In 1986, following the mandate of the North Dakota Legislature, the Teachers' Professional Practices Commission recommended to the State Superintendent of Public Instruction a statewide model for professional development of educators. The model was developed in cooperation with educators, professional associations, state agencies, two state universities, and the Mid-continent Regional Educational Laboratory. The model is holistic because it takes into account the entire spectrum of needs of the educator including professional growth, personal growth through professional associations, opportunities for education through internships and on-the-job training, opportunities for guided practice and peer assessment, creation of classroom and school climates conducive to learning, educator empowerment by the district, and opportunities to participate in activities fostering physical and mental health. Two appendices are included, one listing research findings on conditions that lessen the impact of professional growth activities, and one enumerating some common limitations to staff development and professional growth. (MT)