What is a PDS?

An ideal Professional Development School is not just one big idea, but multiple components that make it successful. It is a commitment to not only the staff, the parents, the preservice teachers, but most importantly, our students. In order to be a flourishing Professional Development School, all participants in the school community must be willing to learn and become life-long learners. This is not just the tutors, participants, and interns in the program, but also Benedum faculty, mentor teachers, coordinators, liaisons, parents, administrators, and all members of the Professional Development School. We all need to be able to learn from each other in order to make the school the most beneficial and prosperous place for our students. The interaction should not just cease at the school environment level, but should instead reach out into the community to build a partnership for the benefit of our students and their families. I believe a Professional Development School should provide a stimulating and active environment for students to learn. Action research and inquiry should be implemented by the teachers, administration, and the preservice teachers so the needs of each individual student can be met and teacher strategies improved. This takes place through collaboration between preservice and mentor teachers and coordinators. Everyone should have an access point to delve into learning, and it is the Professional Development School’s purpose to make knowledge available to all students. Curriculum and instruction should be monitored and considered flexible to fit what works best for the students. There should be programs implemented before, during, and after school to ensure the safety, security, and success for all students and provide opportunities for the community to take part in the inner workings of the school. A successful Professional Development School gives all members of the community a chance to assume responsibility and become empowered by the encouraging school climate. Ideas from the community will be valued and sensible risks taken to promote the greater good of the Professional Development School. Future educators have power to actively engage in the school wide community and culture. All research and practices should be reflected upon in order to gain the most in the school community. All perspectives will be considered and valued based upon our shared-decision approach. For this to occur there needs to be a great sense of open communication between all branches of the local community. In order for there to be open communication, there needs to be respect between each counterpart of the community and appreciation of diversity. Not only should each member of the community respect themselves, but also their peers, colleagues, and community partners. Self-esteem and motivation is valued and promoted in the environment and differences are appreciated. Diversity should be honored and multicultural reflective curriculum should be taught. Different learning styles should be treasured and arts should be a vital part in the curriculum, along with a value placed on health and physical education in order to produce a healthy and productive member of the community.

Classroom map

 

Classroom Map