Paul T. O’Neill, J.D., M.Ed.
Senior Vice President and Senior Counsel, Edison Schools

“I had ADHD before anyone had a name for it,” Paul O’Neill says. “I was probably one of the earliest kids to take Ritalin.” Despite his poor performance in school, his self-confidence, thanks to his family’s support, never wavered. “I was never made to feel I wasn’t smart,” he says.

Finally harnessing his energy and intelligence in college, O’Neill charged through a BA and MA in English before receiving his law degree from the University of Virginia and a Masters in Education from Columbia. In addition to serving as Senior Vice President at Edison Schools and teaching Special Education law at Columbia Teachers College, he also writes and lectures frequently on Special Education topics. He is also a member of Smart Kids’ Board of Directors.

“Find your own path around obstacles,” he tells kids with learning disabilities. “If you can’t go in the front door, find a back door. Be creative and never give up.”