Work and Field Experiences

Professional Development Schools

The Education Program at the University of Maine at Presque Isle has partnered with area schools to promote the professional development of our faculty and students and the PreK-12 faculty and students in Central Aroostook County. Student achievement is at the heart of the professional development school (PDS). The PDS offers a variety of advantages including a year long internship for student teachers, school-university research projects, collaborative activities across curriculum content areas, and a shared governance system. Please go to the National Association of Professional Development Schools for more information.

Schools

• Caribou
• Easton
• Fort Fairfield
• Presque Isle
• Washburn
• More coming soon…

The 9 Essential Elements of a PDS

1. A comprehensive mission that is broader in its outreach and scope than the mission of any partner and that furthers the education profession and its responsibility to advance equity within schools and, by potential extension, the broader community;
2. A school-university culture committed to the preparation of future educators that embraces their active engagement in the school community;
3. Ongoing and reciprocal professional development for all participants guided by need;
4. A shared commitment to innovative and reflective practice by all participants;
5. Engagement in and public sharing of the results of deliberate investigations of practice by respective participants;
6. An articulation agreement developed by the respective participants delineating the roles and responsibilities of all involved;
7. A structure that allows all participants a forum for ongoing governance, reflection, and collaboration;
8. Work by college/university faculty and P-12 faculty in formal roles across institutional settings;
9. Dedicated and shared resources and formal rewards and recognition structures

Print Flyers and Internship Application

For more information, or to submit an application, contact the Director of Student Teaching and Field Experience at (207) 768-9437.