Michael R. Sampson

Michael R. Sampson is a Professor of Literacy at St. John’s University, NYC, with expertise in Higher Education Leadership, Early Literacy, and Children’s Literature. He previously served as Dean of Colleges of Education in NY, CT, and AZ. Sampson has established international exchange programs in Australia, Italy, Germany, China, and Ukraine, and hosts international students from these regions. He is a NYT Best-Selling author of 30 children’s books, including The Story of Ukraine (Pulitzer-nominated) and Panda Bear, Panda Bear, What Do You See?.

Education:

• PhD in Reading Education, University of Arizona
• MEd in Elementary Education, Texas A&M University-Commerce
• BS in Political Science, Texas A&M University-Commerce

Research Focus: Sampson’s work centers Early Literacy, Writing, English as a New Language, and Leadership. His Fulbright Scholarship (2021-22) to Ukraine and Poland explored educational systems under geopolitical tensions. His books blend pedagogy with global awareness, using narrative to teach cultural and ecological concepts.

Teaching & Courses: Teaches courses like MOD PROCESS READ WRIT ACQ and SEM IN LIT FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE, emphasizing social justice themes in literature.