Karen Weller Swanson, EdD, was a Professor of Curriculum and Instruction. She has mentored teachers in master's programs at George Mason University and the University of Nebraska. Karen was the Director of the Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction program at Mercer University. In this role she mentored doctoral students in research, writing, and career development. Karen has served on the board of the Association for Middle Level Education and as Chair of the Research Advisory Board and Editor of Research in Middle Level Online. Karen also serves on the board of the Colorado Association of Middle Level Education. She is currently an eighth-grade science teacher in Colorado.

Micki M. Caskey, PhD, is a Professor Emerita in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction in the College of Education at Portland State University. She specializes in mentoring teachers in professional practice, middle grades education, and doctoral education programs. She has experience as an associate dean for academic affairs, doctoral program director, writing coach, and teacher educator. She is a co-series editor of The Handbook of Research in Middle Level Education and The Handbook of Resources in Middle Level Education. Micki is a former middle school teacher who taught in urban settings for more than 20 years.