Meet John Farrell
John Farrell is an internationally acclaimed songwriter, author, and peace educator. For over 20 years he has been doing assembly programs, workshops and family concerts at schools, conferences, and community events. He has visited more than 1500 schools in 22 countries around the world. John’s songs and stories focus on understanding, empathy, nature, literacy, and much more. John’s music video “The Great Earth Sing Along,” received a Parents Choice Award and a Dove Foundation Award. He is the author of three Boyds Mills Press picture books, including “Stargazer’s Alphabet,” an International Reading Association Notable Book of the Year. John has also recorded eight CDs of songs and stories.
Before beginning his career as a performer, writer, and storyteller, John Farrell worked for Macmillan Publishing Company. He was the Executive Producer of “Songs and Stories,” a comprehensive audio program of more than 250 songs and stories correlated to the thematic units in the company's literature based reading program. Since leaving Macmillan in 1992 John has written and recorded over 200 songs and stories to support curriculum instruction in Early Childhood Education, Language Arts, Science, Math, ESL, Social Studies, and Character Education. He has been a keynote speaker and featured presenter at major educational conferences and festivals in Europe, Africa, Asia, New Zealand and North America.
John’s wife, Ann Marie, is an elementary and preschool teacher. They live in Hillsdale, NY and spend time each summer at a family farmhouse in Prince Edward Island, Canada. John and Ann Marie are the parents of five adult children. John enjoys outdoor adventures. He is a former marathon runner who enjoys exciting challenges. John has bicycled 170 miles in one day, jumped off the highest bungee jump in the world, and he recently climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa.
Bridges of Peace and Hope Founder
John Farrell is also the founder of “Bridges of Peace and Hope,” an international, non-profit organization of teachers and students dedicated to promoting education and understanding through collaborative, creative arts exchanges and service learning projects.
What People Are Saying
“John’s presentation style fits perfectly with the latest research. By using music, stories, and audience participation he reaches students with many different learning styles. I highly recommend John’s programs for all schools.”
-Dr. Lesley Morrow, Professor, Rutgers University
Past President International Reading Association