The Pekin Professional Development School is a partnership between Illinois State University and Pekin School District 108. Teacher candidates are given the opportunity during their senior year to participate in a year long internship program. During this year, student teachers are completely immersed in the school district.

Phase I

• Begin methods course work
• Experience a K-3, 4-6, or 7-8 classroom

 

Phase II

• Place in new grade level
• Continue methods instruction
• Experience a middle school setting
• Observe specialists in a variety of areas

 Phase III & IV

• Begin in-depth student teaching
• Produce a quality professional portfolio
• Prepare for job fair, job searches, and interviews

PDS has been a great experience for me.  I feel that without this experience I would not feel as ready as I am.  There is so much that I will take away with me that I will be apply to my teaching experiences for the rest of my life.