My Work

AMAZING, AWESOME, PASSIONATE, AWE-INSPIRING… this man was FANTASTIC! His delivery, stories, experiences, classroom teaching style — EVERYTHING he shared with us was just GREAT! WOW! I LOVED this conference!  Thank you CSIU!

Thank you Mr. John Perricone!

Julie Kessler (Paraeducator)
Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit, Milton PA


I am thrilled to share my heartfelt appreciation for Mr. John Perricone, who graced our gathering of music educators with an unforgettable presentation. From start to finish, his ability to inspire, entertain, and move our audience was nothing short of extraordinary.

Mr. Perricone’s dynamic presence and engaging demeanor immediately captivated the attention of the large audience. It was clear from the onset that we were in for a treat – an experience that transcended the typical professional development sessions we often encounter.

Mr. Perricone seamlessly blended humor with profound insights, creating a presentation that was not only informative but also incredibly entertaining. Laughter echoed through the auditorium, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie and shared joy. It was refreshing to witness the power of humor used so effectively in delivering a message, making the learning experience both enjoyable and memorable.

Beyond the laughter, Mr. Perricone masterfully interwove moments of deep reflection and inspiration. Through poignant anecdotes and thought-provoking stories, he brought to life both challenges and triumphs of the education profession and fostered a sense of unity among the diverse group of educators present. It was a reminder that, despite our different backgrounds and experiences, we share a common purpose and passion for shaping the minds of the next generation.

I wholeheartedly endorse Mr. Perricone. His presentation was a masterclass in the art of communication, blending inspiration, humor, and emotion to create a transformative experience for all. Our gathering of educators left not only with valuable insights and practical takeaways but also with a renewed sense of purpose and a smile on our faces. Thank you to Mr. Perricone for leaving an indelible mark on our professional journey.

Dr. Laura J. Landor
Director of Fine and Performing Arts
Hauppauge Public Schools
landorl@hauppauge.k12.ny.us
(631) 870-5781


Mr. Perricone,
Thank you for presenting at our opening day! We so appreciate the tone that you set with our school community as we enter the 2023-2024 school year! It was spot on! The feedback I received from faculty has been overwhelmingly positive. Just a few include: “I have sat through so many opening days in a number of districts and this one was by far the best!” “I have never been to a keynote presentation at a school district where everyone was so dialed in to the speaker!” “Best speaker ever!!!”
Thank you for the energy and passion you brought to your presentation! It was so appreciated!
Laurel Logan-King
Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction
Mohonasen Central School District, Rotterdam, N. Y.
518-356-8205

“Much of our lives have to do with our perspective.  John provided a vision for our staff that was filled with hope, inspiration and goals for our future as educators.  He challenged us to leave a positive impact on the lives of our students and reminded us why the career we have chosen is still the best and most impactful in the world!  A great keynote that we will remember and practice the lessons shared for a long time.”

Paul Romanelli, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
West Islip UFSD
West Islip, NY
P.Romanelli@wi.k12.ny.us
631-930-1561


We were fortunate enough to have John address our entire faculty and staff on our Champions’ Conference Day to start the school year and it was refreshing. His message was spot on with the philosophy we believe in and promote daily. He was so engaging and captivated the entire auditorium for the duration of his presentation. John mixed humor with heartfelt stories while sprinkling in just the right amount of history. It was the recipe for a GREAT kickoff to our school year. I am excited to see how our Champion educators will apply his message and positive energy to all they do in and out of the classroom. I am grateful for John, his time and his message. He is now an honorary Champion and part of our family! Thank you John!

Joseph M. Palmer
Superintendent of Schools
Frankfort-Schuyler CSD
605 Palmer Street
Frankfort, N.Y.
jpalmer@frankfort-schuyler.org
315-894-5083


John,

I don’t know how to express the feelings I have and the sincere gratitude I feel for meeting you and breaking bread with you leading into your presentation to our entire staff here at Elk Lake.  They continue to speak of your presentation and how you made them feel: “Energized!” “Don’t sweat the small stuff!” “Focus on what matters most!” “Let’s dance with our students!” and most importantly, “Sho-shin!” (Cherishing our beginner’s mind)

You are a gift because you truly transform people with negative mindsets to ones of positivity and kindness. I’m sure that your mission influences so many more that you can realize! Know that you have been an inspiration to me and our family at the Elk Lake School District!

Bob Galella
Superintendent, Elk Lake School District, Springville, PA
bob.galella@elklakeschool.org
570-278-1106


John,

You came to Elk Lake and provided us with such an inspirational and uplifting opening day — the buzz is still going one week later! You spoke so profoundly about life, students, and self that it’s my sincere hope that I can capture even the essence of what you imparted so that I can do the same with my staff, students, and the greater community!

Thank you for being so connected to our staff during your presentation. I’ve been in the business for twenty-three years and have NEVER been as moved as I was when you spoke. Thank you for the “juice” to move forward so we can accomplish what our profession is so in need of.

You, my friend, have made a difference and I cannot find the words to show my appreciation, so I’ll simply say “thank you.” In the meantime, I will make it my goal to “to see the entire universe reflecting in my students’ eyes.”

Yours In Education,
Marc

Mr. Marc Weisgold
Elementary Principal
Elk Lake School District
Springville PA, 18844
marc.weisgold@elklakeschool.org
570-278-1106 x731


John Perricone and his mantra of SHO-SHIN (“Cherishing our beginner’s mind”) delivered the most perfect message to our staff at the most perfect time that it was needed. His energy and enthusiasm as well as humor and humility had our staff engaged, contemplating, and laughing throughout his time with us. In twenty-four years of being an educator, I have not heard a better, more timely message for those of us who have the most precious and prized resource in our hands on a daily basis, our students. John has my utmost respect and recommendation.

Dr. Buckley Cook
Curriculum Director
Harbor Creek School District
Harbor Creek, PA
bcook@harborcreeksd.com
814-897-2100 ext 2108


To any educational leaders out there who are looking for a speaker who can recharge your district, John Perricone is the inspirational speaker you are looking for. Mr. Perricone spoke to our entire staff, and his message resonated with everyone! His calligraphy for “Sho-Shin” (“Cherishing our beginner’s mind”) is hanging in classrooms, office spaces, and it’s even in our nurse’s office – all voluntarily hung). His message was powerful and the number of emails I’ve received thanking our admin team for bringing him to us was unprecedented. He took everyone back to our roots, and helped us recapture why we all entered into education — to make a difference!

Mr. Nathan Jones, Hunter-Tannersville Superintendent of Schools, Hunter, New York njones0@htcschools.org   518-589-5400 ext. 1000


Mr. Perricone,

You proved to be the right guy, at the right place, at the right time, and with exactly the right message we all needed to hear.

You single-handedly and undoubtedly prevented burnout, fallout, and imminent departure of some very overwhelmed, stressed-out teachers who have endured and survived Covid.  They are now enduring the peripheral outcomes of the pandemic, and it is a difficult job!

Your message inspired hope, purpose, and renewed perspective. You made it unequivocally clear that we have opportunities each day (and with every single encounter) to be the difference, the change-agent, or the reason behind someone else’s trajectory and success. 

With thirty years in education, I have sat through many in-service days, guest speakers, etc., and you are, hands down, without reservation, and with all sincerity at the very top of the list sir!

David Koma
Principal, Rice Avenue Middle School
Girard School District, Girard PA
david.koma@girardsd.org
(814) 774-5666 x2072


Just a quick note of thanks for the wonderful presentation at our high school yesterday. Thank you for reminding me why I chose to go back to school for a second bachelor’s to become a teacher well into my adult years — the irreplaceable joy of human connection. The powerful, positive influence you have had on the lives of your students filled me with inspiration and determination to continue making positive teacher-student connections my top priority as an educator. I left the presentation feeling like my soul had received much-needed nurturing and fortification, and with the realization that’s what my students need, too.

Thank you again.

Amy Burton Moore, M.Ed.
English/Journalism
Powell High School
Powell, Wyoming


“Mr. Perricone took the time to learn what makes the culture of our school tick and he crafted a message that touched on all that we so needed to hear. For almost two hours you could hear a pin drop except for the times when the audience was rolling with laughter. His dialogue delved into the fundamental motivations behind our staff’s career choices. Mr. Perricone’s authentic and sincere approach unmistakably showcased his passion for children and teaching. This was the first time I have seen staff line up to thank a presenter as they left the building.”
Kaine M. Kelly
Superintendent of Schools
Randolph Central School
Randolph, NY
kkelly@randolphcsd.org
716-358-6161

We were so honored to have Mr. Perricone address our staff today! His passion for teaching and his ability to connect with his audience went far beyond any PD I have ever attended. His good-natured humor was immediately disarming, and the thought-provoking questions and stories he shared had EVERYONE in attendance deep in thought and reflection. Mr. Perricone made it a point to greet staff individually after his presentation, which is only one of the myriad ways he outwardly embodies his philosophy of teaching and of life.  I could not have asked for a more meaningful and beneficial presentation for my staff.

Jackie Frederick, Elementary Principal, Hunter-Tannersville Central School, jfrederick@htcschools.org,  (518) 263-4256 ext. 2000


“John was the impetus for bringing teachers and administrators from three districts together in one setting to motivate, inspire, educate, and elevate us before we began our new school year here in Arizona. John reached us because he is one of us. He’s the living embodiment and example of who we strive to be as educators. What a great way to begin the year!”

Steve Estatico
Superintendent
Superior Unified School District
Superior, Arizona
steve.estatico@superiorusd.org
520-689-3000 Ext. 3001

 


John Perricone is one of the most inspirational voices in American education today! To actually be able to witness first hand his magical and empowering work was truly a blessing!! Thank you for all you do for the teachers and students across our country!!!

Mike Palumbo
Baltimore, Maryland

John Perricone is inspiration, motivation, and celebration all wrapped up in a package that is one of the best gifts that you can give your teachers. In this day and age when teachers feel so challenged by circumstances, John has the ability to help them reconnect with their love of children and their love of learning.

Heather McPherson
Superintendent
Tunkhannock Area School District

You gave one of the best and most inspiring opening day addresses that I have ever heard. Our entire district is abuzz with enthusiasm and we will continue to reference your words throughout the school year. Thank you so much! We can’t wait to have you back!

Richard Loeschner
Superintendent
Brentwood Union Free School District, Brentwood, N.Y.


Our district was searching for a presenter that would guide us in starting the new year off right with a “Fresh Mindset” and boy did we find that in John’s keynote address!  John was so captivating and inspiring as he shared his life’s work in the classroom and challenged our audience to reflect upon the profundity and meaning of their lives as EDUCATORS!  We so appreciated John’s willingness to take us deep into a discussion that invited introspection leading each of us to rediscover our why! Thanks for all you do, John!  I’ll be reaching out soon to purchase copies of your book for my staff!

Dr. Nicole Sanderson, Assistant Superintendent, Wolf Branch School District, Swansea, Illinois  nsanderson@wbsd113.org,  618-277-2100

 


We had the good fortune of having Mr. Perricone speak to our staff today. His message had everyone reflecting, reminiscing, and reconnecting to their reason for having entered the teaching profession – a love for young people and the passion to teach them! Following his presentation, I had so many staff members tell me that his message both stirred and reignited that passion within them once again. Thanks, John, for reminding us in the most profound way that our chosen profession is one of distinction and of immeasurable importance.
Kirk Easton, Superintendent, Spearfish School District, Spearfish, South Dakota

I can’t thank you enough for sharing your passion and experiences with our teachers. Your story was so inspiring and so refreshing. Teaching is a hard but very noble profession. We often lose ourselves in others. It’s part of the beautiful dance. Your words were fuel for the soul. Your presentation and presence were so genuine and real. I was hoping for good, but it was beyond what I could have even hoped for — seriously. You hit a grand slam.

I am grateful that you choose to share your story and that you are courageous enough every day to step out in an effort to make a difference. Know that you do. I am a better person for getting to know you and I know that our teachers and staff feel the same way. What a true gift. Meeting you was like meeting a kindred spirit. You have renewed my faith in humanity. Continue to let your light shine, and shine it sure does.

Mrs. Angel Ghastin

Director of Curriculum and Special Programs

Girard School District, Girard PA

angel.ghastin@girardsd.org

(814) 774-4006