This practicum experience is an opportunity for preservice teachers to further develop teaching competencies. With the support of the mentor teacher and practicum advisor, preservice teachers will gain experience in planning and teaching lessons and units, differentiating instruction to meet the diverse learning needs of students, organize and maintain a positive classroom environment, and continue to refine the skills in planning and conducting assessment of student learning. 

See the EDUC 4500 Practicum Overview for further information.

To be a mentor teacher you must have:

• your Bachelor of Education (or equivalent)

• your permanent teacher certification 

• a minimum three years of successful teaching experience 

• support of the school administration

If you are hosting practicum students across multiple programs, please contact edpracticum@rdpolytech.ca for discussion.

The benefits of being a mentor teacher:

• support for your students

• impact the future

• professional growth

• leadership development

Review the following document for Types of Mentorship and Support.

Review the EDUC 4500 Guidelines and Expectations for further information.

Please review the EDUC 4500 Professional Growth Plan.

Please review the following documents:

EDUC 4500 Final Evaluation 

Suggested Language to Support Preservice Teacher Development

Completing Final Evaluation (Guidelines for 4500)

If a Notice of Concern (NOC) is completed if the pre-service teacher is at risk of failing or receiving a poor evaluation, not meeting expectations. For further information about this process, please click here.

• Due to the fluid nature of Field Experience placements for Educational Assistant and BEd students across the province, RDP Instructors and Practicum Advisors may engage in virtual observation and support conversations with mentors and RDP students. The virtual observations and conversations will be in place of conducting in-person visits to the school in areas outside of Red Deer. 

• For further information, please   click here.

• Alberta Teaching Quality Standard

• Alberta Teachers' Association 'Taking Flight' Field Experience Support

• Suggested Language to Support Preservice Teacher Development 

• ATA Online tool to support learning of the competencies

• Key Education Resources (Professional Resources) 

• Hozebin, C. C. (2018). Structured Post-Observation Conversations and Their Influence on Teachers’ Self-Reflection and Practice. Delta Kappa Gamma Bulletin, 85(1), 45–58.

• Observation and Feedback Template

• B.Ed Student FAQ