As I got immersed in the #MIEExpert world, I quickly discovered that I was part of a professional community that was filled with many genuinely amazing educators. Dare I say intimidating even. Those first few months in the program, I caught myself wondering a couple times if maybe someone goofed and my name was actually supposed to have gone on the “We regret to tell you” email list instead of the “Congratulations” list. Regardless, I dove into the MIE Expert world head first, and what I found was a community that has provided me with inspiration, comradery, meaningful training & resources, and even some professional recognition/affirmation.
After some time, I began to accept my “Expert” title…and to wear it proudly. It didn’t take me long to realize that being a Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert doesn’t mean that I have to be some sort of super powered classroom instructor. Being an MIE Expert doesn’t mean I’m a national go-to source for the deeper truths of successful technology integration. It doesn’t mean that I am a whiz at all things Microsoft. It doesn’t even mean that I am an answer-man expert of any particular program.
Being a Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert means that I and my fellow “Microsofties” are indeed experts because being an MIE Expert is not a solo existence. We are a collective power. Together, we make each other experts, and for that reason I don’t hesitate to wear the title without apology. While there are plenty of questions a fellow educator might ask to which I may have no immediate answer, I’m connected to a passionate community of educators who share a deep well of knowledge and skills. As a connected MIE Expert family, I witness again and again Experts helping each other to help others in various ways throughout the year. Our individual strengths and knowledge bases differ, but together that makes us a pretty amazing bunch.
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/education/educators/miee/default.aspx