Placements
Practicum
Practicum Forms and Resources
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Resources
Practicum Handbook
The Practicum Handbook is the primary reference document for practicum policies, procedures, roles, and expectations. Teacher candidates, Associate Teachers, Practicum Consultants, and school administrators are encouraged to refer to the handbook throughout the practicum experience.
Additional practicum resources, guides, templates, and support materials are available through the Practicum Success Hub, where resources are organized by role and practicum stage and are updated regularly throughout the year. Candidates enrolled in the program will be given access to the Practicum Success Hub.
School Boards
The Faculty of Education partners with more than 40 school boards and several independent schools across Ontario to provide high-quality practicum experiences. Placements are arranged collaboratively between the faculty and our school board partners to ensure candidates meet Ontario College of Teachers certification requirements.
Before each practicum, candidates are invited to identify their preferred school board through InPlace. While we make every effort to consider these preferences, placements are determined by several factors, including board availability, program requirements, divisional and subject qualifications, and the availability of qualified Associate Teachers. Candidates are not permitted to arrange their own practicum placements or request specific schools or teachers.
Candidates should be prepared to accept the placement offered, including reasonable travel within the selected school board. A current list of our practicum partners is available.
Associate Teachers
Associate Teachers play a vital role in the professional growth of our teacher candidates. As experienced educators and mentors, they provide guidance, model effective teaching practices, and support candidates as they develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed for a successful career in education.
Associate Teachers are identified through our partnerships with school boards and schools. Most placements are coordinated centrally by school board personnel, while others are arranged in collaboration with school administrators. Teacher candidates are not permitted to arrange their own practicum placements or request specific Associate Teachers.
Each year, the Faculty of Education recognizes outstanding mentorship through the Associate Teacher Award of Excellence. Teacher candidates are invited to nominate Associate Teachers who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, support, and commitment to teacher education.
Practicum Placement
Practicum placements provide teacher candidates with progressively more responsibility for planning, instruction, assessment, and participation in school life. Placements are designed to ensure candidates gain experience appropriate to their division(s) of certification while meeting the requirements of the Ontario College of Teachers.
The Bachelor of Education program includes more than 80 days of supervised practicum, completed in Ontario schools under the guidance of Ontario Certified Teachers. Candidates teach the Ontario curriculum and participate fully in the professional responsibilities of the school community.
Placement experiences are arranged to provide appropriate divisional and, where applicable, subject-area experiences. While we make every effort to provide a variety of teaching experiences, placement opportunities are dependent on the availability of qualified Associate Teachers and our school board partners.
Placement Expectations by Division
- Primary/Junior: Experience in both the Primary (JK–Grade 3) and Junior (Grades 4–6) divisions.
- Junior/Intermediate: Experience across the Junior and Intermediate divisions, including teachable subject(s) where possible.
- Intermediate/Senior: Experience across the Intermediate and Senior divisions, including both teachable subject areas where possible.
Professional Expectations
The Bachelor of Education is a professional program that prepares future educators to meet the expectations of the teaching profession. Throughout the program, teacher candidates are expected to demonstrate professionalism, integrity, respect, and a commitment to ethical practice in both their coursework and practicum experiences.
The program is designed to meet the certification requirements of the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT) and is guided by the OCT's Standards of Practice for the Teaching Profession. These standards describe the knowledge, skills, values, and professional commitments expected of Ontario educators and provide the foundation for professional practice throughout the program and beyond.
Learn more about the Standards of Practice for the Teaching Profession on the Ontario College of Teachers website: https://www.oct.ca/public/professional-standards/standards-of-practice
Alternative Field Experience (AFE)
Alternative Field Experience (AFE)
A placement in which teacher candidates participate in and learn about pedagogy and curricula different from the practicum classroom. Examples of appropriate placements include, but are not limited to, teaching in a learning support class, second language class, library, daycare, camp, or international school.
The AFE is connected to the Master Teacher Mentor program. Master Teacher Mentors will engage students in discussion about selecting an experience that will be productive for their professional learning, setting goals for their AFE, and reflecting on their learning.
Students may arrange placements during one of two possible blocks. During Term 2, students may participate in school-based placements. During Term 3, students may participate in community-based placements. In either case, placements may take place only on days when courses and practica are not scheduled.
Community Involvement
Practicum
The Faculty of Education values the strong partnerships we have built with school boards, schools, and educators across Ontario. Through these collaborative relationships, teacher candidates gain meaningful practicum experiences while learning alongside outstanding teachers, school leaders, and education professionals.
We are grateful to our partner school boards, Associate Teachers, and school administrators for their ongoing commitment to mentoring the next generation of educators.
Interested in becoming an Associate Teacher? We welcome educators who are passionate about supporting teacher candidates through mentorship and professional learning. To learn more about the role, expectations, and opportunities available, contact the Practicum Office – practicum@uwo.ca
Opportunities & Engagement
Are you interested in connecting with Western's Teacher Education Program or sharing an opportunity with Teacher Candidates? Please contact the Teacher Education Office at eduwo@uwo.ca.
Employment
For campus and community employment opportunities, please visit Western Connect, Western University's central employment database.
For teaching positions and school board postings, please visit Apply to Education.
Volunteer Opportunities
For campus and community volunteer opportunities, please visit the Western Serves Network on Western Connect.
For additional volunteer opportunities with local nonprofit organizations, please visit the Pillar Nonprofit Network.
Tutoring
The Faculty of Education does not administer or maintain a tutoring program.
Teacher Candidates who are interested in tutoring may choose to establish their own private tutoring practice or seek employment with local tutoring organizations. Please note that the Teacher Education Office does not maintain a list of Teacher Candidates available for tutoring services.
