Eric Chester

Eric Chester is the premier expert on Generation Why; in fact, he coined the term. A former high school teacher and coach, Eric has been working with youth all of his adult life. As America’s top youth motivational speaker, he has personally addressed more than two million teenagers, and he is dialed-in to the mindset of this burgeoning generation. He frequently appears on national media (ABC News 20/20, MSNBC, FoxNews, CNN, etc.) to provide commentary on those coming of age.

Eric is the Founder & President of Generation Why, Inc., a training and consulting firm offering insight, perspective and strategies to leading companies and educational organizations to help them connect with and lead this new generation. He is the author of 10 books for - and about - youth, including his latest release Getting Them to Give a Damn - How to Get Your Front Line to Care About Your Bottom Line (Dearborn, 2005).

Eric is a Certified Speaking Professional and a 2004 inductee into the CPAE International Speakers Hall of Fame. His long list of clients includes the National School Boards Association, the National Association of Secondary School Principals, and scores of other state, regional, and national educational organizations.

Eric’s greatest depth of experience with Generation Why, though, comes from his critical role as father/stepfather to four Gen Why youth now aged 20 to 25. He lives “in the trenches” each day, offering assistance to prepare his two sons and two daughters for the changing world they are helping to mold.

Areas of Expertise:

Motivation

Performance Improvement

Leadership

Teamwork/Unity

*Leading authority on Generation Y frequently appears/quoted in major national media (i.e. L.A. Times, CBS, Forbes, Washington Post, MS-NBC, etc.)

* Keynote speaker for hundreds of teacher, counselor, administrator, and school board audiences since 1986.

The Aliens Have Landed – Educating Generation Why
“How can we teach them if we don’t understand them?”
Join America’s foremost expert on Generation Why for a stunning portrayal of the new breed of students who are now in our schools. Their attitudes, values, and approach to education are radically different from those who have gone before them. Discover why those educators who continue to do what they've always done — expecting similar results — have great reason for concern.

Getting Them to Give a Damn – How to Get Students to Own Their Education
In this highly entertaining program, Eric presents proven strategies for leading and educating Generation Why. After visiting more than 1,500 schools, working with the brightest students and teachers, Eric offers cutting-edge ideas that lead to increased student attendance, participation, and performance.

"Eric, you hit a home run! Why did we wait so long to invite you back for a return engagement? Your presentation gave new understanding and appreciation to the 600 adult and 200 student delegates at our annual convention. You were - as expected - right on target!" Pennsylvania School Boards Association. Lynn H. Mannion - Asst. Exective Director for Communications

"Your program was filled with humor and many ideas, and it made for a first class presentation! You're a credit to your profession." Washington Assn. of School Administrators Terry Barber - Dir. of Professional Development

"Our members work with kids - 24 million of them - every day. So it's high praise when so many of them rushed to tell me 'That guy really knows his stuff!' Thanks for sharing your extraordinary talent with us and thanks, especially, for helping us understand, appreciate, and connect with the young lives we touch."

National Association for Pupil Transportation Michael J. Martin - Executive Director

"When we booked Eric Chester to present to the Oregon elementary, middle school and high school principals at our statewide conference, we were a bit concerned if his presentation would be appropriate for such a wide span within the audience. Once we experienced his program, our concerns were laid to rest. He had plenty to share for everyone! We all left the conference with a new frame of reference for the students we work with, no matter what grade level." Confederation of Oregon School Administrators Bill Beck - Executive Director

“Our members loved you! You deeply inspired our members, and your presentation set the tone for a successful event.” Association of Texas Professional Educators Judith Tangum – Meetings & Conferences Manager