When I decided to participate in the Professional Development School, I knew that the experience would be challenging, but hoped that it would confirm my calling to the teaching profession.  I had no idea just how life-changing it would be.  I have had the opportunity to work with some incredible people and feel that their support and encouragement truly made this year a success. 

I had the opportunity to expereince both a kindergarten and second grade classroom.  Both were wonderful learning experiences and affirmed my desire to teach primary level students.  My mentor teacher played an imortant role in building my confidence as an educator.  Now more than ever, I am ready for my own classroom and am looking forward to implementing the ideas, activities and knowledge I gained this year.  The Pekin Professional Development School has enabled me to be prepared to manage my future classroom, and create lessons that allow my students to explore and discover new ideas and knowledge both in the classroom and beyond.