FAQs
How do I register for getting an honorarium?
Request for Honorarium forms are mailed to the School Liaison in February when the updated Candidate placement information is sent. You can also download the form:
- Request for Honorarium Form (143 KB PDF).
Is honorarium paid for the Alternative Practicum?
No. Honorarium is not paid for the Alternative Practicum because although it is mandatory, it is not a formal practicum. This practicum is a programmatic requirement not a Ministry requirement. A Record of Practicum Experience form is completed for this practicum.
How many years of service must a teacher have before becoming an Associate Teacher?
As a rule, a minimum of two years is required before becoming an Associate Teacher.
How does a school apply to become an Associate School?
School Principals should contact the liaison at their District School Board to indicate their interest in working with the Faculty of Education at Queen's. Principals can also indicate to the Practicum Office, their interest. The demand for Associate Schools in certain geographic areas changes from year to year. Schools will be notified if we are unable to utilize their service as an Associate School in a given year.
What is the purpose of the teacher candidates' three hour/per week study group and why is it important?
The three hour/per week candidate group time is not structured as additional planning time for candidates. The candidates must learn how to balance planning, teaching, and non-school commitments much like experienced teachers. However, candidates also have responsibilities for academic inquiry and reflection. The three hour/per week time allows teacher candidates an opportunity to work together on the assignments for the two field-based courses. Research shows that learning is enhanced when teacher candidates have opportunities to discuss their teaching with people at a similar career stage. The meeting time is also invaluable for discussions with the Faculty Liaison.
What happens if a school can only accommodate one of the teaching subjects (secondary) or one division (elementary) for a teacher candidate over the fall term?
The teacher candidate will still have an opportunity to pick up the experience in the second subject or other division during the *final practicum (February/March). Meanwhile the candidate benefits from an extended placement in one subject or division.
*Outdoor and Experiential Education (OEE) candidates must get experience in both teaching subjects or divisions in the fall term as they will not be returning to their Associate School for the final practicum.
What are the Focus courses?
Focus courses (FOCI) are courses that allow teacher candidates an opportunity to begin building an area of expertise. They are intended to be practice-oriented and 'hands-on'. A few examples are: School Leadership, Teaching At-Risk Adolescents and Young Adults, Teaching Exceptional Children, and Outdoor and Experiential Education.
Are Teacher Candidates encouraged to participate in extra-curricular activities while at their Associate Schools?
They are certainly encouraged to make a reasonable contribution to extra-curricular activities. They may also co-direct or co-coach with an Associate Teacher, but should not have sole responsibility for a team or activity. The co-directing or co-coaching arrangement is especially important in cases where the on-campus instructional periods may coincide with playoffs or other culminating activities.
