32 How long is the Practicum?

Elementary Education

• Pre-Practicum & Practicum – must be in grades 1-6

Early Childhood

• Pre-Practicum – 4 weeks in either kindergarten, 1st, or 2nd grades
• Practicum – 8 weeks of either grades 1st or 2nd grades and then 4 weeks in kindergarten

The Pre-Practicum is full day, Monday – Friday over a 4 week period and a minimum of 80 hours.

Students immediately move into the Practicum phase as soon as the pre-practicum is over. Students attend a seminar weekly to reflect on their experience in the classroom

In the Practicum students must attend full day, Monday – Friday over a 12 week period and a minimum of 300 hours.

Please note you cannot have more than 9 credits outstanding when you start your Practicum and no EDU courses.

Pre-Practicum
Prior to student teaching (practicum), a student must complete a supervised pre-practicum in a public elementary school. Pre-practicum is a field-based experience, is preparatory for student teaching, and is part of the senior year experience. Placement is done in conjunction with the Education Department, public school and central office of a school district. In order to qualify for a placement, the student must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 (B) or better, must pass all required MTEL exams, must be in good standing at the University, must complete a CORI (Criminal Offense Records Investigation) check, and any other requirements as mandated by a school district. As part of the pre-practicum experience, the student will participate in a weekly seminar session with a program supervisor.

Practicum (Student Teaching)
Practicum is a field-based experience in a public elementary school, supervised jointly by a public school teacher and college supervisor. Practicum is part of the senior year experience and is a full-time commitment. Practicum hours are earned over a 12-week period; students must complete a minimum of 300 hours. Placement is done in conjunction with the Education Department, public school, and central office of a school district. In order to qualify for a placement, the student must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 (B) or better, must pass all required MTEL exams, must have successfully completed pre-practicum, must be in good standing at the University, must complete a CORI (Criminal Offense Records Investigation) check, and any other requirements as mandated by a school district. As part of the practicum experience, the student will participate in a weekly seminar session with a program supervisor. It is recommended that Bay Path students do not take courses or hold employment during the practicum semester.