The literature on preparing and sustaining quality teachers has suggested that to be successful, teacher preparation and development require a mutual collaboration and a synergy of effort among partners, most typically a school district and a university teacher preparation program. One response has been to draw universities and school districts together in true partnership through Professional Development Schools ( PDSs). Together, the partners are responsible for creating environments in schools and in university classrooms that can transform into clinical sites dedicated to best practices and professional growth for all. This book is designed to offer practical applications on how partners can work together to implement the mission and goals of the PDS by providing ways that PDS partners can engage in a much deeper and more profound experience that results in a synergistic relationship. Joint involvement in application of practice takes each partner to a level far greater than traditional teacher education and professional development practices while creating a cooperative community of practice centered on teacher and student learning.

Dr. Lourdes Zaragoza Mitchel has wide experiences and expertise as a teacher educator, administrator, consultant, researcher and author in both urban and suburban institutions of learning. Her work has led her to specialize in the preparation of teachers across the continuum of a teachers life, novice-expert, and advancing the agenda of clinical practices through the Professional Development School (PDS).