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.

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 2026-27

BEd Schedule Program Year 2/6 2026-27

a teacher talking to a student

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 2026/27

 

When considering a community leadership experience, teacher candidates must ensure it meets the following requirements:

  • The placement must consist of a minimum of 60 hours
  • May begin as early as June and Teacher Candidates have until the end of April to complete placement hours
  • Placement hours must not be scheduled during program course times and course obligations
  • Placement hours must not be scheduled during regularly scheduled practicum blocks
  • The placement must include teaching and learning components
  • The placement must be completed within the province of Ontario
  • The placement may be paid or unpaid
  • The placement may be completed within an organization where the Teacher Candidate has previously worked or volunteered. It is requested that in these situations, Teacher Candidate’s discuss opportunities for completing different responsibilities/roles, to provide greater depth to the placement experience.
  • The Placement Supervisor must not 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 Placement Supervisor
  • The placement must be completed with only one organization.
  • May be completed at Nipissing University from a list of approved placement opportunities.
  • The placement may be completed remotely, upon approval from the Practicum Office
  • The placement may be completed in a publicly funded school board, under the following MANADATORY requirements:
      • Teacher Candidate must contact the Practicum Office about a School Board placement.
      • Teacher Candidate must allow the Practicum Office to facilitate a school board associated placement
      • Teacher Candidate MUST NOT contact any Teacher, Principal, School Board
      • Approved roles can include Special Education (SERT, Resource, ASD classrooms), Library, Athletics
      • Teacher Candidate CANNOT count OT (Supply) or an LTO as their CLE placement
      • Will be scheduled by the Practicum Office to take place no earlier than January or during block provided on the BEd schedule

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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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