About the Authors

Cheryl Abla believes sincerely in all students’ capacity to achieve at high levels and is passionate about helping educators use their full potential to make a positive impact on students. Cheryl coaches K–12 teachers and school leaders on effective instructional strategies, problem-based learning, classroom technology, teacher coaching, second-language learners support, and creating engaging school cultures and climates. She taught grades 1–12 for over twenty-five years and was the director of two district programs: Parents as Teachers and Migrant Education Even Start. Drawing on her extensive and diverse classroom experience, she has presented at educational conferences around the United States and the Pacific and is a coauthor of Tools for Classroom Instruction That Works. 

Lisa Maxfield draws on more than three decades of experience in education organizations to empower teachers and leaders with the tools, training, and support they need to succeed. As a Project and Customer Success Manager, she leads impactful implementations, delivers engaging professional learning, and builds lasting partnerships that help educators grow. Passionate about supporting the teaching profession, Lisa has presented at the Association of Educational Service Agencies (AESA) and ASCD conferences and authored numerous blogs on effective teaching.