Dean's Message

The Professional Development Initiative (PDS) in the Department of Teacher Preparation (DTP) is an absolutely essential component in the collaboration between regional schools and Purdue University Calumet in the Preparation of K-12 teachers. Over 80% of the teachers prepared at our institution stay in the region and become active professionals in those schools and districts. The University and the School equally benefit from the partnership. DTP Teacher Candidates are provided with the opportunity to grow in the application of research-based teaching methodologies in their specialty fields through clinical practice in PDS Schools. In addition the PDS schools assist candidates in documenting P-12 student learning that occurs during that clinical practice. The PDS Schools benefit by having Department of Teacher Preparation Faculty members support both curriculum development and the professional development of teachers in the specialty area and school to which they are assigned. They also benefit by being able to hire well-prepared professionals who have performed well in their schools during their clinical experiences.

Dr. Alice Anderson, Dean of the School of Education