“The purpose of the Pekin Professional Development School is to create an exemplary learning environment that embraces innovation and the integration of best practices for children, interns, and faculties in a technologically oriented society.” (Pekin PDS Website)

 

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.

There are four phases throughout the year:

Phase 1

• Seven week experience.
• Intern assists mentor teacher in the classroom three days a week.
• Intern completes twelve hours of methods course work two days a week.

Phase 2

• Same as Phase one, except intern moves to another classroom in a different grade.  

Phase 3 &4

• Sixteen week student teaching phases.
• Intern returns to his or her Phase 1 placement.
• Intern and Mentor create a “Quality Team” partnership. They work together to provide a positive classroom environment that focuses on the needs of the students.
• Partnership between mentor and intern allows the intern to have an in-depth student teaching experience.

The benefits of participating in a PDS program are immense.

• Comprehensive year long internship
• Total immersion in school district
• Opportunities for practice, reflection, and collegiality
• Linkage between course content and teaching practice
• Involvement in school-community relationships
• Promotion of best practices
• Preparation for the “real” teaching world