The Professional Development School (PDS) model is a university-public school partnership that combines teacher education and school reform to improve student learning.  Pekin Public Schools District 108 is nationally recognized for its use of classroom technology.  The district was selected "Elementary Technology School District of the Year" by the National School Association.

    Pekin 108's partnership with Illinois State University focuses upon:

         - Problem-based learning

         - Technology-rich learning environments

         - Collaborative instructional strategies

Phase I:

     I began the school year helping my mentor teacher prepare her kindergarten room for the upcoming year.  I attended the District Institute, Building Retreat, and Meet the Teacher Orientation.  Much time was spent on reflection and focused observation in a variety of classrooms in order to gain insight into what makes an effective classroom.  Methods course work began during this phase and continued on throughout Phase II.

Phase II:

     Phase II was spent in fourth grade.  During this phase, I continued focused observations in a variety of classrooms.  I worked with students one-on-one, in small groups, and whole class instruction.  After a period of observaton, I was given the opportunity to teach spelling, reading, and math. Highlights from my methods course work included a science lesson on the Expansion and Contraction of Gases and a social studies lesson on the Indigenous People of the U.S.  These were outstanding productions of collaborative effort!

Phase III & IV:

    For Phases III and IV, I returned back to my Phase I kindergarten classroom to begin my student teaching.  In a very organized fashion, subjects were implemented one at a time, until I took over the full load.  During the semester, we learned about space, chicks, and butterflies.  We also incorporated units around seasonal themes.  We took field trips to the planetarium, Petco, and the Pekin Park.