Our Mission

Professional development schools are innovative institutions formed through partnerships between professional education programs and PreK-12 schools. Joliet Public Schools District 86 and the College of Education at the University of St. Francis have established a professional development school at A.O. Marshall Elementary, Farragut Elementary, and Dirksen Junior High School.

This collaborative partnership is built on trust, respect and a shared mission. The mission of our Professional Development School (PDS) partnership is to collaboratively enhance the professional preparation of teacher candidates and promote continuous exemplary professional development of all partners. The focus of the PDS partnership is to improve student achievement through research-based practices carried out in an innovative teaching and learning environment. The PDS is dedicated to supporting a diverse community of learners at all levels of educational development through shared decision making, vision, goals, and trust.