Richard DuFour, in a distinguished career spanning four decades, was a public-school educator, serving as a teacher, principal, and superintendent.

A prolific author and consultant, he was recognized as one of the leading authorities on helping school practitioners implement the Professional Learning Communities at Work™ process in their schools and districts.

Over the course of his career, he was the author of numerous books, including the best-selling Professional Learning Communities at Work and In Praise of American Educators.

Robert Eaker, EdD, is a professor emeritus at Middle Tennessee State University, where he also served as dean of the College of Education and interim vice president and provost. Dr. Eaker is a former fellow with the National Center for Effective Schools Research and Development.

He has written widely on the issues of effective teaching, effective schools, helping teachers use research findings, and high expectations for student achievement. He was cited by Phi Delta Kappan as one of the nation's leaders in helping public school educators translate research into practice.

Dr. Eaker was instrumental in the founding of the Tennessee Teachers Hall of Fame and was a regular contributor to the Effective Schools Research Abstracts series.