Margaret Richek, a specialist in vocabulary development, received her Ph.D. in education in 1974 from the University of Chicago. For many years, she served on the faculty of Northeastern Illinois University, teaching developmental reading courses to college students. She has published scholarly articles, presented across the United States, and been featured in a video on strategies for vocabulary learning. She is the author of VOCABULARY FOR ACHIEVEMENT, a series of textbooks for grades 3 through 12, as well as THE WORLD OF WORDS: VOCABULARY FOR COLLEGE SUCCESS. She served as a long-term consultant for Roosevelt University in Chicago and the Bureau of Education and Research. Currently, she… is Professor Emerita of Northeastern Illinois University and President Elect of the Chicago Area Reading Association.
Susanne Picchi, M.A. is an Associate Professor and Co-Coordinator of Developmental Reading at Joliet Junior College. She has extensive experience as a secondary English teacher and reading specialist. She presents regularly on vocabulary strategies for adult learners and infusing reading instruction into all subject areas. She has consulted for the Chicago Area Writing Project. Her professional service features many activities for the Illinois Reading Council including board member, Co Chair of the Intellectual Freedom Committee, and offices in the Secondary Reading League.