It’s been a year and a half since this was published. I’ve often been asked how long it took to write. My response? It feels like I have been writing it for decades. Every time I learned something from one of the folks who have paved the way, I have been writing it in my head. Every question I have been asked has informed the work. Every question I have asked has found its representation in those words.

How have things changed in the last year and a half? The number of times I have been moved to tears by people sharing how it has impacted them is one of the most unexpected impacts on me. I feel connected to so many other people in ways that I never knew possible. I am in a place of gratitude for that, and also for the people who have so generously shared this book through their own networks. It is humbling to know that the words in the book resonates with folks far and wide. It’s a lot for someone who barely spoke up (or out) when I was a student in K-12.

Some Next Steps?

I once said that I wouldn’t write another education specific book; I have many other more personal stories I want to share. But I lied (not intentionally). I’ve recently begun collaborating with an amazing educator (whose name I will share once I have asked if I can share it) on a small book that looks at the complex relationship between assessment and equity, and how Indigenous knowledges can inform assessment practices that ground our schools and classrooms in equity and excellence.

I have also started enjoying writing again, so plan to re-engage with this website to share some thinking each week.

Happy Spring folks!

Jo