Handbook Test

Welcome to the Faculty of Education!

University of Lethbridge

Personnel in the Faculty of Education Student Program Services (SPS) and Field Experiences (FE) offices have developed this Handbook which is intended to provide students and Faculty members with information about the most commonly used academic policies and procedures. It should be used in conjunction with the University Calendar not in place of the University Calendar. 

Information in this publication is in accordance with the 2025/26 Calendar Year and is designed for students entering the Faculty of Education in Fall 2025. If you have any questions, a Directory of Education and Advising Units is included in this handbook. Feel free to contact those listed for assistance. If you have questions or comments related to the Student Handbook, contact the following: 

If you have questions or comments related to the Student Handbook, contact the following:

Student Program Services: TH421 
edu.sps@uleth.ca
403-329-2254

Field Experiences Office: TH423 
edu.fieldexp@uleth.ca
403-329-2259

Education Program Advising – Student Program Services

Rm: TH421 | Ph: 403-329-2254

• Danny Balderson............... Assistant Dean, Student Program Services
• TBD.................................... Academic Advisor
• Nicole Spence.................... Program Assistant
• Suzanne Atkinson.............. Administrative Support

Education Field Experiences Office

Rm: TH421 | Ph: 403-329-2259

• Doug Checkley................... Assistant Dean, Field Experiences
• Kyla Reis............................. Program Specialist
• Rebecca Luo ....................... Administrative Assistant

ED 2500 and Professional Semester Coordinators

• Ed 2500 ....... Jen LeGrandeur ......... TH358 ........... 403-380-1817 
• PS I .............. Jenna Lowe  ............... TH274 ........... 403-380-1869 
• PS II ............. Jenna Lowe  ............... TH274 ........... 403-380-1869 
• PS III ............ Dawn Burleigh ........... TH311 ........... 403-329-2557 

Student Services - Career Bridge: Applied Studies / Co-operative Education

Rm: AH151 |Ph: 403-329-2000| Email: see UL Directory

Arts & Science Program Advisors

Rm: M2102 | Ph: 403-329-5106 | Email: artsci.advising@uleth.ca

Fine Arts Program Advisors

Rm: W660 | Ph: 403-329-2691 | Email: finearts.advising@uleth.ca

Dhillon School of Business Advisors

Rm: M2060 | Ph: 403-329-2153 | Email: dhillon.advising@uleth.ca

Iikaisskini Indigenous Services

Rm: E610 |Ph: 403-394-3902| Email: see UL Directory

This section contains information on degree requirements, Education courses, residence requirements, minors, and specializations, grading system, special study requirements, semester course overload, and visiting student authorization.

A. Degree Requirements 

Combined Degrees

Minimum Number of Courses:

Bachelor of Education After an Approved Degree

The Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) After Degree program consists of a minimum of 20 Education courses. After Degree students who are admitted to the Faculty of Education with deficiencies in their majors must complete the outstanding requirements in addition to the 20 B.Ed. courses.

Waiver of Education 2500 

A waiver of Education 2500 (EDUC 2500) does not result in course credit. Students must complete an approved alternate course in order to have sufficient course credit to complete the degree. This course is typically an Education course. Education 2500 As Part of Previous Degree Students who completed EDUC 2500 after fulfilling requirements of a previous degree (e.g., B.A., B.Sc., B.Mgt., B.F.A., or B.Mus.) may use this course towards the 20 courses required for the B.Ed. After an Approved Degree. EDUC 2500 completed within the first degree will therefore be considered part of that degree. 

Education 2500 As Part of Previous Degree 

Students who completed EDUC 2500 after fulfilling requirements of a previous degree (e.g., B.A., B.Sc., B.Mgt., B.F.A., or B.Mus.) may use this course towards the 20 courses required for the B.Ed. After an Approved Degree. EDUC 2500 completed within the first degree will therefore be considered part of that degree. 

Education Foundation Courses 

The B.Ed. program requires the successful completion of one Education Foundation course. All University of Lethbridge Education Foundation courses begin with the prefix numbers of EDUC 43XX. If you completed an Education transfer course, please check with Student Program Services on its applicability as a foundation course.

Education Elective Courses 

In addition to the Foundation requirement, the B.Ed. program requires the successful completion of four (4) Education electives. 

• EDUC 2500 typically counts as one of the four electives.  

• If you received a waiver of EDUC 2500 or counted this course within the requirements of a previous degree, you must take an approved course in lieu of EDUC 2500 or its equivalent. Contact SPS for information on your specific program.  Education electives include all undergraduate courses with the subject prefix ‘EDUC.’ 

• Electives may include Education Foundation courses, Independent Studies, or Applied Studies. 

• Students with a declared Education minor must take the related methods course (typically from the EDUC 3700: Applied Principles of Curriculum and Instruction for NonMajors (Series)). This course will count as one of the four required Education electives.  (See University Calendar: Education - Minors in Education).  

• Typically, at the 3000 or 4000 level. 

• 3.0 credit hours each. 

• Excluding 3500 and 3600-level (as these are part of PS I and II, respectively). 

Note: With the exception of Indigenous Education majors, completion of a minor is not required for graduation. Students should be aware that in some cases, the appropriate methods for non-majors course (typically EDUC 3700) might not be available or fit into a student’s schedule. While efforts will be made to find an acceptable substitution, it may not be possible for a student to complete the requirements for the optional minor. 

Education Transfer Courses 

Most students may transfer a maximum of five Education courses to the University of Lethbridge in a Combined Degrees program. 

• Exception: No Education transfer courses are permitted in Post-Diploma B.F.A./B.Ed. (Art or Drama) and Post-Diploma B.Mus./B.Ed. 

• Courses designated in the Alberta Transfer Guide as an Education Foundation will meet the Education Foundation requirement at the University of Lethbridge.  

• Other Education transfer courses, including Education transfer courses at the 2xxx level, may be used to fulfill Education electives; contact Student Program Services for more information on your specific program. 

• Once admitted to a program, students must request visiting student authorization to take university level courses elsewhere. Contact Student Program Services for applicable deadlines and information pertaining to residence requirements. 

Substitution for Required Courses 

Occasionally, required courses may not be offered during the regular semester when a student is able to take them. A student may request a course substitution to fulfill these requirements. 

• If the course is required in the first degree major: Contact Program Advisors in the appropriate faculty (i.e., Arts & Science, Fine Arts or Management). 

• If the course is required to fulfill a specific Education requirement in the major, minor or program core: Contact Student Program Services, Faculty of Education for information on approved substitutions, their availability and the process involved. 

A student who is a candidate for a degree must satisfy the minimum residence requirement with the successful completion of courses, or their equivalent, at the University of Lethbridge. Refer to the University Calendar: Academic Regulations, Policies and Program Requirements for specific residency requirements for each degree program. 

The Faculty of Education offers a number of optional minors (see University Calendar: Education – Education Minors). 

• In addition to a major and/or specialization, a student may elect to complete a minor from the selection of Education minors only. 

• Most minors consist of 5 applicable non-Education courses (excluding those used in the major or specialization) and an appropriate Education methods course (usually from the EDUC 3700 Applied Principles of Curriculum and Instruction for Non-Majors (Series)). 

• Indigenous Education majors must complete a minor in a main teachable subject that is comprised of 7 non-Education courses and a designated methods course. Indigenous Education majors should plan their schedule carefully, as the appropriate methods course might only be offered once per year. 

• To have a teaching minor endorsed on a transcript, the student must have a cumulative GPA of 2.50 or greater on all non-Education courses comprising the minor and a minimum B- in the appropriate Education methods course. 

• To add or remove a minor, submit the Request to Add/Remove a Minor, Concentration, Specialization, or Change a Disciplinary Stream (Undergraduate) form via The Bridge.  Note: With the exception of Indigenous Education majors, completion of a minor is not required for graduation. Students should be aware that in some cases, the appropriate methods for non-majors course (typically EDUC 3700) might not be available or fit into a student’s schedule. While efforts will be made to find an acceptable substitution, it may not be possible for a student to complete the requirements for the optional minor. 

Most students can elect to complete a specialization in addition to a major or minor. A specialization includes four specified courses and completion of PS III in the area of the specialization. 

• Specializations in Inclusive Education and Technology in Education are currently offered. 
• Upon completion of a specialization, an endorsement will be entered on the official transcript. 
• Specific courses required for the specialization must be completed prior to PS III. Any of the courses that are included in the minimum requirements for a student’s major or minor cannot be used as part of the requirements for the specialization. 

Students interested in pursuing a specialization must notify Student Program Services by the same deadline applicable to the PS III Information form (preferably sooner). Careful program planning is needed to acquire all prerequisite courses prior to the internship. 

Students are admitted to the Faculty of Education by a school subject major. Students completing a Combined Degrees program may elect to change majors in the first degree providing the result does not change the Education major. 

• For example, B.Sc. (Math) may change to a B.Sc. (General Science with Math as the first disciplinary stream), as both of these programs meet the requirements for the Math Education major. 
• Exception: students are admitted to Science Education in one of four Science school subject areas and must consult with Student Program Services before any changes to the Arts and Science/Science major are approved. 

In exceptional cases, students may be eligible to change their Education major if it can be demonstrated that they would have been accepted for admission in the desired major at the time of admission to the Faculty of Education. To change their major, students must submit a written request to Student Program Services. Student Program Services will make the final decision.

Students studying at the undergraduate level occasionally have extenuating circumstances (e.g., illness, family priorities, deployment) that may interrupt their studies and they need to step away from their studies for a period of time. Students in will need approval from the Academic Advisor in the Faculty prior to being granted a Leave of Absence.

For non-Education courses, students can cancel course registration (drop courses) before incurring a withdrawal grade (W) on transcripts or incurring tuition, compulsory, and program-related fees, students must cancel their registration by the Extended Drop deadline for the term or session through the Bridge (see University Calendar: Fees - Cancellations, Refunds, and Withdrawal).  

Withdrawing from any component of a Professional Semester will result in the student’s withdrawal from the Faculty of Education (see University Calendar: Education – Academic Regulations and Information). 

The grading system for the Faculty of Education conforms to the designations as outlined in the Calendar (see University Calendar: Academic Regulations, Policies and Program Requirements). Certain courses, including all practicum courses, are graded on a Pass/Fail basis, and are specified as such in the Course Catalogue section of the University Calendar. 

Grading options include: 

• Incomplete: ‘I’ 
• Withdrawal: ‘W’ 
• Withdrawal with Cause: ‘WC’ 
• Pass ‘P’ 
• Failure: ‘F’ 

Incomplete: ‘I’ 

The ‘I’ designation is given only in case of illness or other extenuating circumstances beyond the control of the student, which make it impossible to complete the required work by the end of the term (see University Calendar: Academic Regulations, Policies and Program Requirements). To obtain an ‘I’: 

• • The ‘I’ designation is awarded only on application to and approval of both the University Consultant and the Assistant Dean of Student Program Services (see Student Program Services for additional information and the appropriate forms). 
• • Normally, requests are not entertained until the last two weeks of classes. 
• • When the ‘I’ is approved, an appropriate deadline is determined for the completion of outstanding work. A student who does not complete outstanding work by the assigned deadline will normally receive an ‘F’ in the course. 
• • The ‘I’ designation may be converted to a letter grade by the instructor within a maximum of one year; if not so converted, it becomes an ‘F’, except where circumstances continue to prevent the completion of the course, in which case the ‘I’ designation remains on the academic transcript. 

Note: Normally, the Incomplete designation is not used in practicum courses. 

Withdrawal: ‘W’ 

Students in a Professional Semester who are considering a withdrawal must immediately contact Student Program Services for assistance. Withdrawing from any component of a Professional Semester will result in the student’s withdrawal from the Faculty of Education (see University Calendar: Education – Academic Regulations and Information). Students who are enrolled in the Combined Degrees program will have their program revert back to the other Faculty. Student Program Services will assist in the program change.  

The ‘W’ designation does not affect the calculation of a student’s term or cumulative GPA (see University Calendar: Academic Regulations, Policies and Program Requirements).  A designation of ‘W’ will be awarded if a formal written application for a Withdrawal is completed by the student or his/her agent and submitted to the Registrar (see Student Program Services for additional information and the appropriate forms). Students are responsible for ensuring that the Registrar’s Office receives the withdrawal request by the relevant deadline. Refer to University Calendar: Academic Schedule.  

Withdrawal from an Education course (not part of a Professional Semester): 

• Withdrawing from a course outside of a Professional Semester does not result in the student’s withdrawal from the Faculty. 
• If the student withdraws from any Education course before the Extended Drop deadline, tuition, compulsory, and program-related fees will be refunded. 
• If the student withdraws from any PS I module or PS II course after the Extended Drop deadline up to, and including, the last day of classes, no refunds of tuition, compulsory, and program-related fees will be provided (see University Calendar: Fees – Cancellations, Withdrawals, and Refunds). 

Withdrawal from Professional Semesters 

• If the practicum Student Teacher (PS I and II) or Intern Teacher (PS III) withdraws from the Practicum or Internship before the Extended Drop deadline, tuition, compulsory, and program-related fees will be refunded. 
• If the practicum Student Teacher or Intern Teacher withdraws from the Internship after the Extended Drop deadline up to, and including, the last day of classes, no refunds of tuition, compulsory, and program-related fees will be provided (see University Calendar: Education – Academic Regulations and Information).  

• Depending upon the date of the withdrawal, a PS I or PS II student may be eligible for reimbursement of the practicum travel fee (see Student Program Services, Faculty of Education). 

   

Withdrawal with Cause: ‘WC’ 

Students in a Professional Semester who are considering a withdrawal must immediately contact Student Program Services for assistance. A designation of ‘WC’ is recorded only in case of serious illness or other extenuating circumstances beyond the control of the Student Teacher or Intern Teacher, which make continuation in a module, course, or practicum/ internship impossible, and where an Incomplete designation is not in order. To obtain a ‘WC’: 

• Along with a written application for a Withdrawal with Cause, the Student Teacher or Intern Teacher must provide appropriate supporting documentation to Student Program Services (see Student Program Services for additional information and the appropriate forms). 
• The Withdrawal form requires the signature of a Student Program Services representative before it is submitted to the Registrar. 
• Prior to readmission, the Student Teacher or Intern Teacher who has been granted a complete Withdrawal with Cause may be asked to provide evidence that the conditions which led to the WC have been identified and addressed. 
• Depending upon the date of withdrawal, a Student Teacher or Intern Teacher may be eligible for reimbursement of tuition and other program-related fees.  Withdrawing with Cause from any component of a Professional Semester may not result in the student’s withdrawal from the Faculty of Education.

Withdrawing with Cause from any component of a Professional Semester may not result in the student’s withdrawal from the Faculty of Education. 

Pass/Fail:  

Certain courses, including all practica and internships, are graded as ‘P’ or ‘F’.  

• The designation of ‘P’ indicated satisfactory completion of the course, practica or internship. When a student receives the designation ‘P’, the course is not included in the computation of the GPA.  
• The ‘F’ should be given if the Student Teacher has failed a course, module or not met practicum expectations.  Also, the student may be assigned a failing grade for the component where the Standards of Professional Conduct were not met. 
• Normally, a Student Teacher or Intern Teacher will have the option of withdrawing from the Faculty of Education up to the last day of classes (see ‘W’ or ‘WC’ above). Past that date, an "F" will appear on the academic transcript. 
• If the Student Teacher or Intern Teacher is awarded ‘F’, the course is included in the computation of the GPA. 
• An ‘F’ grade in any component of a Professional Semester will result in the student’s withdrawal from the Faculty of Education (see University Calendar: Education – Academic Regulations and Information).  
• Students who are enrolled in the Combined Degrees program will have their program revert back to the other Faculty.  
• A Student or Intern Teacher who has failed any component within a Professional Semester must successfully apply for readmission before resuming studies toward the Bachelor of Education. (see University Calendar: Education – Academic Regulations and Information). 

Repeated Courses 

At the University of Lethbridge, a student may repeat a course previously taken in an attempt to improve the course grade, improve the GPA and/or meet graduation requirements. A grade may be improved by completing either the course or its equivalent. 

• Students wanting to improve their grade in a Series or Topics course must repeat the section with the identical title. 
• Courses that are equivalent are denoted with an ‘Equivalent’ course element in the course description and include courses that have been renamed or renumbered, and Topics or Series courses that have been regularized. 
• If a student repeats a course, the grade for each attempt is recorded on the transcript. 
• Students may not have grades and credit hours for more than one attempt calculated in the GPA.  
• After a course is repeated, the grade and credit hours of the attempt with the highest grade will be used to calculate the GPA. 
• A student may not use a Credit/Non-Credit designation to replace a previously earned grade.  

Appeal of Grades 

Grade appeals deal with claims that a student’s course grade has been improperly determined (see University Calendar: Academic Regulations, Policies and Program Requirements). 

A student will be withdrawn from the Faculty of Education if the following occurs: 

• the grade point average falls below 2.50 in PS I or PS II; or 
• the student fails any course, module, or practicum in any Professional Semester; or 
• the student fails to meet expectations of the Standards of Professional Conduct. The student may be assigned a failing grade for the component where the Standards of Professional Conduct were not met. (see University Calendar: Education – Required Withdrawal) 

The process for readmission depends on the reason for withdrawal. In all instances noted above, the Assistant Dean of Student Program Services will meet with the student to identify any potential action plans that could allow a student to be readmitted.  

In the instance that a student’s performance does not meet the minimum standard in the practicum, the following process will be engaged in: 

• After consultation with the University Consultant and Teacher Associate(s), the Assistant Dean of Student Program Services will document the difficulties that the Student Teacher experienced in the practicum placement.  
• The student will be provided with a written action plan that describes the areas of concern and recommendations about how to remediate those difficulties. 
• To be considered for readmission, the student will be expected to successfully meet the expectations outlined in the action plan in their submitted work and oral questioning. This will be presented to the members of the Undergraduate Student Program Committee, who adjudicate applications for readmission on behalf of the Faculty. Readmission is not assured. (see University Calendar: Education – Readmission After Withdrawal) 
• Normally, Education courses completed after withdrawing and prior to readmission will not count toward the B.Ed. program. 

Applied Studies 

Applied Studies is a learning option in which students earn academic credit for learning gained through employment or volunteer experience. During the field placement, students complete a project that relates the experience to the study of education. An eligible student in the Faculty of Education may earn up to three (3) course credits through Applied Studies, designated by the numbers EDUC 2510 and 4980. Students should initially contact the Education Academic Advisor for specific information. 

Credit/Non-Credit Courses 

Students may elect to take courses as Credit/Non-Credit (Cr/NC) (see University Calendar: Academic Regulations, Policies and Program Requirements). This alternative is designed to encourage students to expand their academic interests by taking courses outside their field of major interest. The Cr/NC alternative may not be elected in courses constituting the General Study Requirements or the Education Requirements (e.g., Foundations or Curriculum & Instruction for Non-Majors). 

For completion of course requirements with a grade of ‘C’ or better, the grade earned appears on the transcript automatically. If a grade between ‘C-’ and ‘D’ (inclusive) is earned, a ‘Cr’ appears on the transcript. If a grade of ‘F’ is earned, ‘NC’ will appear on the transcript. To take a course as Credit/Non-Credit, the student should: 

• Obtain a Credit/Non-Credit Declaration form from the Registrar’s Office. 
• Submit the form to the Registrar’s Office by the designated deadline (see University Calendar: Academic Schedule). 

Independent Study (EDUC 4990) 

Students may be permitted to earn credit by Independent Study under the supervision of a Faculty Member. Normally, an Independent Study is: 

• only approved when a required course for a minor or specialization is not available. 
• undertaken only in areas not covered by the courses offered in the Education curriculum. 

A maximum of two (2) Education Independent Studies may be completed in the B.Ed. portion of the Combined Degrees or After Degree program (see University Calendar: Faculty of Education). Students in a Combined Degrees program will need to consult the appropriate Faculty regarding limits and approval processes for Independent Studies in their other degree (see Student Program Services for additional information and the appropriate forms). 

Professional Development Courses (EDUC 4950) 

Professional Development (PD) courses may be used to fulfill Education Electives. 

• Each PD course is equivalent to one half of a regular semester course requiring the equivalent of a minimum 20 hours of instruction. 
• PD courses are offered for credit only and are graded on a Pass/Fail basis. 
• A maximum of four (4) PD courses may be counted toward a B.Ed. degree. 

Professional Semesters I, II or III 

Taking other courses while enrolled in a Professional Semester is strictly forbidden. Enrolling in additional courses (from any post-secondary institution) is considered to be a serious violation of the Standards of Professional Conduct and may lead to a student’s withdrawal from the Faculty. 

Non-professional Semesters 

A student may take a sixth course; registration for the sixth course is permitted during the final week of the add/drop period. Summer Sessions A student may complete a maximum of 18 credit hours providing that it does not violate the Faculty of Education Summer Session restrictions. The maximum full course load per session is:

A course in the six-week II/III may be used to overload, providing it does not overload both Session II and Session III as per the above restrictions. 

In the event of a difference between maximum credit hour limits set by the Faculties/Schools, students in Combined Degrees programs will be governed by the more stringent requirements (see University Calendar: Academic Regulations, Policies and Program Requirements). 

The Faculty of Education does not typically offer Education courses in Sessions II/III or III. 

A student may request to complete courses at other institutions if the courses are not available at the University of Lethbridge and if the residency requirements are met. Concurrent registration is typically not permitted during the regular academic year. No transfer credit will be received for courses taken elsewhere unless Visiting Student Authorization form is granted in advance. 

The student is required to: 

• Select courses from other institutions that meet University of Lethbridge program requirements. 
• Submit a Visiting Student Authorization (VSA) form via The Bridge. 
• Combined Degrees students: Submit the VSA form to one of the two faculties for review; both faculties must approve the visiting student request. For example, Faculty of Management (Advising) must approve Management courses. Secondary approval must also be obtained from Student Program Services (Education). 
• After Degree students: Submit a VSA form for approval to Student Program Services (Education). 
• Upon completion of the course(s), a student must request to have an official transcript sent to the University of Lethbridge. 
• The transcript from the other institution must be received by University of Lethbridge graduation document deadlines. 

Note: Taking other courses while enrolled in a Professional Semester is strictly forbidden; therefore, all coursework must be completed outside of enrollment in a Professional Semester. 

The Faculty of Education offers field experiences in Education 2500 (EDUC 2500), Professional Semester I (EDUC 3500), Professional Semester II (EDUC 3600), and Professional Semester III (EDUC 457X). This section covers policies and information common to PS I and PS II practica.  The PS III section has additional information. 

General Policies 

These policies are taken from the University Calendar: Faculty of Education. 

• Students must not contact teachers or school administrators with the intent of procuring practicum placements. Field Experiences personnel make all placements. 
• Students must not contact the Teacher Associate(s) prior to the practicum until advised to do so. 
• Practicum placements for PS I and PS II are made within Zone 6 and the Calgary and Foothills areas. 
• Limited PS III placements outside of Zone 6 are subject to the approval of the Assistant Deans of Student Program Services and Field Experience.  
• Students may complete only one practicum/internship with any one Teacher Associate or Teacher Mentor.  
• Normally, a student will not be placed in a school from which he or she graduated. 
• Students will not be placed in schools where close family members are employed or where family members are pupils. 
• Normally, placements in PS I and PS II will differ by one or more grade levels. 
• Students who refuse a placement may be required to withdraw from the practicum and reapply for admission to the Faculty of Education to resume their studies in a subsequent year. 
• Students who do not provide all relevant information at the time a placement is made may be required to withdraw from the practicum and reapply for admission to resume their studies in a subsequent year. 
• Students who provide false information at the time a placement is made may be required to withdraw from the practicum and reapply for admission to resume their studies in a subsequent year. 

During practicum, the following guidelines apply: 

• Student Teachers are to be at school at least 30 minutes before classes commence and expect to stay for the same amount of time after classes are over. Arrival and departure times should be discussed with the Teacher Associate. Dependability and punctuality are essential in the teaching profession. 
• Student Teachers must remain at school at the end of the school day to discuss lessons, to plan lessons, and to participate in duties that are a part of the teacher’s routine including supervision and parent-teacher interviews. 
• Student Teachers are expected to assist the Teacher Associate in daily routines such as marking, supervision, and locating and organizing resources. 
• Student Teachers must develop lesson/unit plans for all lessons they teach. (PSI Student Teachers are not required to complete a unit, rather a sequence of lesson plans for all subjects taught.) Lesson plans must be in the school and available for the Teacher Associate, supervising Administrator, and/or University Consultant to review. Lesson plans should be submitted to, discussed with, and approved by the Teacher Associate well in advance of each lesson. Well in advance is generally interpreted as at least the day before the lesson is to be taught. This will provide the Student Teacher with an opportunity to revise their lessons based on the feedback provided. 
• Student Teachers must be ready to teach lessons in subject areas other than their major or minor depending on the Teacher Associate’s teaching assignment. 
• Resources in the school are available for planning the lessons. Student Teachers are expected to locate and return all resources to their respective places. Resources are not to be taken without permission. Student Teachers may also obtain resources from the University of Lethbridge Curriculum Laboratory, the Alberta Teachers’ Association Library, and the Lethbridge Public Library. 
• Student Teachers are expected to participate as a member of the school staff. For example, Student Teachers are to attend staff meetings and any other professional activities scheduled and are encouraged to assist with extra-curricular activities. 
• Student Teachers must be ready to teach lessons in all subject areas. 
• Student Teachers are encouraged to observe students and teachers in other classes. The various possibilities and opportunities should be discussed first with the Teacher Associate who can assist with making necessary arrangements. 
• The Student Teacher will abide by any expectations that the school may have in respect to dress, grooming, general deportment, and interpersonal conduct with pupils. This may include providing, to the Central Office or School Administrator, an up-to-date Criminal Record Check. These expectations may be best understood from personal observation and consultation with the Administrator and Teacher Associate. 
• Student Teachers will respond to University Consultant communication in a timely manner. Note:  While the Student Teacher should share in supervision with the Teacher Associate(s), the Student Teacher cannot assume legal responsibility for pupil supervision. It is suggested that the Teacher Associate is always available and on the school site for the Student Teachers support. At no time during the practicum can the Student Teacher act as a substitute teacher.  

While not a requirement of the Faculty of Education, school jurisdictions require Student Teachers to present a current (i.e., typically within 3 months) Criminal Record Check (CRC) or Police Information Check (including Vulnerable Sector Check) to the school administrator before being permitted to start the practicum. 

Note: Students are responsible for all associated costs. However, at the beginning of each Professional Semester, students will receive a letter explaining the requirement, which upon submitting to a police detachment may result in a reduced fee for the service. Students are advised to initiate application for the CRC at the beginning of or prior to the start of each Professional Semester to allow for processing (usually 2-6 weeks). 

The Faculty of Education maintains a mandatory attendance policy for on-campus Education classes, practica, and related activities such as workshops. (Also see Appendix D: Attendance Policy – University Sanctioned Activities.) 

For EDUC 2500, students are placed in elementary schools (Divisions I and II). In PS I, students are usually placed in Divisions I or II. In PS II and PS III, students may be placed in any division. 

Divisions are defined as follows: 

• • Division I: K – 3  
• • Division II: 4 – 6 
• • Division III: 7 – 9 
• • Division IV: 10 – 12 

Practicum placements are made throughout Southern Alberta. Students’ acceptance of admission to the Faculty of Education indicates acceptance of a practicum placement in any school located within Zone 6 (See Appendix H) or the Calgary or Foothills areas, where they have indicated that they have free accommodation on the Student Information form.  

Note: Students must be prepared to travel to and/or be temporarily billeted in locations throughout Zone 6. Efforts are made to accommodate students with extraordinary circumstances, provided that they have submitted supporting documentation for the circumstance to be considered in a timely manner.  

** Employment will not normally be considered as an extraordinary circumstance. 

Due to potential conflicts of interest, students will not be placed in schools where close family members (family members that you are in regular communication with) are students, teachers, or administrators. 

Complete and accurate information regarding family members in schools must be provided on the Student Information form (completed for each practicum and the Internship). Should such a situation arise, the student must notify Field Experiences immediately. 

Note: Failure to provide complete and accurate information may result in a student being required to withdraw from the practicum and reapply for admission to resume their studies in a subsequent year. 

Orientation Day occurs near the end of the on-campus courses prior to the commencement of the practicum. This is an opportunity for Student Teachers to visit the school in which they are placed, meet their Teacher Associate and other school staff and students, become familiar with the school, and learn about their teaching assignment and other duties. 

Student Teachers are expected to 

• attend a full orientation day or an alternative day assigned. 
• arrive at the school at least 30 minutes prior to the first bell. 
• introduce themselves to the administrator and other teachers. 
• visit the staff room. 
• tour the school. 
• learn about specific policies in the school (student attendance, supervision, library, technology use, photocopying, and discipline policies). 
• discuss possible teaching assignments with the Teacher Associate.  
• locate teaching resources. • learn about dress codes (teacher and student), professional expectations and responsibilities, and school-wide policies, procedures, routines, and rules. 

For more information, see Appendix E and the applicable Professional Semester Handbooks. 

Students must act with the honesty, integrity and dignity required by the teaching profession and the Faculty of Education. Accordingly, it is expected that all students will adhere to the Standards of Professional Conduct during practica and on-campus courses in the Faculty of Education (see Appendix A and B).

Serious breaches of either of the Codes of Conduct will result in serious consequences, including possible withdrawal from the Faculty of Education.

If a Student Teacher must be absent during practicum, the Student Teacher must notify the Teacher Associate(s) and University Consultant as soon as possible. If unable to contact either the Teacher Associate or the University Consultant, the Student Teacher must telephone Field Experiences (403-329-2259) and leave a message. Typically, illness, inclement weather and school closures are the only acceptable reasons for being absent. If absent, Student Teachers must provide the Teacher Associate(s) with lesson plans for all classes they were assigned to teach. 

During PS I and PS II practica, Student Teachers compile a well-organized and up-to-date logbook. This must be available to be read by the University Consultant and Teacher Associate. The logbook can be a loose-leaf binder or a shared electronic folder containing the following information.  

Note:  Student Teachers are required to maintain confidentiality and anonymity within their logbook, adhering to FOIP and PIPA Guidelines. 

General Information: 

• Student Teacher: Name, contact information, brief autobiography. 
• School: school name, address, phone number, email address, school map, school-wide policies, location of classroom, brief description of school. 
• Supervisors: Names and contact information for Administrator, Teacher Associate, University Consultant. 
• Classes: Class organization, seating plan(s), and rules, routines, procedures. 
• Timetable. 

Lesson Plans:  

• Filed according to subject area, and class, and in the order taught. 
• Written reflective critiques/self-assessments of all lessons. Indicate: (a) how you felt about the lesson; (b) what went well and why, or what went poorly and why; and (c) what might be done to change or improve the lesson. 
• Copies of materials used for each lesson can be included in the logbook or kept in a separate, orderly electronic folder or binder. Reference information concerning electronic resources used should be filed together with lesson materials. 

Assessment and Evaluation Reports: 

• Copies of observation notes by supervisors (Teacher Associate, University Consultant, School Administrators) 
• Copies of Formative Assessments and Summative Evaluation Reports by the Teacher Associate and by the University Consultant (Appendix G). 

Other: 

• Journal entries – daily/weekly reflections. 
• Observation notes – Student Teacher’s notes from all lessons observed. 
• Collection of useful ideas and resources. 

Student Teachers and Intern Teachers are required to engage in self-reflection and collaborative evaluation through Professional Portfolio development. The portfolio development process engages students in a cycle of reflection, goal setting, working toward those goals and collecting evidence of achievement. 

The Professional Learning Tool should be used to promote reflection about the Teaching Quality Standard (TQS) competencies and to set goals for professional growth. This will support the preliminary process of portfolio development, culminating in the identification of artifacts and the creation of descriptions to outline how the artifacts demonstrate achievement of the particular TQS competence, which will be included on the electronic Professional Portfolio. 

The demonstration and discussion of progress and achievement should take place in a three-way conference between the University Consultant, the Teacher Associate, and the Student Teacher. The Professional Portfolio evaluation conferences should be held at the mid-point and end of practicum. They may be led by the Student Teacher and should focus on the Student Teacher’s achievement of the goals set for the semester and the competencies noted in the Formative Assessment and Summative Report (Appendix G).

 Throughout the process of Professional Portfolio development, Student Teachers, Teacher Associates, and University Consultants should be conscious of the Student Teachers’ growth toward achievement of the six (6) competencies that comprise the Alberta Education TQS. Excerpts from the Alberta Education Teaching Quality Standard document can be found in Appendix C. The complete version can be found at: https://www.alberta.ca/professional-practice-standards

The Student Teacher and Teacher Associate determine the teaching schedule for the upcoming week. The Student Teacher is required to submit a copy of the schedule to the University Consultant as per the University Consultant’s direction for the upcoming week. If the schedule changes, the Student Teacher must inform the University Consultant immediately because these schedules are used to plan supervision visits. 

Evaluation of Student Teaching is based upon the TQS (Alberta Education, 2023). The Alberta Education TQS delineates six competencies that must be demonstrated to qualify for interim professional certification and later, permanent professional certification in the province of Alberta. The Alberta Education TQS and related exemplars are included in Appendix C. 

Guidelines for Evaluation Procedures: 

At the mid-point of the practicum (or throughout the practicum), the Teacher Associate will complete the Formative Assessment form. The University Consultant, Teacher Associate and Student Teacher will meet to discuss progress and recommendations. The Formative Assessment form is for feedback only and is not submitted to Field Experiences (see Appendix G).  

Near the end of the practicum, a Summative Report form will be sent via email to the Teacher Associate through DocuSign.  

• The University Consultant, Teacher Associate and Student Teacher will meet to complete the Summative Report(s) for the Final Evaluation of the practicum.  
• The Teacher Associate will complete and sign the form electronically.  
• Once signed, the form will automatically be sent to the Student Teacher for their electronic signature. Upon completion, the form will then automatically be sent to the University Consultant. 
• The University Consultant will determine Pass/Fail and provide their signature electronically.  
• The completed and signed final Summative Report(s) will then automatically be submitted to the Field Experiences office. Discrepancies among the University Consultant, Teacher Associate and Student Teacher evaluations of a practicum should be discussed.  
• If a Student Teacher disagrees with the evaluation, the student must electronically sign the Summative Report to acknowledge seeing it.  
• The Student Teacher should then submit a letter to the Assistant Dean of Field Experiences outlining concerns with the evaluation.  
• The Student Teacher’s letter must be signed by the Teacher Associate and University Consultant to acknowledge reading it. If letters are not signed by all parties, a copy will be sent to each participant with an invitation to respond in writing.
• This response will be attached to the Student Teacher’s Practicum records. 
• Should the University Consultant and the Teacher Associate disagree on the appraisal of the practicum, they should try to come to a mutual understanding and a consensus. If a consensus is not possible, each should submit a Summative Report form by contacting Field Experience office for separate electronic documents, that has been signed by the other to acknowledge reading it.  
• In the final analysis, it is the University Consultant who assigns the practicum grade. 

Student Teachers are strongly encouraged to retain the electronic copy of the Summative Report(s) for their own files and place it in their portfolio (optional) once the Report is discussed and signed. The Summative Report form is completed and signed using the electronic DocuSign system. The document will be sent via email to the Teacher Associate by the Field Experiences Office. 

All practica are graded on a Pass/Fail (P/F) basis. See additional information in Section I: Grading System. 

Failure to Meet Expectations 

Failure to meet expectations in two or more of the categories identified on the Field Experience Summative Report or failure to show sufficient growth in two or more areas on the Formative Assessment may result in a recommendation other than pass (P). Further, students who have violated the professional code of conduct can lead to immediate termination of practicum with a recommendation other than pass (P). 

• When a Student Teacher is identified as failing to meet practicum/internship expectations, the University Consultant will immediately notify the Assistant Dean (Field Experiences) and describe the reasons for the concern. 
• The University Consultant and Teacher Associate will develop a written action plan for the student teacher and will share this information with the student teacher to help them work on overcoming the concerns.  A copy of the action plan must be provided to the student teacher and must be submitted to the Assistant Deans of Student Program Services and Field Experiences. 

Supplementary Supervision 

The University Consultant and Assistant Dean, Field Experiences, will ascertain whether it is appropriate to have a second university supervisor provide supplementary supervision.  

• The role of the supplementary supervisor is consultative to the University Consultant regarding evaluation of the Student Teacher’s performance with respect to Alberta Education TQS competencies if the Teacher Associate and/or University Consultant are not sure, and the Student Teacher needs extra support. 
• Student Teachers who are clearly not meeting expectations in the practicum/internship will not receive supplementary supervision. 
• The role of the second university supervisor may include assistance to the University Consultant in the development and implementation of the action plan as described above and/or determination of the final grade. 

When the deadline for the action plan is reached, the University Consultant and Teacher Associate will meet with the Student Teacher to discuss whether or not the student has successfully completed the practicum. The decision will be shared in writing with the Student Teacher and the Assistant Deans of Student Program Services and Field Experiences. 

PS I and PS II Student Teachers may be reimbursed for transporting fellow semester Student Teachers to assigned schools.  

• Faculty reimbursement to a Student Teacher driver is $0.35 per km for distances in excess of 40 km per return trip.  
• There is no reimbursement for a Student Teacher traveling alone unless special arrangements are made through Field Experiences prior to the practicum. Distances are determined by the University of Lethbridge administration. When PS I and PS II Student Teachers are notified of their confirmed placements, they are also provided with a link to the respective carpool website.  
• All Student Teachers who are willing to drive are asked to register their vehicles on the carpool website by the designated date. 
• Student Teachers in need of a ride to their practicum placement can log in to identify a driver from this website. 
• Student Teachers unable to locate transportation should contact Field Experiences promptly. After PS I and PS II Student Teachers have been notified of their confirmed practicum placements, Field Experiences will email them the Practicum Location and Risk Management Driver Agreement forms electronically.  
• These forms must be completed and submitted to Field Experiences by the date indicated in the email.  
• Once the forms are received by Field Experiences, Students who are driving will be provided with Travel Expense Claim forms, including instructions on completing the forms and dates by which they must be submitted for reimbursement. 

Note: PS III Intern Teachers are not reimbursed for travel, however, those driving to their respective internship placement locations must submit the Risk Management Driver Agreement electronically to Field Experiences prior to beginning their internships. 

All Student Teachers must complete a Practicum Location form. Student Teachers who are placed beyond 200 km from Lethbridge within Zone 6 may qualify for accommodation reimbursement.  

• • Accommodation usually includes room and board arrangements in a private home.  
• • Student Teachers staying in their own home, with members of their immediate family or close relatives, will not receive accommodation reimbursement.  
• • Students must have prior approval from Field Experiences to qualify for accommodation reimbursement. 

All students are required to complete the Governors of The University of Lethbridge Informed Consent, Risk Acknowledgement & Indemnity Agreement of Risks and Indemnity Agreement that will be sent and completed electronically prior to beginning all practica.  

• This agreement is a legal contract between the participant of the practicum and the University of Lethbridge under which the participant agrees to give up, surrender, or abandon, any claim (now or in the future) against the University of Lethbridge with respect to the practicum.  

The faculty and staff of the University of Lethbridge are responsible for reasonably protecting the health and safety of University of Lethbridge students when planning, organizing, and leading University- sanctioned activities, whether on or off-campus, including Education Professional Semester practica. This means that, as much as is possible, the risks associated with activities should be reasonably controlled. 

International placements are currently unavailable.

The Faculty of Education offers field experiences in Education 2500 (EDUC 2500), Professional Semester I (EDUC 3500), Professional Semester II (EDUC 3600), and Professional Semester III (EDUC 457X). This section covers policies and information common to PS I and PS II practica.  The PS III section has additional information. 

General Policies 

These policies are taken from the University Calendar: Faculty of Education. 

• Students must not contact teachers or school administrators with the intent of procuring practicum placements. Field Experiences personnel make all placements. 
• Students must not contact the Teacher Associate(s) prior to the practicum until advised to do so. 
• Practicum placements for PS I and PS II are made within Zone 6 and the Calgary and Foothills areas. 
• Limited PS III placements outside of Zone 6 are subject to the approval of the Assistant Deans of Student Program Services and Field Experience.  
• Students may complete only one practicum/internship with any one Teacher Associate or Teacher Mentor.  
• Normally, a student will not be placed in a school from which he or she graduated. 
• Students will not be placed in schools where close family members are employed or where family members are pupils. 
• Normally, placements in PS I and PS II will differ by one or more grade levels. 
• Students who refuse a placement may be required to withdraw from the practicum and reapply for admission to the Faculty of Education to resume their studies in a subsequent year. 
• Students who do not provide all relevant information at the time a placement is made may be required to withdraw from the practicum and reapply for admission to resume their studies in a subsequent year. 
• Students who provide false information at the time a placement is made may be required to withdraw from the practicum and reapply for admission to resume their studies in a subsequent year. 

During practicum, the following guidelines apply: 

• Student Teachers are to be at school at least 30 minutes before classes commence and expect to stay for the same amount of time after classes are over. Arrival and departure times should be discussed with the Teacher Associate. Dependability and punctuality are essential in the teaching profession. 
• Student Teachers must remain at school at the end of the school day to discuss lessons, to plan lessons, and to participate in duties that are a part of the teacher’s routine including supervision and parent-teacher interviews. 
• Student Teachers are expected to assist the Teacher Associate in daily routines such as marking, supervision, and locating and organizing resources. 
• Student Teachers must develop lesson/unit plans for all lessons they teach. (PSI Student Teachers are not required to complete a unit, rather a sequence of lesson plans for all subjects taught.) Lesson plans must be in the school and available for the Teacher Associate, supervising Administrator, and/or University Consultant to review. Lesson plans should be submitted to, discussed with, and approved by the Teacher Associate well in advance of each lesson. Well in advance is generally interpreted as at least the day before the lesson is to be taught. This will provide the Student Teacher with an opportunity to revise their lessons based on the feedback provided. 
• Student Teachers must be ready to teach lessons in subject areas other than their major or minor depending on the Teacher Associate’s teaching assignment. 
• Resources in the school are available for planning the lessons. Student Teachers are expected to locate and return all resources to their respective places. Resources are not to be taken without permission. Student Teachers may also obtain resources from the University of Lethbridge Curriculum Laboratory, the Alberta Teachers’ Association Library, and the Lethbridge Public Library. 
• Student Teachers are expected to participate as a member of the school staff. For example, Student Teachers are to attend staff meetings and any other professional activities scheduled and are encouraged to assist with extra-curricular activities. 
• Student Teachers must be ready to teach lessons in all subject areas. 
• Student Teachers are encouraged to observe students and teachers in other classes. The various possibilities and opportunities should be discussed first with the Teacher Associate who can assist with making necessary arrangements. 
• The Student Teacher will abide by any expectations that the school may have in respect to dress, grooming, general deportment, and interpersonal conduct with pupils. This may include providing, to the Central Office or School Administrator, an up-to-date Criminal Record Check. These expectations may be best understood from personal observation and consultation with the Administrator and Teacher Associate. 
• Student Teachers will respond to University Consultant communication in a timely manner. Note:  While the Student Teacher should share in supervision with the Teacher Associate(s), the Student Teacher cannot assume legal responsibility for pupil supervision. It is suggested that the Teacher Associate is always available and on the school site for the Student Teachers support. At no time during the practicum can the Student Teacher act as a substitute teacher.  

While not a requirement of the Faculty of Education, school jurisdictions require Student Teachers to present a current (i.e., typically within 3 months) Criminal Record Check (CRC) or Police Information Check (including Vulnerable Sector Check) to the school administrator before being permitted to start the practicum. 

Note: Students are responsible for all associated costs. However, at the beginning of each Professional Semester, students will receive a letter explaining the requirement, which upon submitting to a police detachment may result in a reduced fee for the service. Students are advised to initiate application for the CRC at the beginning of or prior to the start of each Professional Semester to allow for processing (usually 2-6 weeks). 

The Faculty of Education maintains a mandatory attendance policy for on-campus Education classes, practica, and related activities such as workshops. (Also see Appendix D: Attendance Policy – University Sanctioned Activities.) 

For EDUC 2500, students are placed in elementary schools (Divisions I and II). In PS I, students are usually placed in Divisions I or II. In PS II and PS III, students may be placed in any division. 

Divisions are defined as follows: 

• • Division I: K – 3  
• • Division II: 4 – 6 
• • Division III: 7 – 9 
• • Division IV: 10 – 12 

Practicum placements are made throughout Southern Alberta. Students’ acceptance of admission to the Faculty of Education indicates acceptance of a practicum placement in any school located within Zone 6 (See Appendix H) or the Calgary or Foothills areas, where they have indicated that they have free accommodation on the Student Information form.  

Note: Students must be prepared to travel to and/or be temporarily billeted in locations throughout Zone 6. Efforts are made to accommodate students with extraordinary circumstances, provided that they have submitted supporting documentation for the circumstance to be considered in a timely manner.  

** Employment will not normally be considered as an extraordinary circumstance. 

Due to potential conflicts of interest, students will not be placed in schools where close family members (family members that you are in regular communication with) are students, teachers, or administrators. 

Complete and accurate information regarding family members in schools must be provided on the Student Information form (completed for each practicum and the Internship). Should such a situation arise, the student must notify Field Experiences immediately. 

Note: Failure to provide complete and accurate information may result in a student being required to withdraw from the practicum and reapply for admission to resume their studies in a subsequent year. 

Orientation Day occurs near the end of the on-campus courses prior to the commencement of the practicum. This is an opportunity for Student Teachers to visit the school in which they are placed, meet their Teacher Associate and other school staff and students, become familiar with the school, and learn about their teaching assignment and other duties. 

Student Teachers are expected to 

• attend a full orientation day or an alternative day assigned. 
• arrive at the school at least 30 minutes prior to the first bell. 
• introduce themselves to the administrator and other teachers. 
• visit the staff room. 
• tour the school. 
• learn about specific policies in the school (student attendance, supervision, library, technology use, photocopying, and discipline policies). 
• discuss possible teaching assignments with the Teacher Associate.  
• locate teaching resources. • learn about dress codes (teacher and student), professional expectations and responsibilities, and school-wide policies, procedures, routines, and rules. 

For more information, see Appendix E and the applicable Professional Semester Handbooks. 

Students must act with the honesty, integrity and dignity required by the teaching profession and the Faculty of Education. Accordingly, it is expected that all students will adhere to the Standards of Professional Conduct during practica and on-campus courses in the Faculty of Education (see Appendix A and B).

Serious breaches of either of the Codes of Conduct will result in serious consequences, including possible withdrawal from the Faculty of Education.

If a Student Teacher must be absent during practicum, the Student Teacher must notify the Teacher Associate(s) and University Consultant as soon as possible. If unable to contact either the Teacher Associate or the University Consultant, the Student Teacher must telephone Field Experiences (403-329-2259) and leave a message. Typically, illness, inclement weather and school closures are the only acceptable reasons for being absent. If absent, Student Teachers must provide the Teacher Associate(s) with lesson plans for all classes they were assigned to teach. 

During PS I and PS II practica, Student Teachers compile a well-organized and up-to-date logbook. This must be available to be read by the University Consultant and Teacher Associate. The logbook can be a loose-leaf binder or a shared electronic folder containing the following information.  

Note:  Student Teachers are required to maintain confidentiality and anonymity within their logbook, adhering to FOIP and PIPA Guidelines. 

General Information: 

• Student Teacher: Name, contact information, brief autobiography. 
• School: school name, address, phone number, email address, school map, school-wide policies, location of classroom, brief description of school. 
• Supervisors: Names and contact information for Administrator, Teacher Associate, University Consultant. 
• Classes: Class organization, seating plan(s), and rules, routines, procedures. 
• Timetable. 

Lesson Plans:  

• Filed according to subject area, and class, and in the order taught. 
• Written reflective critiques/self-assessments of all lessons. Indicate: (a) how you felt about the lesson; (b) what went well and why, or what went poorly and why; and (c) what might be done to change or improve the lesson. 
• Copies of materials used for each lesson can be included in the logbook or kept in a separate, orderly electronic folder or binder. Reference information concerning electronic resources used should be filed together with lesson materials. 

Assessment and Evaluation Reports: 

• Copies of observation notes by supervisors (Teacher Associate, University Consultant, School Administrators) 
• Copies of Formative Assessments and Summative Evaluation Reports by the Teacher Associate and by the University Consultant (Appendix G). 

Other: 

• Journal entries – daily/weekly reflections. 
• Observation notes – Student Teacher’s notes from all lessons observed. 
• Collection of useful ideas and resources. 

Student Teachers and Intern Teachers are required to engage in self-reflection and collaborative evaluation through Professional Portfolio development. The portfolio development process engages students in a cycle of reflection, goal setting, working toward those goals and collecting evidence of achievement. 

The Professional Learning Tool should be used to promote reflection about the Teaching Quality Standard (TQS) competencies and to set goals for professional growth. This will support the preliminary process of portfolio development, culminating in the identification of artifacts and the creation of descriptions to outline how the artifacts demonstrate achievement of the particular TQS competence, which will be included on the electronic Professional Portfolio. 

The demonstration and discussion of progress and achievement should take place in a three-way conference between the University Consultant, the Teacher Associate, and the Student Teacher. The Professional Portfolio evaluation conferences should be held at the mid-point and end of practicum. They may be led by the Student Teacher and should focus on the Student Teacher’s achievement of the goals set for the semester and the competencies noted in the Formative Assessment and Summative Report (Appendix G).

 Throughout the process of Professional Portfolio development, Student Teachers, Teacher Associates, and University Consultants should be conscious of the Student Teachers’ growth toward achievement of the six (6) competencies that comprise the Alberta Education TQS. Excerpts from the Alberta Education Teaching Quality Standard document can be found in Appendix C. The complete version can be found at: https://www.alberta.ca/professional-practice-standards

The Student Teacher and Teacher Associate determine the teaching schedule for the upcoming week. The Student Teacher is required to submit a copy of the schedule to the University Consultant as per the University Consultant’s direction for the upcoming week. If the schedule changes, the Student Teacher must inform the University Consultant immediately because these schedules are used to plan supervision visits. 

Evaluation of Student Teaching is based upon the TQS (Alberta Education, 2023). The Alberta Education TQS delineates six competencies that must be demonstrated to qualify for interim professional certification and later, permanent professional certification in the province of Alberta. The Alberta Education TQS and related exemplars are included in Appendix C. 

Guidelines for Evaluation Procedures: 

At the mid-point of the practicum (or throughout the practicum), the Teacher Associate will complete the Formative Assessment form. The University Consultant, Teacher Associate and Student Teacher will meet to discuss progress and recommendations. The Formative Assessment form is for feedback only and is not submitted to Field Experiences (see Appendix G).  

Near the end of the practicum, a Summative Report form will be sent via email to the Teacher Associate through DocuSign.  

• The University Consultant, Teacher Associate and Student Teacher will meet to complete the Summative Report(s) for the Final Evaluation of the practicum.  
• The Teacher Associate will complete and sign the form electronically.  
• Once signed, the form will automatically be sent to the Student Teacher for their electronic signature. Upon completion, the form will then automatically be sent to the University Consultant. 
• The University Consultant will determine Pass/Fail and provide their signature electronically.  
• The completed and signed final Summative Report(s) will then automatically be submitted to the Field Experiences office. Discrepancies among the University Consultant, Teacher Associate and Student Teacher evaluations of a practicum should be discussed.  
• If a Student Teacher disagrees with the evaluation, the student must electronically sign the Summative Report to acknowledge seeing it.  
• The Student Teacher should then submit a letter to the Assistant Dean of Field Experiences outlining concerns with the evaluation.  
• The Student Teacher’s letter must be signed by the Teacher Associate and University Consultant to acknowledge reading it. If letters are not signed by all parties, a copy will be sent to each participant with an invitation to respond in writing.
• This response will be attached to the Student Teacher’s Practicum records. 
• Should the University Consultant and the Teacher Associate disagree on the appraisal of the practicum, they should try to come to a mutual understanding and a consensus. If a consensus is not possible, each should submit a Summative Report form by contacting Field Experience office for separate electronic documents, that has been signed by the other to acknowledge reading it.  
• In the final analysis, it is the University Consultant who assigns the practicum grade. 

Student Teachers are strongly encouraged to retain the electronic copy of the Summative Report(s) for their own files and place it in their portfolio (optional) once the Report is discussed and signed. The Summative Report form is completed and signed using the electronic DocuSign system. The document will be sent via email to the Teacher Associate by the Field Experiences Office. 

All practica are graded on a Pass/Fail (P/F) basis. See additional information in Section I: Grading System. 

Failure to Meet Expectations 

Failure to meet expectations in two or more of the categories identified on the Field Experience Summative Report or failure to show sufficient growth in two or more areas on the Formative Assessment may result in a recommendation other than pass (P). Further, students who have violated the professional code of conduct can lead to immediate termination of practicum with a recommendation other than pass (P). 

• When a Student Teacher is identified as failing to meet practicum/internship expectations, the University Consultant will immediately notify the Assistant Dean (Field Experiences) and describe the reasons for the concern. 
• The University Consultant and Teacher Associate will develop a written action plan for the student teacher and will share this information with the student teacher to help them work on overcoming the concerns.  A copy of the action plan must be provided to the student teacher and must be submitted to the Assistant Deans of Student Program Services and Field Experiences. 

Supplementary Supervision 

The University Consultant and Assistant Dean, Field Experiences, will ascertain whether it is appropriate to have a second university supervisor provide supplementary supervision.  

• The role of the supplementary supervisor is consultative to the University Consultant regarding evaluation of the Student Teacher’s performance with respect to Alberta Education TQS competencies if the Teacher Associate and/or University Consultant are not sure, and the Student Teacher needs extra support. 
• Student Teachers who are clearly not meeting expectations in the practicum/internship will not receive supplementary supervision. 
• The role of the second university supervisor may include assistance to the University Consultant in the development and implementation of the action plan as described above and/or determination of the final grade. 

When the deadline for the action plan is reached, the University Consultant and Teacher Associate will meet with the Student Teacher to discuss whether or not the student has successfully completed the practicum. The decision will be shared in writing with the Student Teacher and the Assistant Deans of Student Program Services and Field Experiences. 

PS I and PS II Student Teachers may be reimbursed for transporting fellow semester Student Teachers to assigned schools.  

• Faculty reimbursement to a Student Teacher driver is $0.35 per km for distances in excess of 40 km per return trip.  
• There is no reimbursement for a Student Teacher traveling alone unless special arrangements are made through Field Experiences prior to the practicum. Distances are determined by the University of Lethbridge administration. When PS I and PS II Student Teachers are notified of their confirmed placements, they are also provided with a link to the respective carpool website.  
• All Student Teachers who are willing to drive are asked to register their vehicles on the carpool website by the designated date. 
• Student Teachers in need of a ride to their practicum placement can log in to identify a driver from this website. 
• Student Teachers unable to locate transportation should contact Field Experiences promptly. After PS I and PS II Student Teachers have been notified of their confirmed practicum placements, Field Experiences will email them the Practicum Location and Risk Management Driver Agreement forms electronically.  
• These forms must be completed and submitted to Field Experiences by the date indicated in the email.  
• Once the forms are received by Field Experiences, Students who are driving will be provided with Travel Expense Claim forms, including instructions on completing the forms and dates by which they must be submitted for reimbursement. 

Note: PS III Intern Teachers are not reimbursed for travel, however, those driving to their respective internship placement locations must submit the Risk Management Driver Agreement electronically to Field Experiences prior to beginning their internships. 

All Student Teachers must complete a Practicum Location form. Student Teachers who are placed beyond 200 km from Lethbridge within Zone 6 may qualify for accommodation reimbursement.  

• • Accommodation usually includes room and board arrangements in a private home.  
• • Student Teachers staying in their own home, with members of their immediate family or close relatives, will not receive accommodation reimbursement.  
• • Students must have prior approval from Field Experiences to qualify for accommodation reimbursement. 

All students are required to complete the Governors of The University of Lethbridge Informed Consent, Risk Acknowledgement & Indemnity Agreement of Risks and Indemnity Agreement that will be sent and completed electronically prior to beginning all practica.  

• This agreement is a legal contract between the participant of the practicum and the University of Lethbridge under which the participant agrees to give up, surrender, or abandon, any claim (now or in the future) against the University of Lethbridge with respect to the practicum.  

The faculty and staff of the University of Lethbridge are responsible for reasonably protecting the health and safety of University of Lethbridge students when planning, organizing, and leading University- sanctioned activities, whether on or off-campus, including Education Professional Semester practica. This means that, as much as is possible, the risks associated with activities should be reasonably controlled. 

International placements are currently unavailable.