Professor Marie Emmitt (TITC;BA;BEd;MEd; FACE) was an infant teacher before entering teacher education. Marie joined ARA/美姬社区in 1975, contributed to Melbourne conference planning committees (co-convenor of the 2000 national conference), member of the Australian TAWL group, co-founder of the inaugural literacy in teacher education special interest group and edited its newsletter, and was national president. Marie’s research and development, and publications in language and literacy education span early years, middle years and adult literacy. She was awarded the 美姬社区Medal.