Read..Write...Learn!

by Michael Sampson (Editor), Mary Beth Sampson (Editor)

I remember the first time I came to this intersection of ideas that we now call the Pathways to Literacy Conference. The year was 1977, and I was serving in my first workshop staff position with Bill Martin Jr. As I reflect back, my mind is filled with images of teachers learning together and sharing together. The genius of Bill Martin Jr as he talked about the magic of language and the affection that rang from his voice as he called us "good teachers", and the heart moving storytelling of Steven Kellogg were inspiring. But my reflections of that first experience with Bill Martin are more a feeling than a cognitive memory, a feeling of goodness, a validation of myself and the children I taught, a return to the joys of my childhood. Now, 27 years later, I'm planning another Bill Matin Pathways Conference for Hillsborough County, Florida. The formula is the same - great authors as keynote speakers and great teachers to lead breakout sessions. I'm so pleased with the expertise of our workshop team! We have an international staff - you'll hear Geoff Ward from Australia and Cheryl Carlson from Germany. You'll be inspired by our most senior staff member - Herb Parker, Jr- and a presenter in her first year with us - Megan Connell. You'll also find ten-year veterans like Gary Bowman, Mary Beth Allen, and Tom Wrightman sharing their expertise in workshop sessions. And as icing on the cake of our 25 presenters, you'll meet authors Richard Peck, Angela Medearis, Steve Swinburne, Margie Palatini, and Tim Rasinski. But let's not forget the fuel that fires Pathways - you! We learn from each other, and that interaction produces new insights and a new burst of creativity and motivation.................. Michael Sampson, PH.D.

Paperback

Published January 1, 2004

About the author

The author of seventeen children's books, as well as three books for teachers and parents, Michael Sampson is the director of the Programs in Reading Education at Texas A&M University. He and Bill Martin Jr wrote many popular books together, including Panda Bear, Panda Bear, What Do You See? and Baby Bear, Baby Bear, What Do You See? He lives in Flagstaff, Arizona.