Chapter 1: Why Napds? Why Now?

The role of the National Association for Professional Development Schools (NAPDS) has been one of common support for teacher candidates through the cooperative efforts of university- and school-based personnel. Historically, this collaborative community prepares future teachers through pedagogy and clinically rich school-based experiences. There is no other organization whose exclusive focus is one that encourages the collaboration of university and school-based personnel while supporting future teacher candidates in the field. This chapter gives the history of this organization and its current aims.