Duval County Public Schools/University of North Florida
Urban Professional Development School
Woodland Acres Elementary Professional Development School
PDS Goals:
Increase student achievement
Prepare our UNF students to be effective teachers in urban schools
Develop our UNF students into teachers who want to teach in urban schools
Collaboration:
Although there is not one “stand alone” reason for the success of this program, the on-going and meaningful collaboration among ALL partners is the cornerstone.
Full Time Internship
6 to 12 UNF students complete their (full time) internship at WAE each semester.
40% of current WAE teachers are former PDS interns.
80% of WAE’s Teachers of the Year (last five years) are former PDS interns.
50% of current Directing Teachers for our (full time) interns are former PDS interns.
Ms. Patricia Grant, Resident Clinical Faculty (RCF) is housed on site, allowing close supervision of the interns, continuous collaboration with administration and directing teachers.
Additional UNF Classes
In total, approximately 350+ UNF students provide over 3500 hours of tutoring each year from completing course required field components at WAE.
Intro to Diversity for Educators
UNF students provide one-on-one tutoring to 90% of our 3rd – 5th grade bottom quartile reading students.
UNF students provide support for students in center activities.
PIR/RCF provide training for UNF students before come to WAE to work with the students.
NOTE: Each semester the leadership Team assesses the needs of the WAE students to determine the academic focus for this class.
TESOL
UNF students provide one-on-one tutoring and classroom support to ESOL students in 90%+ of the classrooms with ESOL students.
Intro to Education
UNF students observe “best teaching practices” in WAE classrooms.
Pre-Internship
UNF students work with teachers and students one day per week in preparation for full time internship.
Corporate Business Partner, Secured Through UNF
Main Street America
Provides monthly tutoring using research-based strategies that are prepared by Ms. Grant to our 3rde – 5th grade bottom quartile reading students.
Provides classroom supplies for our teachers at the beginning of each year.
Provides books for every K-2nd grade student at the end of the year to jump start their summer reading.
Hosts annual field trip to their corporate headquarters for all 5th graders to help broaden their vision of future career opportunities.
Funded (along with Jax Chamber of Commerce and Mr./Mrs. Van Berkel) WAE’s Community Outreach initiative.
Support for New Teachers
RCF sponsors New Teacher Support Group, where new teachers receive monthly professional development from the principal, Mrs. Green, based on their needs/requests. Ms. Jones provides follow up support and tracks the on-going progress of monthly goals.
Professional Development
PIR and RCF serve on the Leadership Team and collaborate with all members to provide professional development on an as needed basis.