January 4, 2010

Year four of a five-year program Concurrent program at main campus includes Service Learning component for 4 weeks (120 hours) at the end of year five Brantford campus concurrent education program includes five different placements in schools for a total of 19 weeks in schools In addition, a self-selected alternative placement with a site supervisor will be implemented for year four of the program for a total of 23 weeks of practicum Consecutive programs have average of 12 weeks

What?… Alternative Placements are similar to Service Learning  During year 4, students will complete a 120 hour practicum in a setting that is NOT within the typical classroom setting.  The Alternative Placement does not necessitate a certified teacher as the supervisor/associate.  The placement is self-selected by the teacher candidate and is approved by the Practicum staff and related faculty.  The placement can be in any geographic area and can be completed anytime between September 2010 and May 2011.

Why?... The Concept  This type of placement is being offered to increase the teacher candidate’s exposure to alternative career choices that also utilize the skills and knowledge obtained during a Bachelor of Education program.  During Alternative Placements, students have opportunities to be immersed in the work of community agencies and businesses that provide a community instructional role. These agencies and businesses in return, have opportunities to guide the learning of teacher candidates while gaining valuable volunteer assistance (Alternative Placement Handbook, 2010).

How?... Finding a Placement It is the responsibility of the teacher candidate to:  Find own placement  Contact and arrange the placement  Describe the placement and contact persons  Inform the practicum office of your placement  Complete the 120 hours as arranged with the placement The Practicum Office is able to help you to determine an appropriate placement.

An Appropriate Placement There should be FOUR critical criteria that you apply to select an appropriate placement: 1. There must be a significant service component to the placement. 2. You must be able to complete 120 hours over the span of the school year (September to May). The structure of this is dependent upon the placement and can be arranged between your placement supervisor (Associate Teacher equivalent) and you. 3. You must ensure that the location is a healthy and safe working environment. 4. There must be no payment for the placement

Where? (and with whom)… Examples of Alternative Practicum Big Brothers/ Big Sisters YMCA FACS/CAS Respite Care/ Community Care Access Detention Centers Hospitals Pediatric Care Geriatric Care Alternative Schools Native Cultural Centres Literacy Councils Library Literacy Programs Tutoring Services Homeless Shelters/ Outreach Programs Teaching studios (art, dance, defense, exercise, etc.) International schools/settings Other (as approved by the Practicum Office)

When?... Timelines DateTaskNotes January-MarchExplore options for placements - Make initial contacts - Approach appropriate organizations March 2010Attend Alternative Placement Meeting - Learn about guidelines in Handbook - Obtain forms to be completed April 2010Submit forms to Practicum Office May-June/JulyReceive confirmation- Inform placement of confirmation

Process Proposed  Practicum Advisory Committee and Director/Dean provide an official letter to be used by the teacher candidate to find the placement.  Teacher candidate completes the appropriate forms describing the setting and submits to the Practicum Office.  Practicum Advisory Committee approves each placement and Practicum Office informs the teacher candidate.  Teacher candidate makes the necessary arrangements and can begin the placement in September.

Next Steps  This presentation will be posted on the Brantford campus website.  Teacher candidates can provide feedback to  Official letter and forms will be provided.  Follow-up information session will be held in March.  Completed forms will be submitted electronically.  Approvals will be distributed to teacher candidates by June/July.