This quotation is used with other quotes by famous philosophers in the opening of the musical Godspell. They are a spoken in a variety of voices and tonalities in a musical number titled Tower of Babel.  As you work your way through this portfolio you will see the collective works of many professors, authors, writers, and influence. This is an evolutionary process, built upon almost 50 years of preparation and foundation. It is a reflection of life with historical perspective. A perspective through personal reflection does yield patterns, and throughout my overview of the portfolio process I‘ve earmarked these areas.

The portfolio has distinctive parts or “Acts.” It begins with a look at my personal and professional life. It moves through what I have learned, and what I have done with this learning to develop personal and professional expertise. The next section of this site is devoted to analysis and synthesis of what life and this doctoral program has taught me.  The final act is a look at the research I have been involved in as part of my scholarly endeavors, leading the way into my dissertation.

Throughout the site you will see influences and images into what I have experienced and found profound.  This portfolio is linked to a larger website of resources I have maintained for the last six years at www.SpecialTeaching.com. Some of the documentation and artifacts for the portfolio will be linked back to these areas. Here you will find words and images I have found to be important and have touched me personally influencing what I have done.  

This all could not have been done without dedication, sacrifice and support from my family and friends along with the staff and fellow cohorts at St. John's. None of this would have been possible if it were not for my wife, who by being my polar opposite, has attracted me forever. She has been there since I started at St. Johns the first time over 30 years ago, correcting, chiding, and cajoling me throughout the process. It would not be available for you to read if it were not for her flair and organization in bringing this website to life.

To read more about the background that had brought me to the point where I entered the program. 
Fortuitous Incidents in an Educational Environment 

To read about starting the doctoral program.
Auditioning for the Apprentice - Educational Version

To read about my experience with the program and my preparation for the future.
Are you better off now than you were four years ago?

These essays have aspects of all of the required competencies contained here. The narrative is all about me, my learning, leadership and scholarship.  Each section of the portfolio contains specific artifacts as required, while the narratives look at the interconnectedness of much of this material. A wise sage implored me over a glass of fine wine to always look for patterns, discrepancies and outliers.

As I wrote I found patterns in themes that have been carried throughout my career. These themes are talents, mentoring, technology, and a work ethic tempered by practicality. I’ve tried to highlight these when they occur as data for a qualitative review of the information.

I look at the discrepancies as correction points or events that affect what happens beyond a particular incident or milestone.  These tend to be significant, some for the better, others creating a need for review and reflection. These fortuitous incidents often lead to a totally different approach to what will follow.

Regarding outliers, anyone reading through this document will see that I AM an outlier, and hopefully this portfolio will show why there needs to be more outliers, windmill tilters, and change agents in the educational fabric.