Celebrating 40 Years of Play Research: Connecting Our Past, Present, and Future

Michael M. Patte is a Professor of Teaching and Learning at Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania where he prepares undergraduate and graduate students for careers in education. During his 25-year career he developed an interest in the fields of creativity, child development, early childhood education, and play and has shared his scholarship through publications, international and national conference presentations, and advocacy projects. His latest co-authored/edited books include Beyond the Classroom Walls: Developing Mindful Home, School, and Community Partnerships (2016) and International Perspectives on Children’s Play (2015). Dr. Patte is a Distinguished Fulbright Scholar, Co-editor of the International Journal of Play, past president of The Association for the Study of Play, board member of The International Council for Children’s Play, and a member of the Pennsylvania Governor’s Early Learning Council, responsible for planning the expansion of effective early learning and development services for Pennsylvania’s young children and families.John A. Sutterby is an Associate Professor in the Department of Interdisciplinary Learning and Teaching at The University of Texas San Antonio. He teaches courses such on play, creativity and learning, and advanced studies in play. He has been active in The Association for the Study of Play for more than a decade, twice serving as president of the organization. He is also the series editor for Advances in Early Education and Day Care published by Emerald Publications. His research interests include play environments, play and social justice, and play and language development.