The Ontario College of Teachers and the Ontario Ministry of Education regulate the number of days that Teacher Candidates are required to be in a Practicum setting. Attendance is mandatory for all Practicum placement days. Any absence during the Practicum block will result in an additional make-up day(s). This includes an absence due to illness, religious observances, or bereavement. Teacher Candidates must also assume the same responsibilities of punctuality as a regular member of staff therefore, Teacher Candidates are expected to be at their placement for full school days.
Teacher Candidates are not permitted to make special arrangements with the Mentor Teacher(s) for modified practicum dates and/or times. Teacher Candidates should be ready to actively engage with the teaching, learning and/or activity during all practicum days. Teacher Candidates are expected to treat attendance in their practicum as they would if they were an employee of the school. This means reporting any absence (in writing via professional email) to the Mentor Teacher AND the Practicum Facilitator on the evening before, or prior to, the start of the school day.
If a Teacher Candidate demonstrates a consistent pattern of poor participation, the Practicum Facilitator will meet with the Teacher Candidate to implement an action plan to allow the Teacher Candidate the opportunity to complete the practicum program successfully. If the goals and timelines established in the action plan are not met, the Teacher Candidate is deemed to be at risk of failing the program.