About the Author
A Wisconsin native, Terry Lawler attended public schools in Suamico, Stevens Point, Madison, and Janesville. He received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. He taught English at Tremper High School in Kenosha, Wisconsin, for over thirty-three years, fourteen as department chairman, retiring in 2002. That same year, Mr. Lawler started writing for the Wisconsin Education Association and founded, with business partner Buzz Englund, E&L Educational Enterprises, providing tutoring services for students and adults. Lawler conceived and holds the copyright for Allusionary, an educational game. In 2005, Lawler became a certified celebrant, a lay person trained to conduct funeral services for families without a religious affiliation or who wish a non traditional service for their loved ones. He has performed over three dozen life celebrations through Piasecki-Althaus Funeral Home in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Four years ago, Lawler began writing for the Kenosha News, starting out as a guest columnist. His education column “Learning Curve” now appears bi-monthly in the paper. In 2009, Lawler and Cliff Kohler founded MY-N-ERGY, LLC, a green energy company specializing in wind and solar power. In addition, he has acted and directed professionally for Brown-Ullstrup productions, portraying the title character in Lois Lowry’s The Giver and originating the role of Clarence Darrow in And on the Eighth Day, a new play about the Scopes trial. Terry Lawler is a tireless advocate for educators and students. He continues to be involved in education through his tutoring and as a frequent guest lecturer at local public schools and colleges.