DePaul University

Professional Development Partnership

St. Benedict Preparatory School (SBPS) is a DePaul University Professional Development Partner school. One of only seven such-affiliated schools in Chicagoland, this partnership offers students and teachers many benefits that lead to improved student learning and achievement. Not only do we offer the best of the best DePaul students working on campus to complete their clinical work requirements, DePaul professors assist SBPS teachers as well. DePaul teacher interns assist in the classroom, increasing the individual attention delivered to each student.

"SBPS are Professional Development Schools in partnership with DePaul University School of Education," said DePaul Education Liaison Dr. Frank Tavano. He continued, "More than two-hundred and fifty (250) of DePaul's teacher candidates come to St. Benedict Schools to work alongside highly qualified, experienced teachers."

Dr. Tavano proudly continued, "This is the seventh year of the partnership, which is a win for SBPS students in that there are more professionals in each class working with Preschool through high school students."

What This Means to Our Students

The partnership, which is in part supported by Chicago Community Trust, presents enhanced classroom interaction with DePaul University education students. Teacher interns collaborate with our educators, tutoring individual students, small groups of students and on occasion teaching an entire class.

Enhanced Learning

The primary goal of the SBPS partnership with DePaul University is to create enhanced learning environments, to support the professional development of the SBPS faculty, to prepare new teacher candidates from DePaul to serve the learning needs of our students, and to develop effective teaching practices.

Mentorship

Dr. Frank L. Tavano, DePaul University School of Education, Partnership Liaison

Ms. Rachel Gemo, CEO of St. Benedict Preparatory School

Results

Not only do DePaul’s pre-service teachers earn their practical training in our classrooms, but SBPS students receive greater individualized attention. A review of the 2005, first-grade classes reported the educational support in the areas of reading, math, science and social studies show our students are reading more words per minute.