10th Annual Bill Martin Jr Memorial Symposium

The 10th Annual Bill Martin Jr Memorial Symposium on May 2, 2014, celebrates the deep connections between language and reading, Bill Martin Jr and Texas A&M University-Commerce, and between teachers and children. This conference, hosted by the A&M-Commerce Department of Curriculum and Instruction, welcomes more than 400 teachers on campus for a day of professional development centered on infusing literacy into every corner of the classroom.

This year’s keynote speaker is Steven Kellogg, noted children's author and illustrator. He was the speaker at the inaugural symposium in 2005, and former keynote speakers have included Brian Pinkney, Jerry Pallotta, Gloria Houston, Brod Bagert, and Jane Yolen. Each of these keynote speakers worked with Bill Martin Jr in teacher seminars across the country.

Educators from North Texas area classrooms, professors from area universities, and advocates for excellence in education have submitted their proposals for conference breakout sessions and a record 50 have been chosen.

In addition to speakers and breakout sessions, conference attendees can look forward to the results of the Authors of Class competition. It is open to grades K–12 and is designed to encourage teams of students to use their reading, writing, and artistic skills to create a group copybook.  First and second place books per grade level will be chosen to showcase at the symposium.