The Pekin Professional Development School is a program that involves a partnership between Illinois State University and District 108 in Pekin, IL.  Teacher candidates are given the opportunity during their final year of college to participate in a year long internship where they are fully immersed in the school district.

Phase I

• Begin methods course work
• Complete clinical experiences in 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

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

PDS has be an incredible experience.  I look back on the past year and can't believe how much I have learned and accomplished by being a part of the program.  There is so much that I got out of the experience that I feel I would not have gotten anywhere else.  I look forward to using what I've learned with my future students.