Pekin Professional Development School

Pekin, Illinois

The Pekin 108 School district works with Illinois State University to provide a year long intensive program that is a replacement for traditional senior year requirements. Interns become active members in the district, and are required to participate fully in the classroom, and during professional meetings and workshops.

Interns participate in a 4 phase program, spending time in two general education placements.

Phase I is seven weeks long, and allows students to become active in setting up a classroom, developing classroom procedures, and getting to know staff members and students.

Phase II, also seven weeks, allows interns to experience a different grade level and a different building. They continue to aid in classroom decisions and participate fully in classroom procedures and lessons.

Phase III and IV are the formal student teaching phases. During this time, interns return to their phase I placement to take over full responsibility of the classroom. Interns learn how to effectively use technology, differentiate instruction, collaborate with staff, and reflect daily. Weekly assessments, using Charlotte Danielson’s Framework for Teaching, allows for continuous reflection and improvement.

 

PDS has been such a huge part of my development as a future educator. I feel that I am more than prepared to have my own classroom, and am confident in that I will succeed in this profession. I will continue to grow and reflect on my daily experiences in the classroom and hope to maintain and grow professional relationships.