TEACHING ORIENTATION TO EDUC 0106 The Practicum 2009/2010

Why Have A Placement The 30 hour placement associated with EDUC 0106 is an opportunity for students to get a ‘taste’ for teaching and to orientate themselves to the profession.

Finding A Placement It is the responsibility of the student to secure a placement. Should not be concerned with getting a placement in division. Prefer that students have one host teacher but sometimes this is not possible (e.g. high school placements, class sharing) Can complete hours during University breaks or throughout the year. Please Note: You will not be able to complete 30 hrs during October or February break. An extra day will be required for you to finish your placement.

What Is Expected of Me? No Teaching, marking, being left on your own in the classroom, taking on role of a substitute teacher. Observation of classroom routines, management, teaching techniques etc… Actively assist students and teachers where necessary. Can lead reading groups, one on one student assistance etc… Learn more of the school environment; converse with other teachers. It is optional if you choose to volunteer with after school activities. This time WILL NOT be counted toward your 30 hours.

Practicum Profile Form This form, included in your package, must be handed in when you have done the following: Approached a school principal and/or teacher. Can use the principal/ host teacher memo as an introduction to the program. It is not necessary that you speak in person. Can contact school by phone, email, fax. If interested in a placement in a board requiring direct approval (York Region, Simcoe Muskoka, Bluewater), bring the profile form to Sandra Minor by September 28, 2009, completed with school of interest and teacher (if known).

Practicum Profile Form Once placement is confirmed complete Practicum Placement Form and return to office Rm F206 no later than Friday October 30, 2009. You can bring form to Sandra Minor, BEFORE you receive your card from OESC. You will then print from Oliver Ridler’s website, the Host Teacher Kit to take to your host teacher on first scheduled day of your practicum. Host Teacher Kit has the Statement of Practicum Experience Form. Teacher is to return this form to Sandra Minor when your 30 hrs are complete. It is NOT to go to the student. Hours to be completed by APRIL 2, 2010.

What Criteria Am I Evaluated? Students are evaluated by their host teacher on six criteria: Punctuality and school attendance Attitude and flexibility Initiative in classroom Ability to relate to students Ability to interact professionally with the school teaching staff Overall potential to be a teacher Students are rated Not Acceptable, Satisfactory, or Outstanding.

Criminal Reference Check (OESC): Send in application to OESC for your Criminal Reference Check. Will take 4-6 weeks. You will choose the I.D. card only, at a cost of $30. If you are sending the forms by courier you MUST use Priority Post or Express Post only.  Other couriers (e.g. UPS, Purolator, FedEx) do not deliver to Canada Post P.O. Boxes.  We recommend that you keep a copy of your documents for your reference. A regular police check is not accepted. You MUST apply to OESC. If you have a police check, send original with your OESC application for quicker processing.

REMEMBER… Complete OESC form if you have not already done so. Mail directly to Toronto. Always correspond with me through Nipissing email. Forms and further information posted on Olive Ridler’s website. Get in the habit of checking your Nipissing email weekly. Bulletin Board outside F201 will have OTT information posted (i.e. class schedule) Placement Profile Form due Friday October 30, 2009. Mark in your calendar!

NEED ASSISTANCE? Practicum Assistance: Sandra Minor Practice Teaching Placement Coordinator Mon.-Thurs. 9am-3pm Fri. 9am-1pm Room F206 474-3461 ext 4224 sandrami@nipissingu.ca Course Assistance: Olive Ridler oliver@nipissingu.ca For Class and Placement Updates and General Information: Check Olive Ridler’s website: http://www.nipissingu.ca/education/oliver