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Educator Licensure and Preparation

  1. Educator Licensure and Preparation
  2. About
  3. Professional Development Schools

Professional Development Schools (PDS)

Student teachers with students in science class

School districts in the Northern Illinois region have determined that professional development schools are valuable for their students and their teachers.

Key benefits for the school districts partnering with NIU include the following:
  • Improve academic student achievement through excellent co-teaching
  • Increase opportunities and resources for differentiated instruction, tutoring and instructional supports
  • Implement best teaching practices with immediate feedback for all learners
  • Increase professional development for all teachers
  • Prepare teacher candidates who enter the workforce ready to meet the demands of teaching with experience as professionals
  • Collaborate between professionals in the field and at the university level
  • Infuse RtI, data-based decision making, and best practices at all levels of teaching and learning
  • Create processes that enhance our ability to monitor progress towards district and building goals

One of the most important benefits is the positive effect the PDS has on students. The PDS model provides the extra help needed to reach their potential, preparing them to contribute to our global society.

Cambridge Lakes Charter School (CLCS) and NIU work together closely.

District Contact

Kathleen Poole, principal
900 Wester Blvd.
Pingree Grove, IL 60140
847-464-4300

PDS Goals for District 428

  • World-class student achievement including academics, activities and citizenship.
  • Rigorous curriculum that matches expectations of higher education and the worksplace.
  • Superior preparation of pre-service teachers, whose skills match the needs of today's classrooms, including proficiency in skills for improving achievement of low-achieving students.
  • Excellence in professional learning that supports District 428 and NIU faculty in their pursuit of globally competitive student achievement.
  • National model of school excellence that leads to regional and national recognition.

Schools in the Partnership

District Contact

Jamie Craven, superintendent
901 S. 4th St.
DeKalb, IL 60115
815-754-2350

NIU Student Engagement

NIU students enrolled in teacher preparation programs may take education courses on-site and engage in extensive observations, clinical experience and student teaching.

Schools in the Partnership

District Contact

John Burkey, superintendent
650 Academic Dr.
Algonquin, IL 60102
847-659-6158

Schools in the Partnership

District Contact

Donald Schlomann, superintendent
201 S. 7th St.
St. Charles, IL 60174
331-228-2000

Contact Us

Office of Educator Licensure and Preparation
Williston Hall 320
815-753-0846
TeacherCertification@niu.edu
National Association for Professional Development Schools