Practicum Orientation for Potential Field Instructors

Purpose of the Practicum

The development of social work competence is primary objective of the Master of Social Work (MSW) Program at the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work (FIFSW), University of Toronto. Graduates, employers and educators credit field education as one of the most important elements of social work education programs.  An experiential form of teaching and learning, it is achieved through the provision and / or development of services to clients, communities, organizations or the larger society. Social service, education and health organizations voluntarily demonstrate their commitment to social work education by offering practicums where knowledge is integrated with practice, and social work competence can be developed.

The Practicum Office coordinates and supports the activities of the various stakeholders in order to ensure that FIFSW students have the opportunity to develop competence in social work. For detailed information on the Practicum at FIFSW, please refer to the Practicum Manual. Please make yourself familiar with it. Summary links are below in this document.

Matching Process

All FIFSW students signed the Code of Conduct at admission. Please find more information at:

• Practicum Guidelines and Procedures
• Academic Integrity

Students are advised, if accommodations are required, to register as soon as possible with Accessibility Services and obtain a letter outlining the accommodations required for their practicum.

The FIFSW Practicum Office will work with students to locate a practicum supervisor who meets the Field Instruction Standards. Field instructors are also encouraged to e-mail Practicum Office with their practicum offer at any time. Practicums are posted on our Practicum Administration System (PAS). Field instructors are provided a password to access their profile with their practicum offer, and describe the requirements such as driver’s license, a car, evening and/or weekend hours.

Students and potential field instructors must submit an Employment-Based Practicum Application to be considered for a practicum in a place of employment.

Learning/Safety Checklist, Learning Contract, Mid-term and Final Evaluation

The Learning and Safety Checklist (PDF) is due on Day 2 of the practicum. It is completed by the student and field instructor, and submitted to Practicum Office.

The Learning Contract (PDF), due on Day 15 of the practicum, is completed by the student and field instructor, and e-mailed to the Faculty-Field Liaison. Students and field instructors are encouraged to review the evaluation tool (PDF) when developing their learning contract.

The online evaluation tool (PDF) is completed on the PAS at mid-term and on the final day of practicum.

Professional Development

Our valued field instructors are informed of professional development opportunities.  The scheduled sessions are listed on the Field Instructor Professional Development Schedule. These sessions may be considered for OCSWSSW Continuing Competence Program hours.

See the Courses and Professional Development page for other professional development opportunities.

Other Benefits

Field instructors can take advantage of many benefits, including:

• Access to U of T library online collection while they are a field instructor.
• 10% discount on designated courses offered through the School of Continuing Studies, University of Toronto.
• Discount on U of T Sports and Recreation memberships.
• Adjunct Lecturer Appointment with a commitment of three consecutive years recognition of the agency as a partner organization on our website.

See the Benefits page for more details.