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Illinois State University

Professional Development Schools (PDS)

Grades eligible: K-8

The PDS program is currently in the following schools for the 2010-11 school year:
Dubois
Harvard Park
Lindsay
Lincoln Magnet Middle
McClernand

Cooperating teachers commit to hosting an intern for either Phase I or Phase II:
Phase I = Primarily first quarter plus all of spring semester (for student teaching)
Phase II = Most of second quarter only

Qualifications:
Preferably hold a Master's Degree
Hold the type of professional certificate applicable to the position
Have at least three years of successful teaching experience
Be recognized as a superior teacher in his/her own school system

PDS Phase I Responsibilities for Cooperating Teachers (CT)

Responsibilities begin in the spring when the CT meets next year's intern (one day in May)
Contact via email, phone or in person over the summer as needed to set up room and beginning of the year tasks
Demonstrate the philosophy that your students will have two teachers this year (you and your intern)
Attend half-day CT articulation/training seminar in August with Coordinator
Intern attends the two Teacher Inservice days prior to school beginning
Intern is in the classroom two full days and one half day each week
Intern is in the classroom all week during the first week with students
CTs work collaboratively all year long with the intern, including co-teaching
Model teacher roles and responsibilities throughout the year
Provide formal weekly feedback to the interns and ongoing written and verbal feedback on a daily basis (creating a strong professional relationship with the intern)
Attend lunch seminars with Coordinator (at most, monthly)
Share feedback regarding intern's progress with intern and Coordinator on a regular basis and formally at the end of the first semester and then weekly throughout student teaching
Formally observe weekly intern lessons during student teaching, completing observation assessment and weekly Collaborative Assessment Log
Attend half-day training before the student teaching semester begins
Attend end-of-year celebration
Complete two on-line evaluations at the end of the year
Provide intern with a letter of recommendation

PDS Phase II Responsibilities for the Cooperating Teacher (CT)

Attend one after school CT articulation/training seminar in October with Coordinator
Explain grade-level curriculum and student assessments
Model professional responsibilities, effective planning and instructional practice, and effective classroom management practices
Intern is in the classroom two full days and one half day each week for approximately 5 weeks during second quarter
Provide opportunities and guidance in a variety of instructional settings
Observe and provide feedback on intern lessons and classroom responsibilities
Involve intern in team and building meetings
Attend one lunch seminar with Coordinator
Provide intern with a letter of recommendation
Evaluate intern performance and conference with the intern regarding the evaluation