A Year-Long Immersion That Makes All The Difference
Illinois State University's College of Education has been preparing exceptional educators since 1857. Their Secondary Professional Development School (PDS) program is revolutionizing how future teachers prepare for their careers through a comprehensive, year-long immersive experience that bridges the gap between academic theory and classroom reality.
Beyond Traditional Student Teaching
Unlike conventional teacher preparation programs that typically offer a single semester of student teaching, ISU's Secondary PDS program provides teacher candidates with a full academic year embedded in a school district. Students complete both their clinical experience (fall semester) and student teaching (spring semester) at the same location, averaging 240 clinical hours before they even begin student teaching.
This continuity creates a deeper understanding of the educational environment that simply isn't possible in traditional programs. PDS students witness the complete cycle of a school year—from establishing classroom procedures in August to closing out the academic year in May.
Building Professional Identity Through Immersion
The Secondary PDS program operates on a cohort model, with classes held on-site at the school with College of Education faculty members.
This immersive approach helps future teachers develop their professional identity through:
- Daily practice of classroom management techniques
- Ongoing relationship building with students and staff
- Participation in professional development alongside current teachers
- Exposure to school and district processes
- Networking with administrators throughout Illinois
Real Results for Real Classrooms
The program's success speaks for itself—over the past five years, PDS graduates have achieved a remarkable 95% hiring rate after graduation. School administrators throughout Illinois actively seek PDS graduates because they recognize these new teachers arrive more prepared on day one.
The PDS Legacy Program further strengthens this network, connecting current students with program alumni who now serve as mentors, sharing their real-world experiences and insights.
Preparing Complete Professionals
What makes the PDS program particularly valuable is its focus on developing complete education professionals. Beyond teaching methods, students gain experience in:
- Professional expectations and workplace norms
- Building relationships with students, colleagues, and community members
- Understanding district-wide initiatives and policies
PDS students learn to navigate the professional education network as shared by a school administrator: "They are connected to the what and who they need to know in education. They also get specialized professional development opportunities through "First Friday" meetings covering essential topics."
Students also participate in mock interviews and hiring workshops, preparing them to find their ideal school and district fit after graduation.
A Model for Teacher Preparation
The Secondary PDS program exemplifies Illinois State University's commitment to excellence in teacher preparation. By immersing future educators in authentic school environments for a full academic year, ISU ensures graduates are ready to make meaningful contributions to education from their first day in the classroom.
For prospective teachers seeking comprehensive preparation for the challenges and rewards of the education profession, ISU's College of Education and its Secondary PDS program offer an unparalleled pathway to success.
To learn more about the Secondary PDS program and other teacher education opportunities at Illinois State University's College of Education, visit education.illinoisstate.edu or connect on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Lee Enterprises newsrooms were not involved in the creation of this content.
