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Practicum and Community Leadership Experience

Practicum Overview

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.

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Practicum I FAQ
Practicum II FAQ
Essential Skills in Preservice Teaching
Nipissing University Academic Calendar

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 varying classroom environments. Practicum experiences will be specific to your division and/or teaching subject requirements. 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.

BEd Schedule Program Year 1/5 2024-25

BEd Schedule Program Year 2/6 2024-25

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Community Leadership Experience

In your second/sixth year, use the knowledge and skills you have acquired within the BEd program, in a 60-hour community leadership experience placement. Experiences have included placements in local organizations such as museums, outdoor education centres, correction centres, and private schools. Whether implementing existing programming or developing new and exciting programming for a community organization, this is your opportunity to explore the teaching and learning opportunities that exist outside of traditional classrooms. 

Check Handbook below for more info:

Community Leadership Experience Handbook 2024/25

Read the requirements here:

  • A minimum of 60 hours of service completed in year two/six of the BEd program
  • The placement must have a connection to human development and service to the community.
  • The placement must include a teaching/learning component where teaching skills can be applied.
  • The placement must be unpaid
  • The placement must be completed within Ontario
  • Cannot be completed within Nipissing University
  • The placement must not be completed within an organization where the teacher candidate has previously worked or volunteered
  • The placement supervisor cannot be an immediate or close family member of the teacher candidate
  • Placement hours must be arranged according to the needs of the organization and/or the site supervisor
  • The placement may not be completed in a publicly funded school board
  • The placement may be completed remotely, upon approval from the Practicum Office

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Role of the
Associate Teacher

Learn more about the role and responsibilities of the Associate Teacher and access valuable supportive documents and resources.

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Associate Teacher
Incentive Program and Awards

In an effort to recognize exemplary associate teachers, an Associate Teacher Award was established in 2013.

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