A Golden Braid:* Weaving Terry Wood’s unique threads of humanity in theory and practice

Abstract

ABSTRACT While reading, in other articles, about the authors’ experiences with and perspectives on the work of Terry Wood, I have been struck by the many facets of Terry’s work as a mathematics educator (researcher, teacher, mentor, and friend) that emerge article after article. Having agreed to write some synthesis of the articles, I have chosen the metaphor of a braid, woven in different ways by different authors (co-researchers, doctoral students, colleagues, and friends). All speak of Terry’s basic humanity (my words) as they have appreciated her contributions, both personal and professional, to their lives and work. From this, I draw many threads and diverse weavings. Not least, I weave my own experiences of and with Terry in contributing to my own life and work. I borrow (from Hofstadter, 1999) the term “golden braid,” as I believe this special issue reflects, repeatedly, a “golden” braiding in our relationships with Terry.