A glass wall with the title "The Bill Martin Jr Library' stenciled on it.
The Bill Martin Jr Library on the first floor of the Sowers Education South building | Photo: Dharsan Raviselvam, ETAMU Marketing and Communications

Bill Martin Jr Symposium Celebrates 20 Years of Literacy, Learning and Legacy

The Department of Curriculum and Instruction at East Texas A&M University hosted the 20th annual Bill Martin Jr Memorial Symposium on Oct. 4, honoring the life and legacy of one of America's most beloved children's authors.

Bill Martin Jr, best known for “Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?” and “Chicka Chicka Boom Boom,” transformed early childhood literacy through rhythm, rhyme, and repetition that made reading joyful and accessible for generations of students. A native of Kansas and a graduate of Northwestern University, Martin's journey from struggling reader to celebrated author continues to inspire educators to nurture imagination and belonging through books.

A table with children's books scattered across it, and a bookshelf full of books.
In side the Bill Martin Jr Library | Photo: Dharsan Raviselvam, ETAMU Marketing and Communications

In 1993, Martin moved to Commerce, Texas, building a home near his longtime friend and collaborator Michael Sampson. Martin’s influence endures in classrooms worldwide, but especially at East Texas A&M, home of the Bill Martin Jr Library, which holds many of Martin’s books, photographs and original pieces of art. The symposium bearing his name reflects his lifelong mission to spark curiosity and confidence in every child.

This year's theme, “Nurturing Joy and Belonging Through Literacy,” drew educators, authors and students together to explore the role of children's literature in fostering interested and engaged classrooms.

On the importance of literacy and the symposium, Dean of the College of Education and Human Services Raymond Green said, “Reading brings inspiration, it brings escape, it brings knowledge. And this is just an example of how education transforms lives and how this university transforms lives.”

Keynote Address

Dr. Bonnie Pearce, clinical instructor for the Department of Curriculum and Instruction, delivered an emotional keynote titled “Rooted in Resilience: From Surviving to Thriving.” Her message highlighted the transformative power of literature to help students overcome adversity and find their voice. More than a few audience members had tears in their eyes by the end of Dr. Pearce’s speech.

Attending Authors

The symposium also featured several local children’s book authors, including:

Several people sitting behind tables and several people walking around the tables, with a sign reading "Meet the Authors" in the background.
Symposium attendees meeting the children’s book authors | Photo: Dharsan Raviselvam, ETAMU Marketing and Communications

Signed books by the authors were available for purchase throughout the symposium. Many of the books dealt with the struggles and concerns modern children may face.

In discussing his book “Stan the Can Has No Magic,” co-authored with Dr. Dimitra Smith, Dr. LaVelle Hendricks, a professor of counseling at ETAMU, said, “It deals with two things: One, adults, your behavior will have a profound impact on the behavior of your children; and secondly, intervention and therapy works, both for children and adults.”

Awards

Four awards were given out during the Bill Martin Jr Memorial Symposium, each one celebrating the deep connection between teachers and their students, and highlighting how the transformative power of words, stories and dedicated service can change the lives of young children.

A man and a woman standing together and smiling, the woman holding a small glass trophy.
Dr. Bonnie Pearce her award from Dr. Ray Green | Photo: Dharsan Raviselvam, ETAMU Marketing and Communications
  • Bill Martin Jr Emerging Educator Award – Presented to Areli Cardona, an ETAMU alumna and clinical teacher and paraprofessional at James Bowie Elementary in Ennis ISD
  • Bill Martin Jr Literacy Excellence Award – Presented to Bethani Rutter, an ETAMU alumna and kindergarten teacher in Royce City ISD
  • Rheba Martin Icenhower Service Award – Presented to Dr. Bonnie Pearce, a clinical instructor at ETAMU
  • “Spirit of Martin” Award – Presented to Dr. Josh Thompson, a professor at ETAMU in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction

Dr. Thompson was clearly caught off guard by his receiving the award. “It surprised me totally,” he said. “I just felt so honored by the current team for wanting to take the symposium forward and make it bigger and better than ever.”

Session Highlights

Presentations throughout the day explored a wide range of topics designed to strengthen literacy instruction and student engagement. Sessions focused on joyful read-aloud strategies, classroom practices and the science of reading. Educators also examined ways to support students with ADHD, promote family literacy among bilingual households and use multimodal techniques to reach learners. Other sessions highlighted creative approaches to teaching, such as using storytelling in math and science, inquiry-based reading across content areas and student-created drama to bring Texas history to life.

Dr. Carol Revelle and Dr. Josh Thompson weren’t afraid to have a little fun at the symposium. | Photo: Dharsan Raviselvam, ETAMU Marketing and Communications

The Bill Martin Jr Symposium continues to unite educators around the simple, enduring truth that great stories—and great teachers—can transform lives. Stay tuned to the Community Calendar for updates on next year’s Bill Martin Jr Memorial Symposium.