. A ten-time Emmy Award winner, Mr. Roker conducts celebrity interviews, cooking segments, technology updates, and a continuing series for Today called “Today's Dad,” featuring parenting tips for fathers. Host of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, The Rose Bowl Parade, and the Christmas Tree Lighting at Rockefeller Center, Al Roker has also presided over his own talk show on CNBC, Al Roker, and hosted MSNBC's information quiz show, Remember This?, which earned Al a 1997 Daytime Emmy Award nomination for "Outstanding Game Show Host."
A lifelong learner, Mr. Roker attributes his success as an author and TV co-host to his love for reading and the educational process. His pursuit in communications was driven by his interest in multiple topics ranging from meteorology and science to history and social studies. As a youngster growing up in Queens, New York, Mr. Roker relied on his passion of books and reading to explore a world without boundaries. He remains a strong advocate for education with a particular commitment to youth literacy. Mr. Roker received a BA in Communications and later an honorary doctorate from the State University in Oswego.
A bestselling author with acclaimed books to his credit, Mr. Roker’s first book, Don't Make Me Stop This Car: Adventures in Fatherhood spent weeks atop the New York Times bestseller list. His second book, Al Roker's Big Bad Book of Barbecue was a summer blockbuster and New York Times bestseller. His third book, Al Roker's Hassle-Free Holiday Cookbook, was released in 2003.
In addition to his network duties, Al Roker has carved out a successful career as an entrepreneur. Now in its fifth year, Al Roker Productions, Inc. is Mr. Roker's thriving multimedia company set up to produce "all things Al." The company is involved in the development and production of network, cable, home video, and public television projects. Two of the most successful projects include the critically acclaimed special on PBS about severe weather, Savage Skies, and a highly rated travel series called Going Places. Other projects include Roker on the Road for Food Network and a series of specials, including Al Roker's World Championship Barbecue, Al Roker's Midwest Fest, Al Roker's Dining on the Strip, and Al Roker's Around the World in New York City.
Mr. Roker stays in close touch with his audience through another popular undertaking—his website (www.alroker.com)—which features thoughts on a variety of subjects, daily cartoons, brain-busting trivia, and merchandise personally designed by Al.
He resides in Manhattan with his wife, ABC News and 20/20 correspondent Deborah Roberts, and has two daughters and a son.
Ron Clark
Disney’s 2000 American Teacher of the Year
Founder Ron Clark Academy
Ron Clark has been called “America's Educator.” In 2000, he was named Disney's American Teacher of the Year. He is a New York Times Best Selling author, and his classes have been honored at the White House on three separate occasions. He has been featured on The Today Show, CNN, and Oprah, and Ms. Winfrey has even named him as her first “Phenomenal Man.” Ron's teaching experiences in New York City are the subject of the uplifting film, The Ron Clark Story, starring Matthew Perry, better known as Chandler from Friends.
Ron Clark brings charisma, energy and devotion to the education profession. His first teaching job was in rural North Carolina working with minority students in a low wealth area where he conducted innovative projects with his students that garnered worldwide attention. His programs were so effective that his classes were invited to the White House to be honored by the President.
When Mr. Clark saw a TV show about low test scores and the lack of teachers in inner-city New York, he packed his car and headed to Harlem. After being warned by the principal that the class was the worst she had seen in terms of discipline, he prepared himself by visiting the home of each student before the first day of school. Mr. Clark involved his students in projects around the city and state, and his "low achievers" soon began to excel; and by the end of the year, their scores were higher than the “gifted” classes in his district.
As Mr. Clark speaks to groups around the country, he tells of the uncanny adventures he has had in the classroom and of his experiences teaching in Harlem. Within his humorous and heartwarming stories, he delivers a message that pertains to all of us. It is a message of hope, dedication and the will to never let anything stand in the way of your goals or dreams. In 2003, Mr. Clark released the New York Times Bestselling book “The Essential 55” which includes the 55 expectations he has of his students, as well as all individuals, young and old. His second book, “The Excellent 11,” released in August 2004, is a “Must Read” for teachers, parents and everyone who wants the children in their lives to find happiness and achieve success!
Most recently, Mr. Clark has founded The Ron Clark Academy, a new school serving students from across metro Atlanta. The privately-funded institution is unique for its innovative teaching methods and curriculum based on worldwide travel. Each year the students, grades 5 through 8, apply what they've learned in class during international adventures, and by the time they graduate each child will have visited six of the seven continents. Teachers from around the world are invited to visit the Academy to learn more about the innovative and “out-of-the-box” methods for achieving student success.
