Richard G. Shear, EdD, is an award-winning educator who was the first person to be recognized by Long Island University as Nassau County Teacher of The Year. Dr. Shear is a national consultant on school reform to school districts and educational organizations. He has presented on numerous subjects , such as understanding the teenage brain, preventing bullying in schools, explaining what great teachers do differently, and saving at-risk students.

Bruce S. Cooper, PhD, is a professor of school leadership at Fordham University's Graduate School of Education. A graduate of the University of Chicago, he has authored thirty books and numerous articles, has served as president of the Politics of Education Association, and has been an active member of American Educational Research Association.