G. Thomas Baer is Emeritus Professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at Illinois State University where he has taught for over 35 years. During his tenure, he has s...view moreG. Thomas Baer is Emeritus Professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at Illinois State University where he has taught for over 35 years. During his tenure, he has served as Elementary Education Coordinator, Department Chair, and instructor of elementary education courses specializing in reading instruction. Before teaching at the university level, he was an elementary and junior high teacher who coached basketball and football.view less