Abstract
The teacher preparation program at Sam Houston State University aims to strengthen the
relationship between the university and rural partner schools. A Professional Development
School model (PDS) was implemented, along with the integration of Problem Based Learning
(PBL) as a way to strengthen the partnership. Five PBL themes implemented in this PDS that
benefited the partner schools are described. Constructive feedback from stakeholders, including
teacher candidates and partner teachers, is shared and used as a guide to assess success of the
program and future efforts to effectively prepare teacher candidates.