Over the course of the Bachelor of Education degree program, you will gain practical, hands-on experience through 19 weeks of practicum in a variety of Ontario classrooms. Whether you choose the primary/junior, junior/intermediate or intermediate/senior division, we will ensure that we provide you with placements that fulfill the requirements of your program and the requirements of the Ontario College of Teachers.
BEd Practicum Schedule
The practicum is scheduled in blocks that are between 4-6 weeks in length over two years, giving you ample time to immerse yourself in the K-12 environment. You will also have the unique opportunity to observe the excitement of a typical classroom during the first few days of a new school year. The practicum requires your full-time commitment. Be prepared for early mornings and late evenings, as you assume all of the responsibilities of a teacher in, and out, of the classroom.
Classes on campus are not scheduled during practicum weeks, allowing you to focus on one thing at a time.
Year 1 Consecutive / 5 Concurrent Schedule
Year 2 Consecutive / 6 Concurrent Schedule
School Boards Used for Practicum
We are proud partners with 59 school boards across Ontario, including public and Catholic school boards, as well as school authorities. Having strong partnerships with a variety of boards is very important so that you have lots of options. Will you choose to return to your home community or will you live somewhere new during the practicum? Once you decide, you will provide us with your top three school board preferences and we will work with our contacts to ensure that you are placed appropriately according to your division/subjects and the requirements of the Ontario College of Teachers. In year two, you may choose the same school boards, or try something new. It’s up to you!
Health and Safety Requirements
You are required to complete health and safety training prior to participating in the practicum. See full requirements here.
Police Vulnerable Sector Check Requirements
Ontario school boards require teacher candidates to obtain an acceptable Police Vulnerable Sector Check (PVSC) prior to participating in the practicum. See full requirements here.
Practicum Handbooks
As an associate member of the Ontario College of Teachers, you must accept the responsibilities assigned to you by the Schulich School of Education, your associate teachers, and your principals. Understanding your role and the role of others while on practicum is critical to your success in the BEd program. You are expected to thoroughly review the applicable handbook below, prior to participating in the practicum.
EDUC 4714 Practicum I Handbook
EDUC 4855 Practicum II Handbook
Lesson Planning Templates & Samples
Thorough planning is the key to delivering effective lessons to your learners. You are expected to complete detailed lesson plans, using the Nipissing University Lesson Plan Template, for every lesson you are responsible for teaching. Lesson planning resources (i.e., templates, guidelines, samples) are found here.