Maelou Baxter has worked as a Title I reading teacher and consultant, a Reading Excellence grant project coordinator, and an instructor at the University of Northern Iowa, Wartburg College, and Upper Iowa University. She holds a BA in English, an MA in education, and an EdD, and has presented on various literacy topics at reading conferences. Though currently retired, Maelou continues to follow her literacy interests and her avocation as a "professional learner." She volunteers for the Friends of the Library and travels with her husband, Ken, with whom she lives in Cedar Falls, Iowa. She has three grown children, Jennifer, Karen, and Jeff, and five grandchildren, Jessica, Lincoln, Abbie, Zach, and Zoë. She may be reached at mbax@cfu.net.