Alternative Practicum Placements Year Four Concurrent Education-Brantford SERVE INSPIRE TEACH LEARN

What is an Alternative Practicum (AP)? An opportunity to: use teaching skills in non-traditional teaching contexts. explore other employment options where your teaching skills are an advantage. network and make community contacts that may lead to future employment outside the classroom.

Why An Alternative Practicum? Helps students to explore other employment options where the B.Ed. is an advantage Provides a different form of teaching experience Adds benefit to the resume and portfolio Offers another professional contact and reference Presents diversity and differentiation in learning and teaching situations Explores an area of interest not available through traditional teaching situations

Non-Classroom Practicum Experiences Provide Opportunities to… recognize the range of the applicability of their developing skills as teachers. experience the range of services available in the community that provide some form of teaching support to individuals. examine and reflect on developing skills in diverse settings. challenge each student’s ability to adapt and respond to changing conditions.

Why do community partners invest in Alternative Placements? Strategy to identify potential employees Benefit of extra expertise and assistance Complement to paid employment Fulfill community partnership mandate Appreciation for the role of universities as contributors to society Improved profile for the agency/business

Alternative Practicum Overview Take place in year four to earn the EDUC 4686/4696 credit with 120 hours of a successful placement. Handbook provides details and is posted on the Nipissing Brantford website Self-selected and arranged by the student Approved and supported by the Practicum Advisory Committee Total of 120 hours can be accumulated over time period Three time periods: May-Sept.2010;Sept-April or May 2011 (after exams)

Development of the AP Handbook Consulted with Nipissing North Bay for their Service Learning component Presented concept to year threes in Jan.2010 Consulted with Laurier Brantford Service Learning Office Developed draft and validated with Dean, staff, faculty and student groups Communicated with students through NipNews and

Any agency/organization that serves people and allows application of teaching skills Placement needs to be in Ontario outside of publicly funded school boards Ensure safe and healthy environment Volunteer not paid employment for 120 hours Procure a supervisor who is willing to monitor progress and complete a final evaluation Supervisor cannot be a direct family member Where can I seek a placement for an Alternative Practicum?

Where Can I Do A Service Learning Placement? Big Brothers/Big Sisters YMCA FACS/CAS Respite Care/Community Care Access Detention Centers Hospitals – Pediatric or Geriatric Care Alternative Schools Native Cultural Centers Literacy Councils Library Literacy Programs Tutoring Services Homeless Shelters/Outreach Programs Museums Universities and Colleges Other (as approved by PAC )

International Alternative Placement Planned for May 2011 Plan is to offer Kenya and Italy subject to budget approvals and student interest Accompanied by faculty supervisor Approximate cost $4000 Apply in September; approved in October May also be offered in year five block

How to Obtain an Alternative Placement? Students may choose to complete the placement in the Brantford area, home area, or any location in Ontario where an approved placement is available. Check the Brantford campus website for potential placements Present the official letter (Appendix A) to the agency with the sample Handbook. Once agency approves placement, complete Appendix B and submit to the Practicum Office by April 5 ( May start) or June 5 (September start) Practicum Office will provide approvals within timelines Provide Handbook to the agency, upon approval

Requirements Ensure that your current Criminal Record Check is available Inquire about other requirements of placement Complete a timesheet (Appendix C) with supervisor Complete an evaluation (Appendix E)with supervisor at end of placement Practicum Office will only be involved if concerns arise

Commitment to Learning and Service Leadership and Community Professional Learning Engaging and Sustaining Relationships Communication Practices Evaluation Components Include…

Evaluation of the Alternative Practicum Placement Exemplary, Proficient, Adequate or Does Not Meet Expectations (DNME) overall and specific There is only one final evaluation, but it is desirable to review this form and the expectations at the beginning and middle of the placement with the supervisor Students are to maintain a time sheet and submit it at the completion of the placement with supervisor signature The timesheet and evaluation form are due to the Practicum Office one week upon completion of placement.

Summary of Procedures Use the official letter to procure a placement Complete the description of placement Submit the application to Practicum Office as per timelines After approval is received to Nipissing account, provide Handbook to supervisor Complete the 120 hours in AP with timesheet of hours Collaborate in evaluation and submit copy with timesheet to the Practicum Office

Questions?? Contact Director: Or Practicum Office at