About the Author

Jennifer E. Lawson, PhD, is the creator of the Hands-On books published by Portage & Main Press. As senior writer and editor for the series, she has contributed to more than 50 publications for teachers and students. Jennifer provides professional development workshops for educators locally, nationally, and virtually, and is a Workplace Wellness Advisor. Her most recent book is a collective effort called Teacher, Take Care: A Guide to Well-Being and Workplace Wellness for Educators. She is also one of the founders of Mission to Mexico, an organization that supports schools in some of the most impoverished communities in Puerto Vallarta. Throughout her extensive career in education, Jennifer has worked as a classroom teacher, resource and special education teacher, consultant, principal, university instructor, and school trustee. She lives with her family in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Lynda Matchullis, BSc specialist, BEd, MEd, is a former classroom science teacher in Manitoba. She is a contributor to Success for All Learners: A Handbook on Differentiating Instruction and author of Senior Years Science Teachers Handbook: A Teaching Resource. She now acts as a divisional consultant for all K–12 subjects in the areas of literacy, numeracy, sustainability, and establishing educational partnerships with the community. Lynda believes a science teacher’s fundamental tasks are to work with colleagues establishing learning targets that are both content-based and skills-based, differentiating instruction, using performance-based assessments, and moderating student work.

Marlene Gallagher, BA, BEd, MEd, is an Anishinaabe woman from Sagkeeng First Nation. She is currently an independent education consultant, sessional lecturer at the University of Manitoba and University of Winnipeg, and a writer/editor. Marlene works with all levels of education – university, ministry, grade-school classrooms, and organizations, and she is an advocate for Indigenous education. Marlene attended residential school, and she works with schools to teach about the history and the legacy of Indian residential schools, as well as share her knowledge about the Anishinaabe culture. She is married to Robert and has two children, Andrea and Shaun.

Susan Atcheson, BSc in psychology, BEd, PBCE, certificate in special education, is a resource teacher in the St. James-Assiniboia School Division in Winnipeg, Manitoba. As an educator for the past 30 years, Susan has worked as a classroom teacher with children with learning disabilities, as a resource teacher at both the elementary and middle-years levels, and as a tutor for adult education. Susan believes in creating learning environments for children that engage and support curiosity and imagination while developing strong academic and social skills.