The people who have contributed so much to my sustained commitment to this educational inquiry are acknowledged in my publications. I feel sure you know how much I have valued your company and help in moving on my inquiries. Ron Wideman, Jean McNiff and Linda Grant and my validation groups who encouraged me. Thank you.

As I complete this phase of my professional practice I am fortunate to work with wonderful colleagues in the Grand Erie District School Board. I am thinking of Peter Moffatt, my sustained support in work and research, and the Senior Administration Team, the Action Research leaders - Cheryl Black, Heather Knill-Griesser, Diane Morgan, James Ellsworth, Dave Abbey, Christine Stewart, Karen McDonald, Peter and Paula Rasokas. Thank you.

To the Masters Cohort (except those mentioned above), Brenda Christie, Marilyn Davis, Marion Dowds, Trudy Gath, Marion Kline, Mike McDonald, Bob Ogilvie, Phillip Sallewsky, Janie Senko, Lindsay Stewart, Geoff Suderman-Gladwell, Julie White and Susan Drake and Michael Manley-Casimir who helped make a dream, a reality, thank you.

The living theory approach to educational action research allowed me to explore the dynamic quality of being an educational leader researching to improve her practice and Jack Whitehead believed I had knowledge to contribute. When I started, I couldn't use the internet: he taught me that. I couldn't conduct research: he taught me that. I couldn't use even "cut and paste" or use a video camera: he taught me that. I did not believe that my practical knowledge was "real" knowledge and that I had something important to contribute to the academy: he taught me to believe. I needed a research method that was aligned with my philosophy and values and a supervisor who would stimulate my thinking and care about my work. I found one. Thank you, Jack.