FAQs: Practicum - the in-school teaching experience
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How much teaching experience is required in the program?
Teacher candidates participate in 13 weeks of in-school teaching as well as a 3 week alternative practicum. Normally, candidates will be placed in one Associate School for the entire 13 weeks of the extended practicum.
Where will I be placed and when will I find out about my placement?
Teacher candidates are asked to identify (in order of preference) four district school boards within our catchment area where they could complete their practicum. Based on both candidate and school information, the Practicum Office then tries to match candidates with schools identified as Associate Schools within District school boards (only Associate Schools are used for practicum placements). The Practicum Office does its best to accommodate first choices however, no guarantee is made.
District school boards that are working with Queen’s Faculty of Education are listed on the maps listed on the Practicum Office website. Some District School Boards take in a large geographic area so candidates should be aware that placements could be made in any of the Associate Schools within the district board.
When will I be in classes and when will I be in the schools on practicum?
A typical year is comprised of up to 16 weeks of practical experience, interspersed with in class learning activities. For example:
Fall Term
September: Classes (4 weeks)
October: Practicum (total of 4 weeks for the first teaching block)
November: Classes (3 weeks; total of 7 weeks of classes for fall term)
End of November and December: Practicum (total of 4 weeks for the second teaching block)
Winter Term
January: Classes (4 weeks)
February and first half of March: Practicum (5 weeks for third teaching block)
Mid-March School Break: One week break for Education teacher candidates
End of March, beginning of April: Alternative Practicum (3 weeks total)
April: Classes (3.5 weeks; total of 7 weeks for winter term)