What
is a PDS?
A Professional Development School (PDS) is a collaboratively planned and
implemented partnership for the academic and clinical preparation of
interns and the continuous professional development of both school systems
and university faculty. Future teacher candidates take part in a
year-long internship, arriving at school in August at the same time as the
teachers, and participating throughout the year in all aspects of a
teacher’s life in the school.
Why establish a
Professional Development School?
The focus of the PDS partnership is to improve student performance through
research-based teaching and learning. Success for all learners is at
the heart of a Professional Development School. Its mission is
lifelong learning by providing a place where future teachers, practicing
teachers, and university faculties learn together along with their
students.
What are the benefits of
a Professional Development School?
Professional Development Schools receive additional resources in terms of
the number of adults working with children. Opportunities are
provided for continued growth and development for current teachers.
Students enrolled in Professional Development Schools benefit from being
taught by teachers who are focused on teaching excellence.
Principals benefit since new teachers and potential teacher candidates are
placed in their schools.
Who are the key players
involved to make PDS a success?
Coordinating Council. The coordinating council is the
collaborative governance vehicle that serves as the organizing body for
the development and implementation of all aspects of the PDS. It is
co-chaired by school/school system and University personnel. The
Coordinating Council meets at least four times per year.
Site Coordinator. The site coordinator assumes the role of
influencing smooth operation and success of the PDS partnership, serves as
a designated representative for the school principal, and resolves many
questions and problems on behalf of the school administration.
University Liaison. The University liaison is the point
person for the University in the PDS partnership. Working
collaboratively with the site coordinator, the University liaison provides
leadership to the PDS.
University Supervisor. The University supervisor is the University
representative who is responsible for collaborating with the mentor to
provide individualized support and guidance to the PDS intern. The
University supervisor and the mentors work together to provide formative
and summative assessment to the intern.
Principal. The principal plays an integral role in
influencing the success or lack of success of the PDS and must be
committed to the identity of the school as a PDS. The principal’s
enthusiasm, knowledge, and coaching establish and maintain the tone of the
partnership.
Mentor. The mentor, also known as the cooperating teacher,
provides opportunities for interns to experience the blending of theory
and practice in learning to become competent teachers.
Interns and Pre-Service Interns. The interns (also known as
student teachers) and the pre-service interns are students in a teacher
preparation program who participate as part of a cohort in an extensive
internship in a PDS.
School Systems Representative. The school system representative is
the designated PDS coordinator for the local school system.
Source: Maryland State Department of
Education
Current RPDS Network Partners:
Dorchester County Somerset County
Wicomico County Worcester County
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