Connie DierkingConnie Dierking is coauthor of the Heinemann title Oral Mentor Texts. After graduating from Kansas State University with a M.S. in Special Education, Connie Dierking began collecting stories. Over the years her experience teaching grades kindergartenthrough third and special education ensured that her story satchel is overflowing. While her teaching experience has included teaching, coaching, professional development, and writing professional books for teachers, it is the stories that sustain her and helped lead to the idea of oral mentor texts! Connie provides workshops across Florida and the Midwest assisting teachers in integrating literacy in the primary grades. You will find her on any given day reading, writing, or conferring with students in Clearwater, Florida. Read More Read Less