Patricia M. Cunningham is a Professor of Education at Wake Forest University. She has over 30 years of experience, taught in various elementary grades and remedial reading, and was a curriculum coordinator and director of reading. Her major professional goal is promoting literacy for all children and currently engages in staff development across the United States.

Richard L. Allington is a Professor of Education at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. He is past president of the International Reading Association and the National Reading Conference, co-recipient of the Albert J. Harris Award, and a member of the Reading Hall of Fame. Dick has extensively researched effective teaching and how schools can develop effective, expert teachers.