COVID-19 Related FAQ

A Message from the Dean of Education, Teaching and Learning: Dr. Cathy Bruce

Due to the efforts at Trent University and beyond to flatten the COVID-19 transmission curve, many quick modifications to K-12 and post-secondary education have been put in place. The situation is being monitored closely and we are responding as flexibly and thoughtfully as possible. Below are questions and answers that Teacher Candidates in the B.Ed. program may find useful. As these FAQs are updated, the date stamp for each question will also be updated.

• General Questions for all B.Ed. Teacher Candidates
• Questions Specific to Year 2 TCs
• Questions Specific to Year 1 TCs
• Questions Specific to Those Starting the B.Ed. Program in September 2020

General Questions for all B.Ed. Teacher Candidates

Q: What is the status of Professional Events Week this year?
A: No in-person events are being held at Trent University, nor The School of Education. We are currently planning a one-day online substitution for several important sessions that will take place on Tuesday, April 14.  More details on this event will be made available shortly.
» Updated March 24, 2020

Q: What is the status of the Math Proficiency Test (MPT)?
A: We hope to share news with you very soon on the status of the MPT. We will let you know as soon as we have more information.
» Updated March 24, 2020

Q: What is the status of the Alternative Settings Placement (ASP)?
A: For Teacher Candidates already in the B.Ed. program (those who began in 2017, 2018 or 2019), the ASP has been cancelled and is being waived as a requirement for current TCs. This does NOT apply to those entering the program in September 2020.  For those TCs who have already completed their placement through a SOE organized placement with a faculty member, the School of Education will provide a certificate of completion. Those who already completed their placement with an external agency or organization should have received a summative form that demonstrates completion.
» Updated March 24, 2020

Q: If I have already started my ASP and I wish to continue it, is that okay?
A: If it is possible to continue your ASP remotely (ie- not in person), then you may do so at this time if you wish.  However, if you are a Year 2 TC, the ASP cannot continue past May 8, 2020 (when your degree will be conferred).  No in-person placements should be happening at this time under any circumstances.
» Updated March 24, 2020

Q: How does the current situation impact alternate-schedule Teacher Candidates?
A: Please contact Adrian Ash (adrianash@trentu.ca); each situation is specific to the details of the individual schedule.
» Updated March 24, 2020

Q: Will I have any further responsibilities related to my practicum that has just ended unexpectedly?
A: As schools in Ontario were declared closed, it became clear that Teacher Candidates would not be returning to practicum. With the University then declaring that all placements were terminated, it also followed that even if schools reopen two weeks after the March break ended, it did not make sense to have Teacher Candidates return to their school placements. For this academic year, Teacher Candidates will not have any further practicum teaching responsibilities.  However, any marking of student work that you already had in your possession should be completed and shared electronically with your Associate Teacher. This should NOT involve meeting nor going to the school to drop materials off. Any physical materials or property that you have that belongs to the school should be returned AFTER schools have returned to session and we have given you a green light to do so. The same applies to picking up any belongings of yours that may still be at the school.
» Updated March 24, 2020

Questions Specific to Year 2 TCs

Q: Will there be an impact on my program completion timeline?
A: For those on regular schedules (who have completed Blocks A, B, C and the first three weeks of Block D), we do not anticipate that your program completion will be delayed in any way.  Previous communications you have received (from Program Manager Adrian Ash) related to the timeline for your degree to be conferred and for you to be recommended to the OCT still apply.
» Updated March 24, 2020

Q: Will I still be able to get my transcript from Trent without delay upon completion of my B.Ed. program?
A: The Registrar's Office at Trent has made arrangements to continue production of transcripts with minimal added delay.  As such, at any time on or after May 8, 2020 (i.e.,- after your degree has been conferred), you can request a transcript through myTrent to be sent directly to the Ontario College of Teachers.  We continue to strongly recommend that the transcript request be made through myTrent and not through OUAC.
» Updated March 24, 2020

Q: Will there be a graduation ceremony this year?
A: As of this moment, the university has not made a final decision regarding the June Convocation ceremonies.  However, if it is not possible to move ahead with a ceremony on campus in June, we will investigate other options for either having a ceremony later, or remotely.  We will update you as more information becomes available.
» Updated March 24, 2020

Q: Will I still be able to take Additional Qualification AQs in the spring term this year?
A: Online AQ, ABQ and PQP courses are continuing as scheduled. Trent offers a wide range of online courses for those who are interested. Please note that all components of your BEd Program need to be completed and you have to be a member of OCT in good standing by the end of your course.
» Updated March 24, 2020

Q: Can I be graduated and have my degree conferred prior to March 31, in order to avoid the Math Proficiency Test (MPT) implementation rule regarding individuals who graduate on or after that date needing to complete the testing?
A: The Trent University B.Ed. program is required to follow the program timeline as outlined in our official documentation. Teacher Candidates completing the program this spring will have their degrees conferred at the same time as we have communicated previously (May 8).
» Updated March 24, 2020

Questions Specific to Year 1 TCs

Q: If I wish to participate in an Alternative Settings Placement (ASP) next year, can I do so?
A: The ASP is no longer a requirement for your cohort year (ie- those who entered the program in September 2019), so you are not required to do this.  However, once the university is back in session, and once we have permission for ASPs to run again, then it may be possible for you to do that ASP at that time.  However, please note that any ASP you participate in would need to be completed prior to your degree being conferred, which will take place on the week of May 3-7, 2021.
» Updated March 24, 2020

Q: I lost 3 weeks of practicum; will there be an impact on my schedule for next year?
A: We cannot be certain of the impact on next year's schedule at this time. This largely depends on when schools return to session, and what (if any) limiting circumstances might be imposed on how schools will be doing business upon their return.  We are very hopeful that the next academic year will resume normal programming and activity. Our goal at all times will be to work to ensure that your program quality and completion date are not impacted.  We will update you on specifics as we are able to do so.
» Updated March 24, 2020

Q: What will happen if access to campus remains disrupted in the fall?
A: Although we cannot outline specific program details at this time, the School of Education is already launching into contingency planning to enable everyone to move forward with their program regardless of the situation with respect to campus access.
» Updated March 24, 2020

Questions Specific to Those Starting the B.Ed. Program in September 2020

Q: How does the current situation impact my steps between now and September (see the list of steps on the B.Ed. Accept - Next Steps page)?
A: Most of the steps can be completed remotely, so there will be little impact.  We are considering different options for Orientation Day, which is scheduled for June 19. We will keep you up-to-date, as information becomes available. We are also extending the deadline for you to provide us with your Vulnerable Sector Screening to July 31, given the current social and physical distancing circumstances. We are also investigating the timeline for the TB Test, in light of whether this is an appropriate allocation of medical resources at this time. Please stay tuned.
» Updated March 24, 2020

Q: How will this situation potentially impact my classes and schedule for next year?
A: We are actively investigating many options that will enable us to maintain an outstanding program while bringing more flexibility to how we deliver that program as needed. We continue to anticipate a healthy and productive fall term at Trent and in Ontario.
» Updated March 24, 2020

Q: I have not yet completed the credits required for my undergraduate degree.  If I am not able to do so due to the circumstances related to this situation, will I still be allowed to commence the B.Ed. program on condition of later completion of my undergraduate credits?
A: We are currently investigating this question, in order to offer the most flexibility possible in recognition of the challenges that are taking place.
» Updated March 24, 2020