The Professional Development School (PDS) model is a university-public school partnership that combines teacher education and school reform to improve student learning. Pekin’s partnership with Illinois State University focuses on: problem-based learning, technology-rich learning environments, and collaborative instructional strategies.

I believe the PDS program has fully prepared me for a successful teaching career.  Being in a classroom from the beginning of the school year has shown me all of the hard work and dedication that is involved in teaching.   I was fortunate to be involved with ‘Meet the Teacher Night’ before the students arrived for the first day of school.  I was able to start a professional relationship with the students and families by introducing myself and getting to know the children.  Through the PDS program, I had two teaching placements.  The first eight weeks of the school year, I spent my time with fifth graders and the next eight weeks I spent my time in a kindergarten classroom.  The different grade levels showed me a spectrum of teaching levels and helped me to realize that I am capable of teaching a wide range of students.  My student teaching experience has taught me the importance of collaboration, flexibility, and communication.  I am thrilled to have involved myself in the Pekin PDS.

Benefits of the PDS program:

• Comprehensive year long internship
• Total immersion in the school culture
• Intensive and extensive clinical experience
• Opportunities for practice, reflection, and collegiality
• On-site methods course work
• Linkage between course content and teaching practice
• Involvement in school-community relationships
• Cohort experience
• Recognition by prospective employers
• Promotion of best practices
• Quality Mentor-Intern team
• Preparation for the “real” teaching world