Program Handbook
View 2025-26 Teacher Education Stream Handbook
Field Experience Course Steps and Paperwork
1. Obtain a Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC)
Most placement locations will require you to have a Vulnerable Sector Check (this is not the same as a Criminal Record Check; the VSC is more in-depth). You will need to obtain this prior to going out on placement, and it is the responsibility of the placement organization, if applicable, to verify that you have the necessary documentation for their setting. Below is a letter that you can use to approach the local police in your home municipality in order to obtain a Vulnerable Sector Check. When applying, be sure to carefully review the guidelines of your home police station with regards to requesting a VSC for a volunteer vs a paid position. Many police stations do not consider a university placement to be volunteer, regardless of whether you are getting paid or not.
Please note that this letter will NOT be of any use if your home address has a postal code starting with letter "M" (i.e. your home police, in that case, is the Toronto Police Services, as they have a very different process). If you have a home postal code starting with "M", please email Mackenzie Condon (tesadmin@trentu.ca) to seek assistance OR if you have any ID with a Peterborough address, but primarily based in Toronto, you may attempt to obtain your VSC with the Peterborough Police. Please note that your home address is determined by your primary mailing address. If you have shifted your main mailing address to Peterborough or Oshawa when coming to university, you may be able to acquire the VSC from the Peterborough or Durham police.
Download the Vulnerable Sector Check Letter
2. Seek Out a Placement
- General examples of possible experiential placements
- A more specific list of where TES students are currently doing placements, and some important notes: Placement Ideas & Notes 2025-26
The letter below can assist in explaining your purpose in finding a 30-hour placement. If you are seeking a placement in a school, it is particularly important that you include this letter in your initial contact. It is critical that schools are aware you are an undergraduate student, and not a teacher candidate in the 2-year B.Ed program.
Introductory Letter for Placement Host
3. Complete and Submit a Placement Proposal
In coordination with your placement host, complete the Placement Proposal Form below. When complete, submit to tesadmin@trentu.ca (scan or take a photo) for approval, at least 1 week prior to starting your placement. Please do not commence a placement prior to the School of Education confirming approval by email.
4. Attend a Mandatory Workshop
You will sign up for your workshop by choosing one of the available timeslots, and these will all be virtual options. Please watch your email for further information, along with registration links and deadlines.
5. Complete and Submit a Placement Evaluation
Upon completing placement, have your placement host fill out and sign the Placement Evaluation Form below. When complete, submit to tesadmin@trentu.ca (scan or take a photo). This submission will complete your requirements for the placement credit.
6. Write and Submit a Reflection Paper
You will write a short reflection paper on your placement experience, and submit this on Blackboard. Please see Blackboard for more detailed information.
Looking Ahead to Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) Admission Requirements
- Review the information provided in the 2025-26 Teacher Education Stream Handbook (beginning on pages 10 and 17)
- Review the webpage here: B.Ed Admission Requirements and Information
- Review the Teaching Subject Guide to ensure you have the appropriate credits for Teaching Subjects in the I/S divisions.
Contact Information
Phone: 705-748-1011 x 7564
Email: tesadmin@trentu.ca