Pekin Professional Development School (PDS)

 

The Pekin Professional Development School program involves a partnership between Illinois State University and District 108 schools in Pekin, Illinois. The PDS program is a year-long internship that focuses on problem-based learning, collaborative instructional strategies, and an environment rich in technology. Each intern completes four phases throughout the course of the year. The first two phases take place during first semester in conjunction with rigorous coursework. Second semester is comprised of Phase III and Phase IV, where in-depth student teaching occurs.

My Experience

Participating in the PDS program has provided me with the opportunity to help with the initial set-up of the classroom and assist with organizing "Meet the Teacher" night before the start of the school year. I spent a couple of months in a second grade classroom creating lessons, teaching lessons planned by my mentor teacher, attending parent-teacher conferences, participating in staff meetings and School Improvement Planning sessions. During this time, I was also attending classes on-site. In October, I was fortunate enough to move to a fifth grade classroom for my Phase II placement. While still taking classes, I spent time creating lessons, teaching lessons planned by my mentor teacher, supervised a field trip, and conferenced with students regularly.   Returning in January, I began my in-depth student teaching experience in the second grade placement from Phase I. This year long student teaching experience has made me confident in my ability to teach. 

  

The Pekin Professional Development School

Fish Philosophy

 

 

 

 

Be There

Play

 Make Their Day

 Choose Your Attitude