Diane Ravitch

Research Professor & Historian of Education

Diane Ravitch

Research Professor & Historian of Education

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Biography

Diane Ravitch is the champion for public schools across the country. Drawing on over 40 years of research and experience, Ravitch is the nation’s leading advocate for public education. Her years of experience working in the government shaped her approach to education, and gave her a unique and powerful perspective which she brings into all aspects of her work. A prolific writer and a renowned research professor of education at New York University, Ravitch has published more than 500 articles and reviews for scholarly and popular publications. Her blog is one of the primary destinations for American educators, which has received more than tens of millions of views since 2012.

Ravitch provides solutions. In her books, Ravitch provides a clear plan for how to preserve and improve our public schools. Her New York Times bestseller, Reign of Error: The Hoax of the Privatization Movement and the Danger to America’s Public Schools begins where her previous book, The Death and Life of the Great American School System left off. Ravitch continues to show that the crisis in American education is not result of a crisis of academic achievement, but a result of the destruction of public schools. In a chapter-by-chapter breakdown, Ravitch teaches what is working in U.S. education and how policy makers are failing to address the root cause of educational failure. Finally, Ravitch shows readers how it can, in fact, be fixed.

Ravitch shares the hard message that every parent, teacher and community needs to support public schools, or else, our society will fail all children. A public school graduate herself, this award winning educator’s depth of knowledge and experience shines through her passionate speeches. Ravitch has developed a powerful argument against the privatization of public schools, and she will take audiences step-by-step through the triumphs and failures American public school system. With her electrifying wisdom, Ravitch leaves audiences informed, motivated and ultimately inspired.

Speaker Videos

Reign of Error

The Public Schools Are The Peoples Schools

Defend Public Education

Speech Topics

Reign of Error: The Hoax of the Privatization Movement and the Danger to America’s Public Schools

The Death & Life of the Great American School System

Testimonials

"I want to first say that it was such a privilege and honor to hear Diane Ravitch speak. I was so impressed and inspired by her. While it’s clear she is so experienced and knowledgeable, I really appreciated that she didn’t speak to us like an academic or intellectual, but more as a humbled, impassioned, driven woman and equal. Her approach was engaging, motivating, and personal. I felt encouraged and enlightened, not preached to…. I love how Diane left us with the motivating thought that 'teaching is the battle ground of our society.' While she didn’t sugarcoat the fact that we will be working in a war zone, I feel really inspired to be a 'part of the action,' a part of the change."

- Penn State Harrisburg

"Our audience just loved her. It was difficult for us to get her to the book signing after the event because people kept stopping her, taking pictures, chatting, hugging, etc. Wisconsin is an especially tough place to be if you are a public educator or the parent of a public school child. She spoke directly to the concerns of the educators, parents, and students in the audience. Please express our deepest thanks to Diane."

- Executive Director, Milwaukee Teachers’ Education Association

"Well, what can I say to capture the success of Diane Ravitch’s visit to URI? She received a standing ovation on the way to and from the podium; rousing applause many, many times over the course of the talk; an amazing introduction from the Providence Student Union (one of Diane’s favorite student groups who she blogged about today); Diane’s respectful and brilliant response to a corporate-reform question by our corporate-reformer RI Chair of the Board of Education; a wonderful dinner with Diane seated next to my awestruck undergraduate student; and Diane’s gracious signing of books upon books, talking with students and the press with poise and passion. What a memorable and significant event for many, many folks in the greater Rhode Island area and for me, personally. You may be interested to know this event was live streamed and archived. In not quite 24 hours since last night’s event, Diane’s talk has been viewed 2, 350 times. We estimate there were 800 people in the audience and another 130 watching live stream during the talk. Thanks to you both and to Diane for her Rhode Island visit, one that will surely change and improve the educational experiences of children and the professional lives of their teachers. She is a beacon of hope and a role model for us all."

- Associate Professor, University of Rhode Island

"The reception to Diane’s address was phenomenal! Everyone was talking about it and was really moved. The applause at the end went on and on in a way that I don’t hear very often. Our president and I really enjoyed the opportunity to speak with Diane over lunch as well. There is no question that Diane’s keynote was the highlight of the conference! Thank you!"

- Executive Director, New York State School Music Association

"Diane was awesome. Her presentation was well received and very much appreciated. We had a wonderful time with her at dinner the evening before the conference. She is a remarkable lady and has such a great message. After her keynote, she did a question and answer session that had approximately 200 people in attendance. The audience asked great questions and she was in great style with her responses. We feel so good about her being with us and hope we can associate with her again sometime in the future. I would like to thank you for the detailed arrangements that were made on her behalf. Everything was smooth as silk. I look forward to working with you in the future."

- Client

"Thank you for speaking at our Education Minnesota conference. The standing ovation our members gave you came straight from the heart. They so appreciate the strength and clarity of your message and your genuine support for teachers and public schools. When I reviewed your book for our statewide newsletter in early 2010, I asked, “Who will take up the cause?” You have done so, most powerfully, and in the process you’ve given hope and courage to our teachers and their allies across the country. Thank you for coming here to support and inspire our Minnesota educators."

- Conference Coordinator, Education Minnesota

"Everything went really well with Dr. Ravitch’s visit. She was able to meet with a few different groups in the community and she was very engaging. There were nearly 600 people in attendance and she received several rounds of applause throughout her lecture… and of course, she got a standing ovation. So far, the response from the community seems to be really positive…and we really appreciated the mention in her blog!"

- Benwood Foundation

"Diane's visit went very well. Despite the less than ideal time, venue, and weather, she drew a large and enthusiastic crowd. Diane's speech was truly inspiring and we all left energized by her optimism for the future of public education."

- Western Michigan University