Alvin Irby, MS, MPA
Alvin Irby is an award-winning early childhood educator, social entrepreneur, national speaker, comedian, and author. He is Founder and Chief Reading Inspirer at Barbershop Books, a national literacy organization that inspires Black boys and other vulnerable children to read for fun. His work with Barbershop Books earned him the National Book Foundation’s Innovations in Reading Prize. Irby’s popular TED Talk "How to inspire every child to be a lifelong reader," has been viewed over 1 million times.
Irby’s internationally recognized keynotes, professional development, and parent workshops invite educators, librarians, and caregivers to think deeply about how to expand reading opportunities and cultivate the reading identity of children. Irby’s talks have been described as informative, inspiring, engaging, and humorous. He is passionate about helping educators and system leaders better understand and address the systemic challenges that inhibit children’s intrinsic motivation to read and learn. Irby’s dynamic talks and his debut children’s book, Gross Greg, showcase his passion for early literacy and humor.
Alvin Irby earned his Masters of Science in Childhood Education from Bank Street Graduate School of Education, Masters of Public Administration from New York University’s Robert F. Wagner School of Public Service, and a Bachelors of Arts in Sociology from Grinnell College.
