John Corcoran Foundation

Background Statement

John Corcoran is a California-credentialed teacher who taught at a public high school for 17 years while hiding his illiteracy. He founded the John Corcoran Foundation (JCF) in 1997 with $10,000 of his personal funds to provide low-literate children with free tutoring (in-person and online), hardware, software, internet access, and academic progress testing. A beneficiary of the California State Library's California Literacy Campaign and the Lindamood-Bell program, Corcoran wanted others to experience the literacy success that eluded him until he was 48. A Presidential appointee to the National Institute for Literacy, Mr. Corcoran is the only private citizen to receive the National Coalition for Literacy's 2011 Literacy Leadership Award, awarded at the United States Senate.

John Corcoran's vocality on the issue of literacy is vast. John has spoken in 48 states to students, professional and volunteer teachers, civic groups and organizations, as well as to small businesses and Fortune 500 companies. He has appeared on 20/20, Larry King Live, The Oprah Winfrey Show, Fox News and CNN and has done over 200 radio and T.V. interviews.
 John was a panelist of the Black Caucus alongside Congressman Chaka Fattah (PA). John is the author of the books, "The Teacher Who Couldn't Read" and "The Bridge to Literacy" and has served on numerous advisory commissions and corporate boards. John was a board member of the National Institute for Literacy, appointed by President Bush and continued under President Clinton. He has testified before the U.S. Congress Sub-Committee on Early

Childhood Education and Family and to the Sub-Committee on Oversight and Investigation for the Committee on Economic and Educational Opportunities.
John Corcoran was officially assigned the title "The Honorable John Corcoran" while serving on the Board of the National Institute for Literacy, which followed recognitions by the Barbara Bush Foundation and the Literacy Network of Greater Los Angeles. Today, John serves as a board member for the San Diego Council on Literacy. But, the most salient aspect of John Corcoran's leadership is his character. When asked whether his achievements as a businessman and educator suggest that literacy is not necessary for success, he responded, "Think how much more I could have done if I had learned to read earlier." With that core value, he is an inspiration to all. John's national advocacy continues today and he is increasingly sought after to talk about his remarkable story of his triumph over illiteracy.