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.

Rebecca DuFour has served as a teacher, school administrator, and central office coordinator. As a former elementary principal, she helped her school earn state and national recognition as a model PLC.

Rebecca is one of the featured principals in the 2001 Video Journal of Education production, "Leadership in an Age of Standards and High Stakes" and is the lead consultant and featured principal in the 2003 program, "Elementary Principals as Leaders of Learning."

She is the recipient of Lynchburg College's Distinguished Alumni Award.

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.

Thomas W. Many, EdD, works with teachers, administrators, school boards, parents, and other education stakeholders on organizational leadership, implementation and change, and Professional Learning Communities strategies and concepts.

Dr. Many’s long and distinguished career includes 20 years of experience as a superintendent. He has also served as a classroom teacher, learning center director, curriculum supervisor, principal, and assistant superintendent.

As former superintendent of Kildeer Countryside Community Consolidated School District 96 in Buffalo Grove, Illinois, Dr. Many used the tenets of the PLC at Work process to ensure high levels of learning for all students. He played a key role in preparing elementary and middle grade students for entering Adlai E. Stevenson High School, a nationally recognized PLC. Under Dr. Many’s leadership, student achievement in District 96 improved every year for 12 consecutive years. More than 95 percent of all students now meet or exceed state standards. The district has been especially effective in helping students with special needs improve their academic performance. It has become recognized as one of the premier elementary school districts in the nation. A dedicated PLC practitioner, he is a compelling and sought-after speaker.

Dr. Many has written numerous articles and has coauthored books.