Joanne has been an innovator in education for many years both in New Zealand and globally.  As well as writing 6 books on this topic she brings an approach of placing the learner first when it comes to education - making education fun and something people want to do.  In this conversation we hear about her childhood and background, growing up without knowing she was Māori and what it meant to find out and how that influenced her sense of being.  We also hear about her work in schools in New Zealand, within the Ministry of Education and then the work she has done offshore based in Seattle.  We also reflect on the meaning of 'home', why joy is important in education, EHF, caring for her Mother at the end of her life and the call to being a teacher.  We cover a lot!  For more conversations visit www.theseeds.nz  The Learner First site: https://www.thelearnerfirst.com  Kia Kotahi Ako site: https://www.kiakotahi.org  Dr Jay Matenga interview: https://seeds.libsyn.com/jay-matenga-on-identity-spirituality-whakapapa-and-kapapa-maori This one with Elle Archer is also good on similiar themes: https://seeds.libsyn.com/elle-archer-on-being-curious-lifelong-learning-and-the-ako-tautahi-learning-city-christchurch-festival  For more episodes visit www.theseeds.nz