PDS Schools are an excellent way for School of Education students to be part of a dynamic collaboration of education professionals. The PDS model ties graduate coursework closely with the student teaching and internship experiences. The coursework is offered at the PDS site by KU faculty and teachers from the school. All Professional Year students who wish to apply to the PDS program must indicate this on their hard copy application forms as well as fill out the appropriate online request form. Visit the Field Experience Requests page and click on PDS Professional Year Placement Request (C&T Only).
Teaching in a PDS school was the highlight of my college career. Having a mentor teacher and a cadre that regularly helped me grow in both confidence and ability...read more testimonials
School of Education students have the opportunity to complete part or all of their professional year at a PDS site.
Teacher Education students who opt to be part of the PDS Alliance complete an Action Research Project - a systematic look at an educational practice. In the project, the student teacher collects and analyzes data, reflects on the results, and uses the conclusions to modify and improve future teaching. View student examples of Action Research.
The eight week Professional Development Schools (PDS) Collaborative Class is taught in a team teaching and interdisciplinary approach. The graduate block addresses and encompasses a wide range of topics and issues that are designed to prepare teacher candidates to become leaders in their profession. Themes incorporated in the class are: You as Teacher, Your Students, Teaching and Learning and The Work Place. Action Research projects and case studies are integral to the course; along with associate readings and assignments. In addition, teacher candidates begin to spend considerable amount of time at their schools they are assigned for the upcoming semester. Download the Course Syllabus (PDF)
