What is PDS?

The Professional Development School (PDS) model is a university-public school partnership that combines teacher education and school reform to improve student learning.

PHASE I

• Orientate to the beginning of year classroom activities
• Begin methods course work
• Experience 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

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

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

My Experience

Phase I

I spent my Phase I in a third grade classroom at Willow Elementary School.  This time was spent helping my mentor teacher with instruction and other school related projects. I also used this time to start building my confidence in the classroom and with my students.

Phase II

During my Phase II, I spent my time in a fifth grade classroom.  Again, I assisted my mentor with lessons and helped out with other school activities.  This gave me a look at another grade level and the chance to further build my confidence.

Phase III & IV

For Phase III and IV, I went back to the third grade classroom where I spent my Phase I.  Here, I taught 20 third graders in a self-contained classroom, building my confidence while teaching my students how to be life-long learners.