What is PDP?
Clinically Rich Practice
Professional development partnerships (PDPs) are innovative organizations formed through partnerships between teacher education programs and pre-K–12 schools. Through clinically rich practices, the goal of PDP is the development of a mutually beneficial partnership that leverages the resources of both the university and schools/community agencies to recruit, educate, retain, and support high quality educators and serve the needs of P-12 learners.
History
The concept of PDP grew out of efforts in the 1980s and 1990s to reform teacher education and to restructure schools. The Holmes Group, an organization of the deans of schools of education in research universities committed to the reform of teacher education, recommended in 1990 the creation of professional development schools to provide intensive clinical preparation to teacher candidates and create a bridge between university and school.
PDP at Buffalo State
The SUNY Buffalo State PDP is a large consortium of over 60 certification programs including early childhood, childhood, secondary, special education as well as P-12 programs such as art and music. The Buffalo State PDP partners with over 100 schools/community agencies with approximately 25 signed formal agreements each semester in Western New York, New York City, Texas, and across five continents. A unique feature of the Buffalo State PDP is its international program (IPDP). In recent years, the local interests of Buffalo and Western New York have become global as the number of immigrant and refugee children enrolling in our partner schools has increased and the number of languages spoken rose to over 80. Using the strength of the clinically rich practice systems in place, IPDP was created to provide teacher candidates, school partners, and teacher education faculty with opportunities for short-term, faculty-led, study away programs to explore language learning, compare educational systems, and expand our understanding of schooling.
The Professional Development Partnerships Consortium (PDP) partnership between the School of Education (SOE) and the Teacher Education Unit (TEU) at SUNY Buffalo State and participating schools is a collaborative effort. The partnership is dedicated to college faculty, school administrators, practicing teachers, and teacher candidates exploring effective practices to:
(a) cooperatively mentor teacher candidates and provide close connections to authentic classroom practice;
(b) promote shared professional development for all constituents;
(c) impact student learning; and
(d) research innovative and best educational practices.
The SUNY Buffalo State Professional Development Schools Consortium is guided by clinically rich frameworks, including the National Association for Professional Development Partnerships (NAPDP) Nine Essentials, CAEP Standards for Excellence in Educator Preparation, and SUNY Buffalo State TEU Conceptual Framework.
The SUNY Buffalo State PDP is governed by the Teacher Education Unit Professional Advisory Council (TEUPAC) which meets 3-4 times annually to guide the direction of our PDP. Members of TEUPAC represent all stakeholders across the PDP including district/building leaders, classroom teachers, teacher candidates, and teacher education faculty. At the school-based level, Liaison Committees meet to make placement decisions, discuss how to use the PDP agreement stipend, and problem solve. The group consists of the principal, a mentor teacher, and the university faculty to represent the various stakeholder groups. The PDP Consortium holds four regular meetings each year, located at PDP sites across WNY.
PDP Leadership
Pixita del Prado Hill
Director, Professional Develoment Partnerships Consortium
Professor, Elementary Education, Literacy and Educational Leadership
Pixita del Prado Hill is a professor in the Department of Elementary Education, Literacy, and Educational Leadership at Buffalo State University. She serves as PDP Co-Director, Global Literacy Engagement Co-director, and IPDP Chile Co-Leader. She teaches graduate and undergraduate courses in literacy methods, social studies methods, assessment, and introduction to education. She has partnered with numerous PDP schools in Buffalo, NY and Santiago, Chile and is currently partnered with the Lafayette International Community High School, PS 207. Dr. del Prado Hill was previously a middle and high school English and Social Studies teacher. Her research interests include school-university partnership, international education, global children’s literature, and content literacy. Her recent co-authored publications include PDP Bends but Doesn’t Break: How PDP Structures and Processes Can Help Schools and Universities Respond Effectively During a Crisis in School-University Partnerships (2021) and the books, The Impact of PDP Partnerships in Challenging Times (2020) and Doing PDP: Stories and Strategies from Successful Clinically Rich Practice (2017).
Message from the Director
Sincerely,
Pixita del Prado Hill
PDP Student Representatives
Janinna Farragher
Art Education, B.A., '23
Technology Education, M.S.Ed., ‘24
Hello PDP! I'm Janinna Farragher and I am the PDP Graduate Assistant. This is my second year getting to work with the amazing PDP team. I am finishing up my graduate studies with Buffalo State this year with the Technology Education program. My goal is to create an art and technology blended classroom focusing on exploring creative outlets utilizing engineering and technology. I have enjoyed growing my learning and my career with PDP over the years. I have participated in many IPDP programs in the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica and Italy. Working with PDP has encouraged me to develop many new skills and assets that will help me become the best teacher I can be. However, PDP has shown me that I am more than a teacher. I am an activist, leader, world traveler and advocate for education.
Jarrett Whipple
English Education (7-12), B.A., '23
English Education (7-12), M.S.Ed.
Hi I’m Jarrett Whipple! I work as a graduate assistant for the Elementary Ed and School of Education offices while earning my master's in English education 7-12. When I’m not working in the office, I’m substitute teaching in the Ken-Ton and Hamburg Central school districts. This past summer I worked as an English 9 teacher at Kenmore West High School where I engaged students in mini-inquiry units culminating in creative projects centered around the students' interests. In addition to my work teaching, I’ve interned at the Center of Teaching and Learning in Edgecomb Maine through Buffalo State’s PDP and have volunteered for the Western New York Network of English Teachers for Buffalo State events and beyond. Outside of the classroom, I love to cook, ride my bike (rode the 30-mile Ride for Roswell route this summer!), and play video games. When I’m not in class or the office you’ll most likely catch me rewatching Dune for the 20th time.
Hailee Cipollina
Exceptional Education, B.S., ‘24
Hi! My name is Hailee Cipollina. I'm a senior in the Exceptional Education department with a concentration in Spanish, and I am working on getting my micro credential in American Sign Language. This is my third year as a PDP representative. Over the summer I work at BOCES summer school program for children who need special education and during the semester I am a substitute teacher at Glendale Elementary. I have had the incredible opportunity to travel with IPDP to the Dominican Republic in January 2023 and to Zambia in May 2023. I am very passionate about my teaching career. I chose education because I find so much joy in little kids and I want to be able to make a difference in a child’s life like so many of my teachers have done! PDP has given me the opportunity to meet teachers, work closely with schools and students, and give a voice to teach candidates, and I can’t wait for my third year!
Sarah Pratt
Early Childhood Education, B.S.
Hi! My name is Sarah Pratt and am a senior in the Early Childhood/Childhood Education Department. This is my second year as a PDP student representative, and I am so excited to continue my research and make new connections! Along with PDP, I am also an active member of Bengals Passionate about Education and a part of the Buffalo State Honors Program. I have always wanted to be a teacher, and I am extremely grateful that my journey has led me to Buffalo State, where I can do just that. I plan to graduate in the spring of 2025 with my degree, along with a micro-credential in ASL. Outside of school I enjoy time with friends and family, being outside, and playing with my dog, Hazel. I am thrilled for the upcoming year and the new opportunities it holds!
Mya Jones
Early Childhood Education, B.A.
Hi! I’m Mya Jones and currently, I am a senior majoring in Early Childhood Education. This is my first year being a PDP Rep but I’m excited to see what this year holds. After graduation, I hope to continue my education by getting my master's in Literacy Development and then go on to become a literacy specialist in a school setting. Some fun facts about me are I was born and raised in Harlem New York, I have two nephews, and my favorite color is pink. When I came to Buffalo State in 2021, I started as a Psychology major but figured out a semester later it was not the right fit for me. I knew I wanted to work with children, but I wasn’t confident if I wanted to become a teacher. After taking a couple of education courses and having the chance to be in my first school placement I realized there’s no other job I would want to do. I love teaching and learning more about becoming a better teacher. Working with children, you not only get to see how they progress every day, but you can be a part of their accomplishments no matter how big or small. Which is such a rewarding outcome of this job.
Dottie Candelario
Special Education and Childhood Education, B.S. Ed
Hi, I'm Dariana Candelario, a non-traditional student passionate about bringing high-quality education to our bilingual and bicultural communities. With over a decade of experience in private, charter, and public schools; I have continuously dedicated my efforts to creating equitable educational opportunities for all students. I’m currently pursuing a degree in Special Childhood Education with a concentration in Spanish. This is my first year in the PDP program. I’m excited to grow personally and professionally while making new friends along the way. As a proud wife and busy mom of three incredible children; I love spending my spare time with them and our St. Bernard while creating unforgettable memories.