PDS Network

The PDS Network includes administrators and teachers from all our partner schools, university faculty PDS liaisons, university administrators, and teacher candidates involved in PDSs. At our monthly PDS Council meetings, we focus on topics of current interest to our PDS work, new areas of study/research, and opportunities to share new learning with others, with the goal of supporting one another as we engage in the teaching and learning process.

What is the role of the Rowan PDS liaison?
A Rowan Professional Development liaison is a university faculty member who serves as a Professor in Residence (PIR) at the specific partner school to which he/she is assigned. Regular, on-site visits at least 1-2 days each week occur at their partner P-12 school. Their responsibilities include:

• Working with school leaders to plan and implement professional development to meet the schools’ needs and conduct action research projects;
• Working collaboratively with school staff to improve instructional practice and enhance student learning;
• Providing supervision and mentoring to Rowan teacher candidates in their field experiences;
• Attending PDS Council meetings.

What is the role of the PDS site coordinator?
A Professional Development School site coordinator is a school-based staff member who facilitates PDS activities. Their responsibilities may include:

• Working with the school principal and Rowan liaison to set annual PDS goals and to make placements for field experiences;
• Providing assistance to teacher candidates regarding local expectations and school culture;
• Disseminating information about PDS conference opportunities; networking meetings as well as sharing the information that comes from those meetings to all teachers;
• Attending PDS Council meetings.

How do teacher candidates benefit from a PDS field experience?
A placement at a Professional Development School assures teacher candidates will

• Observe and experience best practices in action;
• Actively participate in a learning community environment;
• Receive extensive support from university faculty, teachers, and staff in the PDS community;
• Are invited to attend and actively participate in PDS Council meetings.