Thirteenth-annual Southwest Virginia Early Childhood
Education Conference at UVa-Wise April 23


Michael Sampson, an author and literacy expert, and Jane Kitson, an author and early childhood education consultant, will be the featured presenters during the 13th annual Southwest Virginia Early Childhood Education Conference at The University of Virginia's College at Wise on Saturday, April 23.

The event, which is free and open to the public, begins at 1 p.m. in Darden Hall.
Workshops will be held from 1-3 p.m. The keynote presenters will be featured from 3-5 p.m. in Fred B. Greear Gymnasium. Vendor exhibits will be on display in Greear Gymnasium throughout the afternoon.


ABOUT THE PRESENTERS



Michael Sampson is a noted author and teacher who has published 29 children’s books and a professional series on literacy. Sampson graduated from East Texas State University, where he majored in political science and received his elementary teaching certificate. He then attended the University of Arizona where he received his Ph.D. in reading. In 1980, Sampson accepted a faculty position at Texas A&M University, and in 1986 published his first professional book, The Pursuit of Literacy, which was followed by Experiences With Literacy, Pathways to Literacy, Pathways to Literacy: Process Transactions, and Total Literacy. Through his Pathways to Literacy conferences, Sampson has instructed and inspired educators throughout the United States.

Sampson’s distinguished list of 29 children’s books includes Caddie the Golf Dog, Trick or Treat, The Football That Won, and I Pledge Allegiance, which was named a "2003 Notable Book" by the American Librarian Association. He also co-authored a number of successful books with Bill Martin Jr. The works include Swish! and Rock It, Sock It, Number Line. Their latest collaboration, Chicka, Chicka, 1...2…3, was named a Parenting magazine book of the year for 2004.

Jane Kitson is a national early childhood educational consultant based in Atlanta. An author of more than 300 original songs and fingerplays, Kitson has shared interactive presentations with over 71,000 early childhood professionals in 40 states and Canada. In addition to her interactive presentations, Kitson presents dozens of educational events each year dressed as Mother Goose. Her Mother Goose appearances are enjoyed by thousands of children annually.

Pre-registration for the Southwest Virginia Early Childhood Conference is requested. For more information, or to register, contact Sandra Richardson, conference coordinator, at 276-328-0187 or the Office of College Relations at 276-328-0130.