Concurrent Education

Years 1-3

(Sept. - May)

• End of year 1: Choose your teaching divisions: Primary–Junior (JK–Grade 6) or Intermediate–Senior (Grades 7–12)
• Take an education course each year alongside your Arts and Science degree
• Get hands-on experience through placements in non-classroom settings working with children and youth (years 1 & 2)
• Step into a real classroom for your first in-school placement (year 3)
• If you choose to go on exchange in year 3, you are able to complete Education requirements in year 4. 

Year 4

(Sept. - April)

• If you are interested in one of our track programs—Artist in Community Education, Indigenous Teacher Education, Outdoor and Experiential Education, and Primary-Junior French as a Second Language—submit an application in the fall of year 4. If you choose not to join a track program, you'll select a concentration in the summer before year 5. 
• Concentrations combine two courses and the three-week alternative practicum. Not all concentrations are offered every year. Some examples include: Arts and Learning, At-Risk Children, Educational Leadership, Educational Technology, Exceptional Learners, Indigenous Teacher Education, International Education, Literacy, STEM, Social Justice, etc. You can find a full list in the Academic Calendar under Concentrations. 

Year 5 

(Sept. - Aug.) 

• Classes in year 5 are set up in a block format rather than a traditional semester system. There are on-campus blocks and practicum blocks. You can see the current block format on the Consecutive Academic Calendar. 
• Complete 15 weeks of practicum in an Ontario classroom in one of our 26 partner District School Boards. 
• Complete an alternative practicum - anywhere in the world - it just has to be related to your concentration.

Placements and Practicum

In the first two years of the program, you gain hands-on experience through self-arranged placements in non-classroom settings working with children aged 3-15. These may include early learning centres, education departments in museums or galleries, Boys and Girls Clubs, Education programs in provincial parks, and more. These opportunities help students explore diverse educational environments beyond the traditional classroom. 

In year three, you complete a 3-week practicum in an Ontario classroom, facilitated by the practicum office, working alongside experienced educators to build practical teaching skills. 

In the fifth year of the program, you spend 15 weeks in publicly funded Ontario schools, facilitated by the practicum office, working alongside experienced education professionals – allowing you the opportunity to apply what you’ve learned in your courses in real classroom settings – helping you build confidence, develop your teaching skills, and prepare for your future career. You will also spend three weeks, outside of a traditional school system, anywhere in the world, completing an alternative practicum. 

Where are Practicums?

Starting in year 3, practicum blocks take place in Ontario schools within our designated catchment area, which spans 26 publicly funded school boards from Burlington to Cornwall.

Whenever possible, we place you in the same associate school for all regular practicum blocks in your final year. This consistency helps you build strong professional relationships and supports your growth as a future educator.

Before beginning your year 3 and year 5 practicum placements, you’ll complete a form to indicate four preferred school boards within our catchment area. Your placement will be assigned to one of these boards. While we make every effort to place you within an hour car commute of your home address, this cannot be guaranteed. Having access to a vehicle significantly increases your placement options and flexibility.

Please note that local Kingston-area school boards cannot accommodate all students. Be prepared to complete your placements in other regions within your selected school boards. This may involve commuting or temporarily relocating during your practicum blocks.

Each year, we coordinate practicum placements for over 1000 students across southern Ontario, working with school boards that each have their own timelines and procedures. It’s a complex process—like fitting together pieces of a large and ever-changing puzzle. Please note that teacher candidates are not allowed to arrange their own practicums. 

Alternative Practicum 

The three-week Alternative Practicum, completed in year 5, offers you the opportunity to explore teaching and learning outside the traditional school system – anywhere in the world. Typically completed in March, this practicum must align with one of the goals of your concentration and provides a chance to broaden your educational experience in a setting that supports your professional interests.

Teacher candidates are responsible for arranging their own Alternative Practicum placements. These can take place anywhere in the world, offering a unique opportunity to gain international or community-based experience. Travel fellowships are available to help offset associated costs.

Last year, we had students complete their alternative practicums at Kingston Native Centre and Language Nest, Creative Edge Dance Academy, Chatham-Kent Public Library, Child’s Play NY (USA), 1 Million Teachers (Kenya), Scottish Book Trust (UK), Worawa Aboriginal College (Australia), Simply Social (Ireland), Recreate NZ (New Zealand), Clay Encounters (Qatar), Kindred Spirit Elephant Sanctuary (Thailand), Chiltern Way Academy Trust (UK), and so many more!

 Alternative Practicum Experiences