PDP Maine
IPDP North America: Maine is a Professional Development Partnerships Consortium (PDP) internship program for Buffalo State teacher candidates. It includes participation in pre-travel meetings during the fall semester and an immersive 1-week internship at the Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) in Edgecomb, Maine during the fall semester.
Through this PDP experience, participants will engage in a workshop-based internship where they will observe classrooms at CTL, collaborate with CTL teachers and students, and learn from school administrators and curricular leaders about the cutting-edge cross-curricular literacy practices at CTL. Prior to the trip, participants will read Atwell’s seminal work, In the Middle, to explore the workshop model and prepare for clinical experiences and discussions at CTL. Research opportunities at the school are also available for interested participants. In addition, participants will explore the quaint towns of coastal Maine, attend a group dinner in Booth’s Bay, and stay at a local inn.
Participation
Eligibility
Open to all undergraduate and graduate teacher candidates—best fit for junior or higher. Candidates must be currently enrolled Buffalo State students and must maintain good academic standing.
Selected participants must submit all final payments by the deadlines specified, complete required paperwork and processes, participate in the pretravel meetings, and adhere to all travel guidelines.
Timeline
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Information Sessions:
Tuesday, April 8 at 4:00 p.m. by Zoom
Wednesday, April 9 at 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. in TECH 160 at Beyond and Back -
Deadline to Apply: May 15, 2025
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Interview / Notice of Acceptance: May/June 2025
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Pre-Travel Meetings: September/October 2025
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Travel to Maine: October 13-18, 2025 (in school 10/14 to 10/17)
Costs
An overall estimate of $1,200 includes CTL program fees, lodging, and some meals.
Travel costs must be paid separately and students may elect to carpool (9.5 hrs) or fly (approx. $400).
Each year, the SOE works to pre-arrange donations from campus organizations, including the Professional Development Partnerships (PDP) consortium, the Western New York Network of English Teachers (WNYNET), and the school deans. Program leaders will work with participants to arrange payment of the program fees and receipt of donated funds.
How to Apply
Submit the following materials (electronically) to Pixita del Prado Hill at delprapm@buffalostate.edu:
- Completed Application Form
- Completed Academic Reference Form
- Typed Statement of Intent (in response to provided prompts)
- Copy of grades and registration (transcript, Degree Works, Banner)
About CTL
The CTL (http://c-t-l.org/) is a K-8 independent demonstration school that focuses on workshop approaches to literacy learning, small class sizes, respect for children, relationships of trust between faculty and parents, and programs that engage and prepare students for life. CTL was founded by Buffalo State alumna and Global Teacher Prize winner, Nancie Atwell, one of the most respected educators in the US and across the world. Nancie's classic In the Middle, now in its third edition, has inspired generations of teachers; in it she describes her teaching journey and innovative reading and writing workshop practices that transform elementary and secondary classrooms. The CTL is certified by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges and draws from nearly twenty towns and villages to create a loving, close-knit community of students and families.