Elementary Education PK-6
PDS Program Testimonials
Emma Patton, Randolph Elementary, Arlington County, VA 5th grade (first year teacher)
- Benefits of PDS: I feel more like a second year teacher than a first year teacher. What I like best about PDS: This program allowed me to build great camaraderie with other PDS interns. I still keep in touch with the cohort and we use each other as a sounding board.
Joshua Redford, Kings Glen Elementary, Fairfax County, VA, 5th grade (first year teacher)
- Benefits of PDS: Thanks to PDS, I feel like a second year teacher and I don't have the same stresses that many first year teachers experience. The PDS program definitely prepared me well, and not only taught me how to teach, it taught me how to teach effectively for all learning styles.
Michael LeFlore, Cold Spring Elementary, Potomac MD 4th grade (second year teacher)
- PDS is: PDS is a comprehensive teacher preparation program, which focuses on strategy, methodology, application to all content areas, and helps prepare beginning or transitioning students from other careers to teaching.
- Benefits of PDS: This program at Mason prepares graduates better for a "career" in teaching versus just another job.
- What I like best about PDS: This program provides abundant classroom time for practice and reflection with invaluable support and guidance from Mason professors, mentor teachers, and site facilitators.
Kim Morrison, Kings Park Elementary, Fairfax County, VA, 2nd grade
- Benefits of PDS: While the PDS program is demanding and intense, the rewards are tremendous. I graduated from the program prepared for the demands of first year teaching....from classroom set up and curriculum planning to behavior management and communicating with families. It was a wonderful experience that prepared me for a successful teaching career.
Deborah Mottley
Interview Video (Quicktime) size-10.8 MB