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.
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
What 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.
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.
I am currently a student teacher (AFE) with Mrs. Renee McPherson in third grade. I am also a student teacher liaison for the JPDSP partnership between Farragut Elementary and the University of St. Francis.
What attracted you to the field of education?
I have had many inspiring teachers in my life even as an elementary student growing up in Plainfield. I always thought I wanted to be a teacher, and when I was young, the grade I wanted to teach changed to the grade I had just completed. (I knew everything there was to it of course!) Education has the power to improve lives and teachers are conductors of that power.
How has JPDSP impacted your life?
The main reason I initially wanted to be a part of a JPDSP school was because of the exciting challenges and experiences it presents. I have had the opportunity to be mentored by two incredible teachers at Farragut and to try my hand at teaching two very different groups of students. The opportunity to student teach in the same school all year has made it easier to forge and maintain relationships with students and staff.
Explain a memorable moment that has happened because JPDSP?
Everyone really treats the teacher candidates as an equal part of the team and values our input. There are also many opportunities to get involved with the community such as our trip to the Spanish Center food pantry.
- Second Grade Student Teacher at A.O. Marshall
- Teacher Candidate Representative for A.O. Marshall
- Member of the JPDSP Leadership Team
- Member of Teacher Candidate Sub-Committee
What attracted you to the field of education?
Ever since I was a child, I loved playing school with my older siblings.
Even though I was younger, I insisted on being the teacher. I enjoyed being
up in front of the “class” and teaching my “students.” Throughout my
education, I found the learning experience personally fulfilling. As I grew
older and began to volunteer in the community, I gained a great sense of
satisfaction when my students understood a concept that I had taught them.
Therefore, I knew that it was my destiny to contribute what I could to the
educational community by becoming a teacher.
How has JPDSP impacted your life?
Ever since the experience of my Intermediate Field Experience (IFE) and Advanced Field Experience (AFE), I have been trained to use a
variety of technology applications, such as the Smart Board, Danas, Elmo,
DIBELS, etc. My IFE cooperating teachers, Mrs. McReynolds and Mrs. LeGrand,
my AFE cooperating teacher, Mrs. Quigley, and the literacy coach, Mrs.
Romano, have taken the time to show me how to use and implement the
aforementioned technological applications into the classroom. Through the
use of technology, I have been able to capture my students’ attention and
interests, as well as enhance the material that I am presenting in my
lessons. As a result of the help I received from the staff at A. O. Marshall, I
will be able to successfully implement technology in my future lessons.
Explain a memorable moment that has happened because JPDSP?
Working with my AFE cooperating teacher, Mrs. Quigley, and watching her
teach and interact with her students will be a memorable moment for me. I
feel that the many best practices I have learned from her will contribute to
my success in the future as an educator. She has truly been a great mentor
for me. I hope to one day be as great a teacher as she.
- 4th grade teacher at Farragut Elementary School
- Currently I am the Cooperating Teacher for an Intermediate Field Experience USF Teacher Candidate, and in the Spring I will have an Advanced Field Experience Teacher Candidate
What attracted you to the field of education?
As a child, my dad saw fit to push me into the field of education. With the struggles that I had in school, I did not understand why anyone would want to spend anymore time in a classroom than they had to. It wasn’t until I was much older that I began to understand where my dad was coming from with his bizarre dream for me. I had a teacher who used sports to help me see that I could make a difference in someone else’s life, as well as my own. If it was not for my dad and the help of my 10th grade history teacher, I would not be a part of the greatest profession in the world.
How has JPDSP impacted your life?
The JPDSP has given me opportunities to advance my education, but I think that the real impact has been on the students. Through trainings, extra materials, and helping hands in the classroom I believe my students are getting the best education possible.
Explain a memorable moment that has happened because JPDSP?
My most memorable moment through the JPDSP was receiving a mini-grant this year for the Smartboard Airliner (wireless control) in my classroom. It was an exciting experience because it was the first grant that I had ever applied for and I was fortunate enough to receive it.
- 1st Grade Teacher at A. O. Marshall
- Member of the Joliet Reads Committee at A. O. Marshall
- Currently conducting an Action Research with the assistance of JPDSP.
What attracted you to the field of education?
My first degree is in business. I was working in the business world when I started volunteering in a Joliet Public School classroom during my time off. That led me to sign up for the Introduction to Teaching at Joliet Junior College. Based on that experience, I started to pursue a Masters Degree at University of Saint Francis. Upon completion of my Masters Degree I began my teaching career at A. O. Marshall.
How has JPDSP impacted your life?
I had an AFE student teacher in the spring last year. Having a student teacher was a great advantage to the students and me. We were able to work in small groups and assist the students personally. The students benefited from this experience.
The JPDSP has provided numerous professional educational opportunities and a lot of support with my action research.
Explain a memorable moment that has happened because JPDSP?
I have benefited greatly from the support and insights of my mentor, Mrs. Sienkowski. She is an excellent mentor and teacher. Also, the action research is continuing to help me in my teaching. My most memorable moment was and continues to be the students learning the potential of the smart board. It’s been a pleasure watching the students pick up the technology so quickly.
Currently I am an instructor in the Intermediate Field Experience Methods Block working with candidates who are a part of the JPDSP. We work closely with the Liasons creating an opportunity for elementary children in our partnership schools to come to campus to take part in scientific inquiry lessons being presented by the candidates.
What attracted you to the field of education?
The field of education is ever-changing and evolving. It is a challenge to be an effective teacher because of the many demands that are placed on them. Remembering the rewards of being a personal part of a candidate's or a student's education is my main attraction to this field. I am hoping that although I no longer have 30 five-year-olds in front of me that I feel a personal responsibility to, I work with future teachers who will ultimately affect an exponential amount of children.
How has JPDSP impacted your life?
Hearing the success stories from teacher candidates and practicing teachers who have worked with our candidates is rewarding and reminds me of the importance of this partnership.
Explain a memorable moment that has happened because JPDSP?
At a JPDSP open house I was able to sit and talk to many former USF candidates who are now secure in their positions at a JPDSP school. They were most complimentary of the program and their eventual placement, explaining that feeling as if they are already a part of the school community even though they are really a first year teacher is an instrumental part of being a successful 'rookie'. We in the program believe we have a good thing going here, but it is wonderful to have our beliefs validated by those who have completed it.
My role in the JPDSP is that of a method's instructor at USF. I teach the Reading and Language Arts methods course and the Elementary Discipline and Management course to our elementary majors who take this course in their Professional Semester I courses.
What attracted you to the field of education?
I am attracted to the field of education because it is exciting to be able to work with the future of our country. I am able to work with future teachers and help them become teachers who will influence the next generations of children.
How has JPDSP impacted your life?
JPDSP has impacted my life in that I have had the pleasure of watching our USF candidates successfully work with young children and to practice their teaching in a most effective setting. Their enthusiasm is inspiring.
Explain a memorable moment that has happened because JPDSP?
There are many memorable moments that have happened because of JPDSP. The one that stands out in my mind is when one of our USF candidates discovered her vocation in wanting to work with ELL students because of her very meaningful intermediate field experience. She is now teaching in an ESL program.
How can someone in the JPDSP contact you?
I can be contacted at the University of St. Francis. My telephone number is 815-740-4298. My e-mail address is vmatthews@stfrancis.edu.
Catherine Nelson, Assistant Professor
What is your role in JPDSP?
I am the University Liaison to the JPDSP. I also teach Methods of Math and Methods of Sci/SS to the undergraduate IFEs. In addition, I help facilitate Action Research Projects with teachers from Farragut and AO Marshall.
What attracted you to the field of education?
The reward of seeing the look of understanding on a learner's face, whether they are an elementary student or adult teacher candidate.
How has JPDSP impacted your life?
I am a part of a community of learners. I learn from other university faculty, inservice teachers and administrators, and even teacher candidates.
Explain a memorable moment that has happened because JPDSP?
When an elementary student from the PDS was at USF for Science Boxes and wrote "I love the JPDSP" on her paper.
When I was in school, I really struggled as a learner.
I had a wonderful eighth grade teacher who believed in me and gave me the confidence and the extra support to become successful. I went into education to give students the same support that my eighth grade teacher gave to me. Teaching, by far is the most rewarding profession that anyone could have.
How has JPDSP impacted your life?
In education, collaboration is one of the most important factors that contribute to the success of our students. Through the JPDSP, I feel that I have been fortunate to have the opportunity to collaborate and share ideas with other professionals who share the same passion for education as I do.
Explain a memorable moment that has happened because JPDSP?
In the Fall of 2005, I had Amberly Callahan as an IFE student. I was excited to watch her grow and practice her craft at Farragut for an entire school year. My most memorable moment is watching her grow from an IFE student to becoming a teacher at Farragut. Watching her nurture her second graders is amazing!
Member of the Professional Development Sub-Committee
Cooperating Teacher for BFE Teacher Candidates
What attracts you to the field of education?
I am always excited to learn something new. I enjoy learning and find it rewarding to be able to share my learning with others. As an educator, I am able to share my learning with colleagues and students. It is satisfying to see my students become excited about learning new things and passing on this knowledge to others.
How has the JPDSP impacted your life?
By providing many opportunities for professional growth, the JPDSP has helped me strengthen my teaching. It has also provided me with the opportunity to collaborate with others to enhance student learning.
Explain a memorable moment that has happened because JPDSP?
I would have to say working with Karen Ball during my Intermediate Field Experience. She is an amazing teacher. I can only hope that one day I become at least half as talented and knowledgeable as she is.
I am a teacher from Farragut and serve on the Leadership Team and Teacher Candidate Sub-Committee.
What attracts you to the field of education?
I have always enjoyed working and helping young children and often played school myself as a child. I love leading children to discover all the potential they hold inside.
How has the JPDSP impacted your life?
JPDSP has impacted my life in a very positive way. We have a wonderful partnership with young ladies and men wanting to enter the very field that I love. It is a terrific experience for us to see and work with these young, eager teacher candidates. I also receive the satisfaction of once again helping someone discover the potential inside.
Explain a memorable moment that has happened because of JPDSP.
I have enjoyed watching the teacher candidates go from IFE, AFE, and then get HIRED here at Farragut and become a team member. How great is that?
I am also a support for the cooperating teachers as they mentor the teacher candidates. The teachers partner with me to provide the most well rounded experience for the USF students and, ultimately, their own classroom students.
What attracts you to the field of education?
I find it absolutely inspiring to be in the education field. It is always meaningful, challenging, relevant, and rewarding. Education provides a great forum for organized creativity.
How has JPDSP impacted your life?
I feel that JPDSP has allowed me to do my job more thoroughly. In the past I would oversee teacher candidates in several different schools. I rarely had opportunities to establish a strong working relationship with the cooperating teacher and had less contact with the teacher candidates. Having established a base at Farragut, I have been able to work with this truly talented faculty on a consistent basis. Likewise, I see the teacher candidates more regularly and am able to make stronger connections with them. It feels great to "belong" to one school.
Explain a memorable moment that has happened because of JPDSP.
This semester I have had the opportunity to supervise three advanced field experience teacher candidates who are all placed in fifth grade classrooms at Farragut. Their respective co-operating teachers operate as a strong team and have allowed the USF students to do the same. One week I observed in all three classrooms and watched the same "lesson plan" unfold in three very unique and meaningful ways. The teacher candidates had collaborated to plan an excellent writing lesson, but they each presented that lesson to match the needs of their own students and with their own personal teaching style. I was delighted to watch the fifth graders at Farragut benefit from the co-operating teachers' mentoring and the teacher candidates' creative lesson planning and delivery.
David Shega, Rotating Substitute
& M.Ed. Teacher Candidate
What is your role in JPDSP?
I am the rotating substitute teacher at A.O. Marshall. I fill in for the regular teachers when the B.F.E., I.F.E., and A.F.E. supervising coordinator comes to discuss St. Francis students’ observation and teaching practices. When the supervising coordinator does not observe at the school,
I assist teachers with action research, classroom activities, and lend a hand in the AR (accelerated reader) room.
What attracts you to the field of education?
Education is essential in the growth of youth and our communities. I want to facilitate students’ abilities in the classroom to aid them in real world situations. Education is the realm that gives students a chance to develop their potential. Multiple backgrounds and personalities of students are sources of learning for my own teaching practices. In the field of education, I am challenged to continually learn and grow as an educator. The source of my growth stems from the students and staff that I interact with everyday.
How has JPDSP impacted your life?
I have learned about the different teaching and learning styles of teachers and students from kindergarten through fifth grade. I am a middle school/secondary education major. Working with JPDSP has given me an understanding about the foundation of education that children receive before they will get to my classroom in the future. Working with the staff and students has provided me with an example of an enjoyable school environment for teachers and students. The camaraderie has tempted me to become an elementary school teacher.
Explain a memorable moment that has happened because of JPDSP.
I have to generalize this answer because everyday includes memorable moments. I never know what kind of questions might be asked by students. The sense of humor and integrity of the staff and students at A.O. Marshall has provided me with many fond memories.
While I didn’t realize it as a child, I think I’ve always wanted to be a teacher. I now realize it has always been in my head, in my heart, and in my soul. I became conscious of that in high school where I worked with preschool aged children. I couldn’t wait to graduate and go to college so that I could become a teacher. I do believe it is the one career that offers personal and professional satisfaction through helping children achieve their dreams.
How has JPDSP impacted your life?
Being a part of the JPDSP has provided incredible opportunities for professional growth. It has also helped to build an environment where collaborative practices are encouraged.
Explain a memorable moment that has happened because of JPDSP.
My most memorable moment would have to be working with Brandie Davis during her Intermediate Field Experience semester. It was a pleasure to work with her as she discovered and developed her natural teaching talents. I am very proud that Brandie currently has a position as a first grade teacher at Farragut. She is an incredible teacher, and I am honored to call her my colleague.
I am the liaison from the partnership to A.O. Marshall School. My main responsibility is to communicate information from the JPDSP to the staff at A.O. Marshall. I attend all of the executive committee meetings and am a member of two of the subcommittees; action research and public relations.
What attracts you to the field of education?
Working with students is an ever changing experience which makes it very exciting. No two days are ever the same. As an educator, I am constantly focused on student achievement which is a noble endeavor.
How has JPDSP impacted your life?
I now realize how important it is to create a mutually beneficial relationship between the university and public school system. This understanding has led to a broader and more comprehensive view of what a school and university are all about. This partnership allows all of us to work on student achievement together. On a personal note, I now have many new friends and acquaintances. We can work together to make both A.O. Marshall and USF stronger and more effective.
Explain a memorable moment that has happened because of JPDSP.
There have been many memorable moments. The most overwhelming was not really a moment but a slow realization last semester when I was working with the BFE students from USF. I was amazed and so genuinely touched at how committed and hardworking they were in our classrooms. They were constantly coming up to me in the hall to show me the latest project or idea they were working on in the classroom. That enthusiasm and joy makes me realize how bright the future is for educators and future students.
What is your role in JPDSP? 
What is your role in JPDSP? 
What is your role in JPDSP?
What is your role in JPDSP? 
What is your role in the JPDSP? 
What is your role in JPDSP?
