Dr. Salome Thomas-EL aka Principal EL
Dr. Salome Thomas-EL, known as Principal EL, has served as a teacher and principal since 1987 and currently leads a K–8 school in Wilmington, Delaware. He first gained national recognition as a teacher and chess coach at Vaux Middle School in Philadelphia, where his students became eight-time National Chess Champions. A celebrated author and speaker, he wrote the best-selling books I Choose to Stay (optioned by Disney) and The Immortality of Influence, and co-authored three books on leadership and teacher retention. His latest release, Meet Their Needs, and They’ll Succeed (April 2025), continues his mission to inspire resilience and equity in education. Featured on CNN, NPR, Good Morning America, and the Oprah Radio Network, Dr. EL has been honored with the Marcus A. Foster Award, the University of Pennsylvania’s MLK Award, and recognition by Reader’s Digest as an “Inspiring American Icon.”