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.
Phase I
- Orientation to the beginning of year classroom activities
- Begin methods course work
- Experience a K-3, 4-6, or 7-8 classroom
- Attend school improvement and grade level meetings
My Phase I experience was in Mr. Clark's fifth grade at Washington Intermediate School. I had the opportunity to take part in all the back-to-school activities and meet the children that I would be teaching in the Spring.
Phase II
- Placement in new grade level
- Continue methods instruction
- Experience a middle school setting
- Start teaching lessons created by the intern
My Phase II experience was at Broadmoor Junior High School in Mrs. Dawson's seventh and eighth grade social studies classroom. I enjoyed the challenges of working with the older students so much that I decided to do a dual placement for my Spring student teaching experience.
Phase III & IV
- Begin in-depth student teaching
- Produce a quality professional portfolio
- Prepare for job fair, job searches, and interviews
- Participate in school activities
I began my student teaching experience with my Phase I placement students. My mentor, Mr. Clark, gave me the autonomy that is necessary to take control of the classroom. I always believed that I only wanted to teach junior high, however, my placement into the fifth grade built up the confidence and belief that I can teach the lower grades. I attribute this change to the PDS program. The mentors that volunteer their time to their interns' learning and development goes above and beyond expectations.
After spending time in my Phase II placement, I knew I wanted to do a dual placement for student teaching. The atmosphere and the focus on one disciple ignited the fire that I originally had for this grade level. I am lucky to have been in a program that focuses on the needs and wants of the individual.
The Professional Development School has prepared me for my first years of teaching and beyond. The relationships that I have gained during this process will be long-lasting and prolific.
