As I think about my last year at Illinois State University, I am amazed by the wealth of knowledge and information I have obtained from participating in the Pekin Professional Development School. The experience I have gained from this program is greater than I could have ever expected. I am extremely grateful to have been selected to participate in the Pekin PDS program.

 

I can remember back a year ago when I met my mentor teacher. I was so excited and nervous at the same time. When the school year began, I had that same feeling and I wondered how I would be able to make it through the entire school year as a teacher. Now looking back, I wonder why I was so nervous. I had a tremendous amount of support from my wonderful mentor teacher, as well as my liaison. During this past year, I have grown as a teacher and a person. I have discovered my strengths and weakness because I was able to try out various activities in the classroom.

 

The opportunities and resources in the Pekin PDS program have given me the most wonderful opportunity. I am truly grateful to all of the people that have made this a year of learning. I am pleased to have been able to work with a wonderful staff and group of students. I leave the PDS program as a college graduate with the experience of a first year teacher.