[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 21 (Tuesday, February 25, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Pages S1582-S1583]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH DAKOTA PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CENTER

 Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, I would like you to join me in 
congratulating the accomplishments of a special program that benefits 
the students, educators, and communities of South Dakota. In 1993, the 
University of South Dakota [USD] started the Professional Development 
Center [PDC] with the hope of strengthening the important relationship 
between rural economic growth and the professional development of 
teachers. Even those in the PDC had no idea then that, 4 years later, 
this program would have impacted the State to such a large degree with 
unlimited potential for the future.
  A career in education is subject to a number of barriers including 
feelings of isolation as a new teacher and a sense of being stuck in a 
rut as an experienced teacher. These feelings can influence the overall 
effectiveness of teachers by not allowing them to achieve their 
potential as professional educators. The PDC is designed to counter 
these feelings by pairing first year teachers as interns with more 
experienced teachers as mentors. In addition, a member of the USD 
faculty is assigned to each pairing. This arrangement allows for the 
exchange of ideas, materials, teaching demonstrations, and technologies 
in a supportive social and professional environment. Interns benefit by 
learning from talented and experienced peers; mentors are rejuvenated 
with new ideas; and the university faculty provide both parties with a 
direct link to the resources and opportunities available at USD.
  The impact of this relationship is felt outside the classroom walls. 
By creating an environment of shared learning within a community, the 
PDC empowers teachers to come up with creative educational 
opportunities for their students and, most importantly, to act on these 
ideas. In the process of enhancing the curriculum, educators enhance 
their own professional development.
  Ultimately, the PDC benefits the children and communities of South 
Dakota the most. Students receive quality instruction and are 
challenged to develop their own new ideas from motivated teachers. In 
addition, students are exposed to positive role models in education, 
encouraging some to pursue a similar career. For their part, 
communities reap the rewards of an environment with higher educational 
standards for students, teachers with a strengthened commitment to 
their profession, and established links to USD.
  Mr. President, the Professional Development Center at the University 
of

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South Dakota is a perfect example of a program that enhances 
communities through education. It is a model for future efforts to 
improve the overall quality of life in rural America. I invite you to 
join me in congratulating the following members of the PDC for 
receiving the Distinguished Program in Teacher Education Award at the 
recent Association for Teacher Educators conference: University of 
South Dakota interim president, Dr. Paul Olscamp; dean of the College 
of Education, Dr. Larry Bright; Dr. Sharon Lee, Dr. Michael Hoadley, 
Dr. Don Monroe, Dr. Lana Danielson, Dr. Royce Engstrom, Donna Gross, 
Dr. Sharon Ross, Dr. Rosanne Yost, Dr. Roger Bordeaux, and Mindy 
Crawford.

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