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Our History

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In 1969, a small band of a new breed of educator – the staff developer – met in Minneapolis, Minn. Since then, the organization has grown in many ways – number of members, diversity of products and services, and a purpose tied directly to student achievement. The field has also matured.

Yet the people who work today to ensure high-quality professional development aren’t so different from the educators that first met as a group in 1969. They share the same commitment to teachers and students, and the same belief that what and how adults learn is a matter for serious study and dialogue.

We invite you to explore this special section of the web site. As we celebrate our history, we ask you to share your thoughts, your aspirations, and your memories. What have we learned? Where will our future take us?