Perspectives of Educational Developers of Color

“Perspectives of Educational Developers of Color is a transformative and essential collection that not only elevates the voices of educational developers of color (EDC) across the U.S. and Canada but also expands paradigms, warms hearts, and cultivates the spirit. The editors have curated thirty powerful essays that reflect the unique brilliance of EDC, whose contributions are shaped by the intense pressure, heat, and time of navigating the academy. This book transcends the simple act of providing a voice for the voiceless; it radiates with the wisdom born from the challenges and triumphs experienced by these professionals in the evolving landscape of higher education. I have personally witnessed and resonated with the experiences shared within these pages, and I applaud this work for the lasting impact it will have on readers. It is a must-read for educational leaders who are committed to fostering a deeper sense of belonging, equity, and support within their institutions, as they gain invaluable insights into the vital role EDC play in creating inclusive academic environments.” Carl S. Moore, President elect, the POD Network, Executive fellow, Propel education, CEO and President, Youniversal Luv Unlimited “Educational developers of color will find themselves nodding in identification and solidarity, as I did, while reading the candid, critical narratives and insights shared in Perspectives of Educational Developers of Color. One contributor’s phrasing of being simultaneously “hypervisible and invisible” touched me to my core. For those who work in Centers for Teaching –and especially those who lead or aspire to lead in educational development—this edited collection is essential, required reading, as well as a gift. Efforts to diversify our profession without doing the work, like reading Perspectives of Educational Developers of Color, will lack authenticity and not only be ineffectual; they will do harm. Our field is enriched by and indebted to each of the editors and contributors to this volume.” Isis Artze-Vega, College Provost and Vice President, Academic Affairs, Valencia College, USA; Co-Author of Relationship-Rich Education and the Norton Guide to Equity-Minded Teaching “Perspectives of Educational Developers of Color is a groundbreaking collection that amplifies the voices of educational developers of color (EDC) across North America. This very much needed volume illuminates their profound insights, experiences, and contributions within an increasingly hostile higher education landscape. With thirty compelling essays, it provides invaluable perspectives on navigating institutional DEIJ (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice) initiatives and highlights the pressing need for more supportive practices. Timely and highly relevant for educational leaders and development professionals, this book provides critical strategies to foster community, appreciate the often-unrecognized emotional labor, and enhance the radical care of EDC. This edited book is a critical resource for anyone committed to transformative and sustainable change in higher education.” Frank Tuitt, Professor of Higher Education and Student Affairs, University of Connecticut, USA; American Council on Education Fellow; Co-editor of Plantation Politics and Campus Rebellions and Race, Equity and the Learning Environment “There’s nothing else on bookshelves quite like Perspectives of Educational Developers of Color. This book vividly captures the nuances of identity dynamics in educational development and fearlessly confronts racial myths through powerful firsthand stories. While navigating the complexities of institutional roles, they champion inclusion within our teaching and learning communities. With a sharp focus on mentorship, sponsorship, and supportive networks, this book offers incisive strategies for driving institutional change and advancing equity. Perspectives of Educational Developers of Color is a must-read for anyone committed to transforming higher education into a more inclusive and thriving environment.” Ching-Yu Huang, Associate Director for Active Learning Initiatives, Center for Teaching and Learning, The University of Georgia, USA “Perspectives of Educational Developers of Color does not merely aim to amplify voices of educational developers of color; it challenges the very structures that attempt to erase them. By centering these perspectives, it gestures towards possibilities of relational accountability, ethical responsibility, and collective healing that are essential for navigating the complex and volatile times we are living through. The authors resist simplistic narratives and instead offer us a nuanced and deeply necessary exploration of the entanglements between historical, ongoing, and systemic violence, and the imperative to move beyond the modern-colonial imaginaries that have trapped us in cycles of harm. This book is not just a call to action; it is an invitation to unlearn, to sit with discomfort, and to reimagine our futures with the kind of maturity, humility, and discernment that the current stacked crises demand.” Vanessa Andreotti, Dean and Professor, Faculty of Education, University of Victoria, Canada