"Get Out Of Your Own Way" w/ Salome Thomas-El (REPLAY)

Salome Thomas-EL was born and raised in the inner city of Philadelphia and has been a teacher in the Philadelphia School District since 1987. He received national acclaim as a teacher and chess coach at Vaux Middle School, where his students have gone on to win world recognition as Eight-Time National Chess Champions. Armed with only 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, major colleges and universities. Salome Thomas-EL is a graduate of East Stroudsburg University in Pennsylvania. He is currently a doctoral candidate and has studied in Cambridge and London, England. He 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. Philadelphia Magazine honored Salome Thomas-EL as the 2006 “Best Philadelphian”. Mr. Thomas-EL frequently appears on C-SPAN, CNN and NPR Radio. Salome Thomas-EL is married and lives in Philadelphia with his wife and two young daughters. He is the former Principal of John F. Reynolds Elementary School in North Philadelphia and the author of the best-selling book, “I Choose to Stay”. The Walt Disney Company recently purchased the movie rights to “I Choose to Stay”. His second book, “The Immortality of Influence” (foreword written by actor Will Smith), was released in May 2006 and stresses the importance of leadership, parenting, mentoring and service to others. Tune in next Wednesday 11am-1pm ET for "Faith or Foolishness" exclusively on The RefuseToQuit Radio Show!