One note before you dive into the issue: although we all know what we mean by the term training, when stretched too far, it tends to crumble. Like the words training wheels and training bra, consultant training can connote inexperience or immaturity that requires intermediate measures. To be sure, most beginning consultants do need training in that sense. Even professors with plenty of classroom teaching experience soon realize that working with writers one-on-one requires a different approach–one that requires study and practice to perfect. But what should we call the ongoing work that experienced consultants do to keep their skills sharp? Professional development rings true for those of us who will apply what we learn in the writing center to our future careers, but to some the term sounds like the activities of people who aren’t yet professional. And what the term consultant preparation makes up for in dignity, it loses in vagueness. With all these limitations in mind, we’ve accepted training as the theme for this issue. And we take heart in the idea (illustrated by this very issue) that our community and the ways we learn to work with writers are so diverse and rich that they can’t be reduced to one simple term.

Thank you to everyone who read the inaugural issue of Praxis (fall 2003) and sent us kind words and suggestions. Please keep the comments coming at praxis@uwc.fac.utexas.edu. (editor's note: this email is no longer functional. Please use praxisuwc@gmail.com)