"I long to accomplish a great and noble tasks, but it is my chief duty to accomplish humble tasks as though they were great and noble. The world is moved along, not only by the mighty shoves of its heroes, but also by the aggregate of the tiny pushes of each honest worker."
~Helen Keller

According to to the online resource hyperdictionary expertise is skillfulness by virtue of possessing special knowledge. Over the course of a thirty year career as a teacher of English and a staff developer, I have gained expertise in several important areas of learning and teaching:

I have always remained available to support colleagues in their learning as I have been available for assistance to SJU cohort two members. My pleasure has always been to help colleagues with technology skills; writing, revising, and editing; curriculum and professional development, or personal matters that involve group dynamics and communication. Colleagues, cohort members, and friends know that my expertise is always clearly communicated and freely available accompanied by friendliness, humor, and caring.

The St. John's University Educational Leadership program has clarified for me the history and progression of my learning throughout my career and its connection to my self, my values and beliefs, and my work. During the doctoral course of study, I also enrolled in courses to complete the requirements for New York State School District Administrator including an administrative internship. I received the SDA certificate during the summer of 2004 before I began my thirtieth year as a classroom teacher.

Please click to view a subweb of expertise pertaining to my work as a expert in technology education, curriculum and as a teacher leader.

Graphic (PDF) of my personal expertise journey.

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Expertise also may be understood by examining the Toyota model for a work and learning culture. One develops expertise through careful examination and re-examination of a work or learning process using a scientific method of question, study and reflection. (Spear & Bowen, 1999). Colleagues expect competence in expertise from each other and especially from leaders which enables relational trust (Bryk & Schneider, 2002). Sharing one's skillfulness, one's special knowledge, requires a subtle design plan that will purposefully communicate care for a vision founded on strong values and beliefs (Senge, 1990).

"Participation in The W. Edwards Deming Institute® means that we share Dr. Deming's vision of a better world. We participate because we strive, with joy, to carry on the work that he began. We seek to conduct ourselves in a manner consistent with his high moral and ethical standards, professional and personal integrity, and commitment to lifelong learning. We do this solely from our dedication to the philosophy and values of Dr. Deming and our belief that together, with humility, we can and will make a difference in the quality of life for everyone." (Retrieved on November 4, 2002 from http://www.deming.org/)