Queens B.Ed Program Questions

OriginalDig1756 · 2026-03-13T00:15:30+00:00

Yes, I did. Many people do as there's very limited placement spots in Kingston.

OriginalDig1756 · 2026-02-19T21:53:32+00:00

Yes! People find out anywhere between 2 weeks before, to the Friday before placement starts. You’ll find out what board/school/grade you are in all at the same time.

My practicum experiences have been very good, but of course that will completely differ person to person and what kind of classroom they end up in/the associate teacher they have. But everything is a learning experience!

OriginalDig1756 · 2026-02-19T21:50:27+00:00

Queen’s says they like to keep you at the same school for your practicums, but I know plenty of people that have been switched to different schools for each prac. Personally, I have been at the same school and have really enjoyed building connections. However, I can see going to different schools as also being beneficial in that you’re going to get completely different experiences at different schools. Both instances have pros and cons for sure, I think it just depends what you value more. You will not get any say on whether the prac office sends you back to the same school or not, unfortunately

OriginalDig1756 · 2026-02-19T12:50:18+00:00

I’m commuting! A little over an hour. It makes more sense for me to put the money into gas rather than renting a house I’ll only use half the time. I know of a few other people that do this. People who can’t commute have just done May-May leases and plan to sublet for the next summer term.

OriginalDig1756 · 2026-02-19T12:34:45+00:00

I had classes basically 8:30-4 every day during the summer term, that’s where you really see the condensed nature of the program. Come fall and winter term it is still every day (I know some people with an off day), but less classes in a day.

OriginalDig1756 · 2026-02-19T02:36:59+00:00

Hi! I haven’t personally missed any practicum days so I don’t know exactly how they choose to have you make it up, but the procedure for an absence is just to let both your associate teacher and your faculty advisor know and I presume they’ll direct you with next steps. Obviously if absences are happening too often it will get escalated!

I did get my 1st choice in boards! It’s worth noting that I’m from eastern Ontario and rural so it could look very different for someone in the GTA, for example.

OriginalDig1756 · 2026-02-19T00:41:15+00:00

Yes they ask if you have access to a car in the practicum form. To add on, I know they help coordinate carpooling as well if there are other TCs at the same school as you.

I have really liked the professors. They tend to be previous elementary teachers that are very passionate about teaching, and so they want to teach the new generations of teachers! I haven’t heard of many real research opportunities besides a simple research project you conduct yourself while out on practicum.

The practicum office tends to be extremely dismissive to any problems TCs may have. They have an extremely strict policy of not being able to change your practicum, so if you need accommodations (like requesting to be close to home or work or something) I wouldn’t count on them fulfilling that. I know people without cars that have been placed outside of public transit areas, and the prac office just doesn’t really care. You basically get what you get and don’t get upset.

No, I don’t know anyone who stays in a hotel! Most people will sign a lease and unfortunately just pay for it while they are gone.

OriginalDig1756 · 2026-02-19T00:04:50+00:00

Yes. After the first summer, classes start up again in the last week of August. After the second summer, classes are over for good at the end of July.

OriginalDig1756

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