About The Authors

Dr. Milt Huling received his Bachelor of Science degree in Earth Science from Southern Illinois University, his Master of Science degree in Science Education from Florida State University and his Ph.D. in Science Education from the University of South Florida. Milt has served in several leadership roles, having overseen both elementary and secondary science for a large district in the southeastern United States. Currently, Milt serves as the Professor of STEM Education at Polk State College in Lakeland, Florida. He also works as an adjunct at the University of South Florida and the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley teaching both masters and doctoral level courses. 

Alison Smith received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education from Florida Southern College. Most of Alison’s teaching career has been spent as a science teacher at a premier STEM academy, where she developed engaging, student-centered lessons grounded in real classroom practice. Along with Milt, Alison has co-authored hundreds of science readers, bringing both instructional expertise and a strong sense of how students interact with text.

In addition to her classroom experience, Alison contributes a unique artistic perspective, helping design materials that are not only instructionally sound but also visually engaging and accessible to young learners. Currently, Alison serves as an instructional coach within a large district in the southeastern United States, where she supports teachers in strengthening science instruction and general classroom practice.