The Pekin PDS provided me with a better intern experience than I could have ever asked for.  I learned so much and gained invaluable experience during my year in the program.

My time spent in two different classrooms gave me insight on different age groups, teaching strategies and classroom management plans, and school climates.  The extended clinical and student teaching experience boosted my confidence in myself as an educator and made me feel I could really make a difference in the lives of my students.  I learned to reflect upon my teaching and make decisions based on the best interest of my students.

As I step into my fourth grade classroom in the fall to begin my first year of teaching, I know I will have butterflies in my stomach, but also reassurance in my mind that I am prepared to teach and manage a classroom of students.  The Pekin PDS has given me the knowledge, experience, and confidence I need to do just that.