Gerry Brooks

Gerry Brooks is an educator and motivational speaker with more than two decades of experience in the American school system. Brooks began his career as a third-grade teacher in Palm Bay, Florida, later serving as an intervention specialist and administrator. He earned a master's degree in administration and worked as an elementary principal before transitioning to public speaking.

After earning a degree in elementary education from Troy University, Brooks dedicated his career to serving students and teachers as both an educator and administrator. While working as a principal in Kentucky, he gained national attention for his humorous videos on YouTube, which highlighted real-world educational experiences. His self-recorded videos, often delivered in an exaggerated southern drawl, addressed topics relevant to America's schools and resonated with educators nationwide. Brooks also posted a Facebook video about the college admissions scandal, which went viral and led to features on news networks including CNN. His social media following has grown to more than 3.1 million people, driven by content that blends humor with insights into the education profession.

Brooks has served in various roles, including teacher, intervention specialist, and principal, most recently at Liberty Elementary School. He is the author of the book "Go See the Principal: True Tales from the School Trenches," which covers topics such as social media use in the classroom and parent-teacher conferences, offering both comic relief and practical advice to educators. Brooks is also part of the Bored Teachers Comedy Tour, further establishing his presence in educational entertainment.

As a public speaker, Brooks addresses topics including personal climate and culture, as well as strategies for dealing with parents, students, and colleagues. His presentations are informed by his extensive experience in education and his ability to connect with audiences. In recognition of his influence as an educator, speaker, and author, Brooks was named one of four recipients of Troy University's Alumni of the Year award.