The Eastern Michigan University Staff Development for School Improvement Program (SDSI) has involved over 25 school districts and 60 schools within the Detroit Metropolitan area since 1978. This program offers teachers a process for planning their own professional development, with a view toward improving the instructional environment and teacher effectiveness within their schools. The essence of the SDSI concept: (1) puts the emphasis on staff development in order to achieve school improvement; (2) focuses on needs as defined and addressed by teachers within their particular building; (3) provides structure and direction through a clearly defined six-step process; and (4) involves collaboration between the local district, the university, intermediate school districts, and the Michigan Department of Education. This paper describes the process of training selected faculty members to be leaders or facilitators of school-based projects. (JD)