Professional Development Schools are by design an environment which combines the best theory, research, and practice.
The Teaching and Learning Communities (TLC) PDS model is offered through the Washburn University Department of Education. It is based on the reflective educator model and consists of the following organizational principles:
As partnering institutions, Washburn and Seaman #345, Shawnee Heights #450, and Topeka #501 share responsibilities for:
- Teaching and learning for understanding through clinical preparation that benefits all learners
- Creating a learning environment
- Continuing learning and professional development for mentor teachers, teacher educators, and administrators
- Encouraging thoughtful, long-term inquiry into teaching and learning
- Fostering a reflective teaching process
- Establish a professional development school (PDS) that fosters a collaborative community of learners
- Provide Washburn University teachers with an authentic experience that centers around Language Arts, Science/Math, and Social Studies
- Continue to improve the quality of education by modeling exemplary strategies and techniques
- Support, interact, and collaborate with prospective and beginning teachers
- Students, staff, and administrators at the partnership elementary schools
- Washburn University and Faculty
- Elementary education students from Washburn University
The benefits of a Teaching and Learning Communities (TLC) in the partnership schools are multiple. The elementary students benefit from having more than one adult in the classroom. Classrooms are managed more effectively giving more time to teaching and learning.
- Elementary mentor teachers and staff benefit from collaborating and sharing new ideas with future colleagues.
- Mentor teachers gain additional assistance in the classroom with activities, lessons, and classroom management. Mentor teachers also learn from the Washburn University teachers and try new teaching ideas. Another benefit mentor teachers receive is the opportunity to fine- tune their observational, organizational, and assessment skills.
- Washburn University Teachers experience a clinical setting in which they become familiar with many grade levels. They also have the opportunity to attend presentations given by the mentor teachers on the latest strategies and methods. Washburn University teachers learn the classroom teacherís roles and responsibilities in real life situations and will apply those experiences as a future educator.