JPDSP Spotlight

JPDSP Spotlight Archive
February 2008
Jaime Foxworth, Dirksen Junior High

Jaime FoxworthWhat is your role in JPDSP?

I currently teach 7th grade science and social studies at Dirksen Junior High.  In the spring I will be the cooperating teacher for a Beginning Field Experience teacher candidate from the University of St. Francis and I recently completed a wonderful semester with an Intermediate Field Experience teacher candidate from USF.

What attracted you to the field of education?

What attracted me to the field of education was the belief that I could make a difference in young adults or to change the life or path of at least one student.  I began coaching about 10 years ago and coaching led to teaching.  Once I experienced teaching, I knew that there was not any other occupation I would prefer.

How has JPDSP impacted your life?

The partnership has helped me reflect upon my growth as an educator and to become a mentor to teacher candidates.  It has also provided me with many opportunities to share and benefit from having quality teacher candidates in my classroom.

Explain a memorable moment that has happened because of JPDSP?

One of the most memorable moments occurred in class, where I had the opportunity to co-teach.  I had never experienced co-teaching, just attended sessions on strategies and because of the partnership, I was able to co-teach with my teacher candidate.

How can someone in the JPDSP contact you?

I can be contacted via email at jfoxworth@joliet86.org

Fun Facts: Jaime attended Dirksen Junior High. She is also currently completing her Masters degree from the University of St. Francis.
November 2007
Jean Yates, Farragut Elementary
Jean YatesWhat is your role in JPDSP? 
  • 5th grade teacher at Farragut Elementary School
  • Currently Cooperating Teacher for Intermediate Field Experience teacher candidate

What attracted you to the field of education?

I have always admired teachers because my dad taught at Joliet Junior College for 42 years.  I grew up in a teacher’s world, hearing stories of frustrations and successes.  I even remember helping him sort and grade papers-with an answer key of course! 

How has JPDSP impacted your life?

I am honored to say that I have worked with many candidates from all three levels of clinicals at USF.  It’s rewarding to see these candidates teaching in many area schools.  I know that they have “borrowed” teaching ideas from me and are currently using them.Working with the education candidates has been rewarding, but I have especially enjoyed working with the staff of the College of Education at USF. Each supervisor has been very supportive and helpful. I am always inspired and impressed by the suggestions or “pep talks” that the supervisors pass on to the teacher candidates.

Explain a memorable moment that has happened because JPDSP?

When the USF Methods of Teaching Science classes prepared a lesson in Ecosystems for my fourth grade class, I was pleased with the engaging activity of building a bottle terrarium.  The next day, I wasn’t so pleased to find hundreds of newly born guppies to care for.  It was quite challenging finding homes for them.

How can someone in the JPDSP contact you?

My email is jyates@joliet86.org
September 2007
Jane Richards, Technology Resource Specialist

jane richards photoWhat is your role in JPDSP?  

For the past few years I have been on the Technology Committee of JPDSP.  Starting this fall I am the A. O. Marshall/ Parks School Liaison.

What attracted you to the field of education?

For as long as I can remember I looked up to my teachers.  I always thought they were special.  When I started college I was majoring in Computer Technology.  At the same time I was helping out at A. O. Marshall while two of my children attended school.  I grew to be part of the educational world and changed my major to education.  The caring and support I was given in this educational environment made me want to stay.

How has JPDSP impacted your life?

This partnership has helped me to do my job better.  It has provided funds, materials, and educational conferences that I otherwise would not have had the opportunity to use and experience.  I have been given the opportunity to present at the National Professional Development School Conference and the Illinois Society for Technology in Education conference. All of these have helped me stay on the cutting edge of the technology and professional worlds.

Explain a memorable moment that has happened because JPDSP?

There have been so many great experiences since we have become part of this partnership. One of the great ones was when all of our teacher candidates came back to be part of our Family Reading Night.  They all read, dressed up and helped to make the evening enjoyable.  The St. Francis’ candidates did such a wonderful job in planning and promoting our event that all students, parents, and staff had a fun and educational time.

How can someone in the JPDSP contact you?

I can be reached by email at janerichards@joliet86.org
 



JPDSP Cornerstones

Action Research

Resources for Teachers
Programming Project Request

Student Achievement

JPDSP Student Spotlight
Information for Parents

Professional Development

What is a PDS?
Leadership Team
Programming Project Request

Teacher Candidate Preparation

Field Experience
Resources for Candidates
Resources for USF Faculty

Joliet Professional Development School Partnership
Updated February 29, 2008
webmaster