Happy One Year Anniversary!
It’s hard to believe but it’s been a year since “Learning and Teaching While White” was first published. We thought it would be interesting to ask the authors, Elizabeth Denevi, PhD. and Jenna Chandler Ward, about the past year and get them to reflect on the most rewarding experiences as a result of writing the book.
East Ed: What did you expect would happen during this first year of publication? Did that expectation materialize?
Elizabeth: Since this is our first book, I wasn’t really sure what to expect. So, I have been pleasantly surprised by all the feedback. Our friends and colleagues have been so positive and encouraging. It’s so rewarding when they send us examples of how they are using the book.
Jenna: Our goal was to write the book we wish we had when we started teaching. It’s been amazing to see our work out in the world being used by teachers to improve their practice.
East Ed: What has been the most rewarding experience for you?
Jenna: We’ve learned that readers really appreciate the tone and approach or the book — it’s not judgmental, but authentic with actual strategies on how to be a better interruptor. For instance, the institutional stages and snapshots in chapter 3 have been particularly useful to institutions that need to figure out strategic and focused initiatives to both diagnose and remedy problematic policies and procedures.
Elizabeth: That some districts are using it as “slow read,” and we are meeting with them monthly to go chapter by chapter to reflect and process. It’s been wonderful to watch the progression within each person and how it impacts their organization.
East Ed: What is one thing you would say to an educator who is unfamiliar with “Learning and Teaching While White” to help them understand why you wrote the book?
Elizabeth: The first part focuses on personal development, ways that every white educator can really develop their understanding of white identity development and how they have been socialized and impacted by race. We have exercises and case studies that readers can use to apply their learning right away.
Jenna: We offer strategies that an educator can use to help improve their practice whether they are in the classroom, in a leadership role, or having conversations with their children.
You can order your own copy of “Learning and Teaching While White” with the link below which includes a 20% discount!