Joyce Marion (Joy) Thompson first worked at The University of Queensland from 1950, as secretary to Professor Fred Schonell. She later assisted him in writing the Essential Read-Spell series of books. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in 1967. She retired from her position as Enrolments Officer in 1982.

Fred Schonell was born in 1900. He became a teacher and completed his PhD degree in Education at the University of London in 1932. He held the positions of Lecturer, Examiner, and Professor for various universities in England. He was appointed First Professor of Education with the University of Queensland in 1949. Schonell was appointed Vice-Chancellor of the University of Queensland in 1960. He was knighted in 1962 Schonell's research interests were primary school education methods, especially slow learners. He died in 1969.