The PDS (Professional Development School) program offers senior teacher education students majoring in early childhood, elementary, middle level, and secondary education at Illinois State University a yearlong experience in a public school that replaces the 16-week student teaching semester. This yearlong placement totally immerses you in the school, from setting up the classroom before school starts to the end of the school year celebrations. You will participate in all school functions, from parties to parent-teacher conferences. College classes are also taken on-site so that by the end of the school year, you are ready for graduation and certification.
Professional Development Schools (PDS) are collaborative partnerships between Illinois State teacher education programs and a number of schools or school districts throughout Illinois. The PDS model provides an experience that focuses on improved classroom learning for children, preparation of teacher candidates, professional development of current teachers, and inquiry into improved practice. Each partner school works with Illinois State University with the overall aim of professional growth of all participants through the simultaneous improvement of both schools and teacher education.
