Associate Teacher Incentive Program

Associate Teacher Award
The Schulich School of Education appreciates the vital role that associate teachers play in modeling excellence in teaching and professionalism. While mentoring teacher candidates is a rewarding experience, it is also a tremendous commitment and responsibility. In an effort to recognize exemplary associate teachers, an Associate Teacher Award was established in 2013. Each year, four teachers are selected by the Practicum Committee to receive this award. For the 2024/25 academic year, six associate teachers have been awarded the Associate Teacher Award.
2024-2025 Award Winner
After an overwhelming of nominations submitted by teacher candidate, the Practicum Committee selected the following nominees to receive the Associate Teacher Award:
- Nathan MacLean(Near North District School Board)
- Caitlin Briggs (The Hill Academy)
- Jill Benforte (Greater Essex County District School Board)
- Alison Sinclair (Ottawa Carleton District School Board)
- Jessica Smith (Waterloo Region District School Board)
- Meena Johal ( Halton District School Board)
On June 16, 2025, Dr. Kristen Ferguson, Associate Dean of Education (Interim), Dr. Todd Horton, Chair of Education, and Sandra Minor, Practicum Officer, had the pleasure of meeting with Nathan MacLean at Northern Secondary School, to present him with his Associate Teacher Award. This was Nathan's first year to accept a teacher candidate and he was very humbled and appreciative of the recognition. The year one teacher candidate who nominated Nathan, described how Nathan made them feel like a part of his classroom and the broader school community. Nathan's focus on positive mentorship helped his teacher candidate believe in themself and helped to solidify their decision to pursue a career in teaching. It is associate teachers, such as Nathan MacLean, who exemplify the positive impact they can have on aspiring teachers, providing a space for a teacher candidate to explore, challenge themself, and gain an enriched understanding and appreciation of their role as a future classroom teacher.

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Become an Associate Teacher
Learn more about responsibilities and requirements to become an associate teacher.

Practicum I & II
Learn how you will gain practical, hands-on experience through 19 weeks of practicum in a variety of Ontario classrooms.