Field Experience Information
The following practicum (practice teaching) information applies to teacher candidates in the two-year Consecutive and Concurrent Education programs. Technological Studies teacher candidates receive separate guidance and information directly from the Field Experience Office.
The Faculty of Education partners with the following four (4) school boards:
- The Greater-Essex County District School Board
- The Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board
- The Lambton-Kent District School Board (Chatham-Kent, Sarnia-Lambton)
- The St. Clair Catholic District School Board (Chatham-Kent, Sarnia-Lambton)
Upon entering the program, you will select one school board for your practicum. All placements will occur within that board. In year 1 of the program no placements are arranged outside these four boards.
Please note:
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the four boards cover a geographical area that stretches as far as 100 km from the Faculty
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Public transit may not be available to/from all locations
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You are responsible for arranging your own transportation. Please plan accordingly
Practicum Preparation - Presentations and Advisory Group Meetings
Updated: October 29, 2025
In advance of Fall 2025 practicum placements, mandatory practicum preparation events and advisory group meetings will be held in November. Please review the schedules below for details.
2025 Practicum Preparation Week Schedules
Year 1 Bachelor of Education Practicum Preparation Week Schedule (November 17-19)
Year 2 Bachelor of Education Practicum Preparation Week Schedule (November 17-19)
Years 1 and 2 Bachelor of Education Advisory Group Meetings Schedule (November 18)
Field Experience Handbook
The Field Experience Handbook serves as a comprehensive guide for Teacher Candidates and their mentors, outlining the expectations, policies, and procedures that ensure a successful and enriching learning experience. It fosters collaboration between educators, school partners, and the Teacher Candidates, supporting the transition from theoretical knowledge to real-world teaching practice.
Procedures for Formal Complaints During Practicum Placement
For challenging placement experiences that may arise during practicum, please refer to and follow the guidelines set out in the Faculty of Education’s Field Experience Handbook. As outlined in the Field Experience Handbook, most challenging experiences during practicum placement should be resolved through a consultative and collegial process involving the Teacher Candidate, Faculty Advisor, and Associate Teacher.
- The teacher candidate must first discuss the issue with the Faculty Advisor.
- Depending on the severity and nature of the concern, the Teacher Candidate should speak directly to the Associate Teacher. If the Teacher Candidate is uncomfortable doing so, the Faculty Advisor must contact the Associate Teacher and propose a meeting to mediate the situation.
- For any potentially serious issue that is not resolved through the regular process involving a teacher candidate, associate teacher, and faculty advisor, the matter should be referred to the school Principal.
- If it is determined that the matter is still not fully or easily resolved at that point, the relevant school board Superintendent, Union Representative, and the Associate Dean, Teacher Education should all be informed.
- If the matter cannot be resolved following steps 1 to 4, the Teacher Candidate might choose to pursue it more formally. This would entail a formal complaint made by the Teacher Candidate to the school Principal, who would then follow the School Board’s policies and procedures.
- In such cases, the Teacher Candidate must inform the Faculty Advisor before bringing the formal complaint to the school’s Principal.
- The Faculty Advisor must immediately inform the Associate Dean, Teacher Education of the formal complaint.
- If a formal complaint is made, the Teacher Candidate must provide the Associate Teacher with a written statement of the complaint registered with the school Principal within three days of making the formal complaint to the Principal
