ASPD was founded in 2003 by educators dedicated to supporting teachers and leaders, particularly those striving to transform challenging, high need, and urban classrooms and schools. Since that time, ASPD has provided a variety of standard and custom professional development and continuing education services to teachers and principals in public, private, and proprietary/technical schools.

We know what it takes to make a difference and our goal is to support others committed to making a difference. ASPD consultants are skilled, professional educators, leaders, and researchers who recognize that the people in these classrooms - the teachers and the leaders - know best how to change the circumstances and conditions. It is our commitment to help educators expand their understanding of the range of possibilities available and to explore how these might be applied in their local settings. We know there are no magic bullets and we also know that there are no "one size fits all" or "cookie cutter" approaches. What we do know is that dedicated professionals are doing the best they can with what they have. What we also know is that new learning makes new possibilities for addressing challenges available.

ASPD programs, workshops, and courses share common elements reflecting standards of the National Staff Development Council (NSDC), and others:

• Research-based program content
• The participant's local work context is the focus for learning
• Engaging activities
• Transferabililty of learning to professional practice "on Monday morning"
• Reflection and discussion to process and clarify new learning

ASPD supports individuals, traditional groups (departments, grade level teams), non-traditional groups (such as a group of friends wishing to form a professional study group or professional learning community), schools (public, charter, parochial, and private, proprietary post-secondary schools, districts, and institutions of higher education.