Field Experience FAQ
Q - Where do UOIT Faculty of Education students go on practicum?
A - UOIT has affiliations with eleven different school boards. Students complete their practicum in
one of these partner school boards. Below are links to the different school boards. Click on the link to find out more about each board.
Durham Catholic District School Board
www.durhamrc.edu.on.ca/Web/Durhamrc.nsf
Durham District School Board
http://ddsb.durham.edu.on.ca/DDSBmain.htm
Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board
www.kpr.edu.on.ca
Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District School Board
www.pvnccdsb.on.ca
Simcoe County District School Board
www.scdsb.on.ca
Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board
www.smcdsb.on.ca
Toronto Catholic District School Board
www.tcdsb.org
Toronto District School Board
www.tdsb.on.ca
Trilliam Lakelands District School Board
www.tldsb.on.ca
York Catholic District School Board
www.ycdsb.edu.on.ca
York Region District School Board
www.yrdsb.edu.on.ca
To view more information on our partner school boards, click
here to view the Ontario Ministry of Education School Board Profiles page.
Q - Can I find my own placement?
A - All placements are coordinated through the Practicum Office. Teacher Candidates are not to contact schools or school boards regarding Field Placements. If there is a specific request you have, please discuss it with the Practicum Co-ordinator. It is strongly advised that you do not complete a placement in a school where any family members are present.
Q - Can I complete my Field Experience in a Catholic School if I am not Catholic?
A - Yes, however it is important to note that any religious observances are to be respected by all Teacher Candidates. Please also consider that in order to secure employement in a Catholic School Board, you are required to provide documentation that reflects your commitment to Catholic education, including a pastoral letter of reference. Check the Catholic board websites and they will give you the required documentation to teach in that particular board.
Q - Can I do my Field Experience Placements in more than one Board?
A - Your Field Experience Placements will take place in
one school board, however they will likely be in three different schools within that board. It is often very difficult to change boards. If you have a concern, please contact the Practicum Co-ordinator.
Q - In the Intermediate Senior program, am I required to teach both of my teachables?
A - While it is ideal to have practicum experience in both teachable subject areas, you are required to teach some of one of your teachable subjects at the Senior level (Grade 11 or 12). This experience must be recorded on your Field Experience Final Report.
Q - Who will evaluate me when I am out on Field Experience Placement?
A - For each Field Experience Placement you will receive two written evaluations; one from your Associate Teacher and one from your Faculty Advisor. Your Faculty Advisor will visit you twice during your placement. All reports are read and approved by the Practicum Co-ordinator. You receive reports in a PDF format.
Q -What grade levels will I teach in the Primary Junior program?
A - In the Primary Junior Program, Teacher Candidates complete three field placements; one in each of Kindergarten, Primary (Grades 1-3) and Junior (Grades 4-6).
Q -What will my workload be like during Field Experience Placement?
A - The Field Experience Placements and university course work have been found to be very heavy and demanding. For this reason, you are strongly discouraged from working part-time while completing the Bachelor of Education program. By putting forth the required time and energy, Teacher Candidates are more likely to achieve positive results in this one-year program, and have a more successful start to their teaching careers.
Q -I don't have a car. Can I get a placement near my house?
A - While every effort is made to accommodate Teacher Candidate preferences regarding placement, requests will be considered but not guaranteed. Due to the extensive geographic area which we cover, it is possible that your travel time to your placement could take up to
one hour. It is the responsibility of the Teacher Candidate to ensure a reliable means of transportation to Field Experience placements.
Q -What should I do if I'm absent during Field Experience?
A - The reason for your absence should be legitimate (e.g., sick, death in the family, or unexpected circumstances). You must notify the Associate Teacher of your absence via the school office before school begins for the day. You will also be required to notify your Faculty Advisor and the Practicum Coordinator, via email or phone. An absence of three or more days due to illness will require a note from your doctor submitted to the Practicum Coordinator. Teacher Candidates will make-up any missed Field Experience days .
