Throughout my year in Pekin PDS, I have learned so much about education and what it means to be a teacher.  I have been surrounded by 3 wonderfully encouraging mentor teachers, 2 incredibly knowledgeable methods instructors, 24 exceptionally collaborative interns, 3 extremely supportive liaisons, and countless helpful staff members.  There have been so many people who have contributed to my success as a student teacher. As I look back on this year, I realize that I would be nothing without the people who have done so much for me. 

When I entered the professional development school program, I had a strong knowledge of teaching pedagogy and an understanding of content and curriculum.  However, I could not possibly have predicted the growth that would take place over the course of one school year.  I worked hard to put into practice all that I had learned over my three years of classes from ISU.  I came in to school early.  I stayed late.  I had many successes.  I made mistakes, but I learned from them.  I had days where I couldn't imagine loving any job more and I had days where I went home in tears.  But above all, I grew into a confident professional who is ready to take on the teaching world.