TAA member Mike Kennamer is a Director of Workforce Development and both a textbook & academic author in the education and health sciences writing disciplines.

He has four textbooks currently in print. The most recent revision was the second edition of Math for Healthcare Professionals, published by Cengage. 

What are you currently working on?

I am currently working on the third edition of Basic Infection Control, published by Cengage. This revision will be a major one, as we are moving to the objective-by-objective approach taken in two of my other Cengage titles.

Share a recent accomplishment.

I recently completed the development of an online course for a new master’s program in career and technical education at my undergraduate alma mater. I will begin teaching that course this summer. Grant-writing is part of my job, so I generally write six to ten successful grant applications each year. And it is my privilege to serve as president of TAA!

What is your favorite textbook writing tip or strategy?

Don’t completely discard anything that you write. You may wish to use it later, even in another publication. Write fast; edit slowly. Get words on the screen quickly but take your time making sure you are saying what you wish to say. Read your work out loud. Remember your audience and write to them. Writing textbooks and academic materials is an extension of teaching. Integrate your teaching style in your writing.

What is your best TAA experience so far?

My favorite TAA experience was at my first conference where I had the opportunity, for the first time, to meet and interact with other textbook authors who shared the same issues and challenges as me. It was so nice to meet a group of kindred spirits! And that feeling returns every June at our annual conference. There are always familiar faces mixed with new ones. The atmosphere is so collegial. I put the conference date on my calendar as soon as I learn it and guard the date, and look forward to spending time with these awesome people. My wife, though not a TAA member, always enjoys getting to hang around with our TAA friends.