What VIPs are saying about Learning Environment.
And some thoughts on book blurbs.
An essential component of publishing a book is the endorsement process. Endorsements (which come in the form of 30 - 50 word “blurbs”) provide credibility from recognizable figures that have the potential to convince readers to purchase a copy of a book.
(Yes, we have firmly moved into the selling of books part of my author journey).
Buy Here! - or wherever you get your books.
As noted in this recent NYT article by the author (and Substacker)
, asking for and writing blurbs is a bit of a chore. Mine weirdly began well before I even started writing, as I was asked to provide the names of individuals who would endorse my book during the book proposal process, which I completed in 2022.Fast-forward to earlier this year. After I had finished all but the final touches of Learning Environment, my editor at Beacon supported me in asking for endorsements. Despite their burdensomeness, they are still standard practice in the publishing industry.
After some back-and-forth, we selected five potential endorsers—four-fifths of whom came from my book proposal list. Once selected, I followed up with them via email or text, and to my delight, they all said yes (despite their assuredly busy schedules).
I am humbled and grateful indeed.
Hopefully, the endorsements (which you can see below, online, and on a soon-to-be back-of-book dust jacket (or, more likely, cover)) will help a first-time and unknown author like me and a small but mighty mission-driven independent press convince an easily distracted world to buy a copy of Learning Environment. - Did I mention you can - Buy Here! - or wherever you get your books?!
Each endorsement (each of which is fantastic) feels like a stamp of approval from people I admire and try to emulate in my work and how I carry myself through the world. They are well-established and well-regarded professionals in their respective fields and magnificent human beings. Undoubtedly, if I ever have the opportunity to endorse one of their books, I will surely take up the call.
So, without further delay, I present to you (in the order they are listed online at bookseller websites) the endorsements and endorsers of Learning Environment: Inspirational Actions, Approaches, and Stories from the Science Classroom.
The inspirational story of an award-winning public school teacher who trusts and empowers his students to change the world. Jared Fox pulls back the curtain to reveal the teaching practices that ignited his students’ motivation and commitment to quality work—transformational practices that can improve any classroom.
—Ron Berger, author of Leaders of Their Own Learning: Transforming Schools Through Student-Engaged Assessment
In Learning Environment, award-winning high school science teacher Jared Fox shares his passion, his wisdom, and a rich array of powerful teaching practices aimed at joyfully engaging students in understanding and building a world of environmental justice. Read this book for inspiration and for ideas you can realize immediately with your classes.
—Tom Roderick, author of Teach for Climate Justice: A Vision for Transforming Education
While many educators talk about ‘breaking down the classroom walls,’ Dr. Fox provides compelling stories to demonstrate the theories and practices behind this approach. His classroom case study effectively reveals how he transformed his students into ‘community scientists’ who advocate for change when confronted with authentic scientific challenges that impact their lives.
—Thomas Rochowicz, deputy superintendent, NYC Public Schools
Jared Fox details his approach to curriculum design that helps students develop research skills and become creators and potentially activists on the challenges impacting their communities. He discusses the development of professional collaborations that support students in expeditionary learning that builds their knowledge on local issues that impact their lives.
—Peggy M. Shepard, executive director, WE ACT for Environmental Justice
Do educators have a responsibility to help their students fully engage with their world and the history that influenced it, with all its flaws, treasures, and potential so that the students themselves have the tools and mindsets to power a better future for themselves and their community? Jared Fox’s lyrically accessible memoir and instructional manual gives compelling reasons to believe that the world would be a better place because of it.
—Majora Carter, urban revitalization strategist, MacArthur Fellow, and author of Reclaiming Your Community: You Don’t Have to Move Out of Your Neighborhood to Live in a Better One
Buy Here! - or wherever you get your books!