The Pekin PDS is a year long program offered through Illinois State University.  It is a partnership with the Pekin Elementary School District 108 and Illinois Sate University.  I have had the wonderful opportunity to participate in this beneficial program from August until May of this year.   The Pekin PDS 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 the year, I participated in the school district retreats, meet the teacher night, parent-teacher conferences, school improvement days, grade level meetings, and working with an amazing group of teacher and other staff members.   Phase 1: I worked in my third grade classroom with my mentor teacher and my students that I currently teach.  While in the classroom, I also started taking my last five college classes.   Phase 2:  While still taking my Illinois State University courses, I moved into a fifth grade classroom in order to gain experience working with intermediate aged students.  I also had an opportunity to observe junior high students.   Phase 3&4:  In January, I went back to my third grade classroom to start my student teaching experience.   I planned and instructed standard based learning while also collaborating with my mentor and other colleagues.  I am also continually learning how to become the best teacher possible.   The Pekin PDS program has given me confidence to be an effective and well-prepared classroom teacher.