The Pekin PDS program is a year long program offered through IllinoisStateUniversity.  It is a partnership with Pekin Elementary School District 108 and IllinoisState.  I have had the wonderful opportunity to participate in this beneficial program from August until May of this year.

 

This program allowed me to work with a diverse group of students, collaborate with colleagues, learn how to be flexible, and work with different forms of technology.  Throughout my year, I participated in the beginning of school district retreats, meet the teacher night, parent-teacher conferences, school improvement days, grade level meetings and working with an amazing group of teachers and other staff members.

 

Phase I: I worked in a sixth grade classroom with my mentor teacher and my students that I would eventually student teach.  While in Phase I, I also started my last four college method courses.

 

Phase II: While still taking my college courses, I moved into a kindergarten classroom.  This allowed me to gain experience working with primary-aged children. 

 

Phase III & IV: When January arrived, I went back to my sixth grade classroom to start my student teaching experience.  While still in Phase III & IV, I plan and instruct standard-based learning while also collaborating with my mentor and other colleagues.  I am also learning how to become the best teacher possible.

 

The Pekin PDS program has given me the confidence to be an effective classroom teacher and prepare me for my own classroom.