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Practicum and Field Experience
In total, Bachelor of Education Teacher Candidates spend about 150 days in practical experience settings during their two years in the Laurier Faculty of Education. That is more than twice the provincial requirement of 80 days by the Ontario College of Teachers which recognizes a combination of virtual and in-school practicum experiences.
Year One
Teacher Candidates (TCs) spend one day per week (a Field Day) at their school placement during the weeks when on-campus courses are in session.
Field Days:
- Provide opportunities to apply theoretical constructs from courses to immediate school and classroom experiences.
- Enable Teacher Candidates to develop ongoing relationships with other school staff and sustain involvement in classroom and school‐wide activities, as permitted, throughout the year.
TCs complete the first three-week practicum at the end of the Fall Term of Year 1. During Practicum One, TCs teach up to 25% of the time under the supervision of their Associate Teacher.
TCs complete the second three‐week practicum block in March-April of Year 1, teaching up to 50% of the time under the supervision of their Associate Teacher.
The Alternative Placement is a three‐week practical experience placement that usually occurs at the end of Year 1 of the program.
TCs work in a voluntary capacity in various Ontario contexts related to teaching and learning or take advantage of international teaching opportunities. Arranged individually by each TC according to their interests, the Alternative Placement provides TCs with valuable practical experience that may not be available at their school sites.
The Alternative Placement is a required non-credit course within the Bachelor of Education program. Successful completion of this 90-hour placement before June 1st of that academic year is required for progression to Year 2 of the program.
Year Two
TCs move to a different school placement for the second year of the program, enhancing their knowledge and appreciation of the diversity of schools within Ontario.
TCs spend one day per week at their school placement during the weeks when on‐campus courses are in session. Field Days provide opportunities to apply theoretical constructs from courses to immediate school and classroom experiences.
TCs complete the third practicum (nine days in length) halfway through the first semester of Year 2, teaching a minimum of 50% of the time.
TCs complete the fourth practicum (three weeks in length) at the end of the first semester of Year 2 during which TCs assume responsibility for teaching a minimum of 75% of the time.
TCs complete the fifth and final practicum at their school site at the end of the second semester of Year 2.
The final practicum, the Laurier Professional Placement (LPP), is a 10‐week block placement that provides extensive opportunities for varied classroom and school experiences and supports TCs in transitioning from student teacher to practicing professional.
At various points during the LPP, TCs will assume responsibility for teaching 100% of the program under the supervision of the Associate Teacher.
Vulnerable Sector Screening
Vulnerable sector screening is a requirement in order to fulfill the practicum component of the Bachelor of Education program.
You must apply for a vulnerable sector screening check through your local police service.
Some police services (including Ontario Provincial Police) require a letter from the Faculty of Education in order to process the request for a vulnerable sector screening. You can find a template of a letter to use for this under the resources tab in Navigator.
Ontario Provincial Police
You can fill out the Ontario Provincial Police Vulnerable Sector Check Form online.
Toronto Police Service
You can access a copy of this letter under the resources tab in Navigator for the Toronto Police Service vulnerable sector screening.
The waiver must be printed on legal paper, in colour, and mailed to:
Records Management Service
Toronto Police Services
40 College Street
Toronto, Ontario
M5G 2J3
Note: Toronto Police Service waivers must be mailed and must include a money order (personal cheques are not accepted). Money orders are made payable to the Toronto Police Services. Do not take this form in person to the Toronto Police Service station or it will be returned.
You will notice the Toronto Police Service waiver includes an address label box. Toronto Police Service asks that you write your complete name and mailing address in this space. Waivers will then be folded and inserted into a window envelope.
Should you have further questions regarding the Toronto Police Service waiver and/or vulnerable sector screening search, contact the main inquiry line at 416.808.7991.