FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 19, 2004

CONTACT: Lisa Lacher, (515) 271-3119

TEACHER WHO COULDN'T READ TO SPEAK AT LOCAL LIBRARIES

John Corcoran, who graduated from college, taught school for 17 years and became a successful businessman -- all BEFORE he learned to read at age 48, will speak this month at two Des Moines-area libraries.

Corcoran, author of "The Teacher Who Couldn't Read," and adults learning to read at the Drake University Adult Literacy Center will discuss their struggles with reading at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 30, at the Urbandale Public Library, 3520 86th St., Urbandale. They also will speak about this issue at 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 31, at the Forest Avenue Library, 1326 Forest Ave.

Both events, which are free and open to the public, are jointly sponsored by the Drake Adult Literacy Center and the Urbandale and Des Moines public libraries.

Corcoran can read now, but it took him 48 years to attain this level of literacy. "My desire is to encourage parents and teachers not to overlook children's problems," he said. "Many youngsters, and far too many adults, hopelessly sit in a prison of illiteracy. We must recognize these prisoners and give them the tools of systematic phonics and auditory discrimination necessary to break out of their cells."

Corcoran, a nationally cited literacy advocate, has dedicated the last 10 years of his life to increasing awareness of adult literacy issues and helping others overcome their struggles.

"What better expert than an adult who learned to read later in life?" said Anne Murr, coordinator of the Drake Adult Literacy Center. "I had read John's book and then met him at a professional development conference about two years ago. He seemed like the perfect person to bring to Des Moines to speak about literacy.

"We have three goals for these speeches," Murr added. "We hope to raise community awareness of the causes and challenges of reading problems, to inform community members who need literacy help that assistance is available and to generate community support for the Adult Literacy Center. John Corcoran has a passionate and powerful voice to help us achieve these goals."

The Drake Adult Literacy Center at 3206 University Ave. serves approximately 50 clients and needs additional volunteer tutors to meet the needs of those on its waiting list. For more information about becoming a tutor or a student, call (515) 271-3982 or send an e-mail message to anne.murr@drake.edu.