Petition addressed to: The administration of the McGill Faculty of Education, including the ISA Office, the Associate Dean of Undergraduate Programs, and the faculty leadership responsible for field placements.

Student teachers commit to a full-time, unpaid, 3-month placement, during which we are unable to work and must cover transportation and living expenses without any compensation. Given these conditions, it is crucial that all students receive fair treatment, clear protections, and transparent processes.
Recently, situations have occurred in which students were removed from their placements based solely on a single cooperating teacher’s claims, without evidence, without a formal evaluation, without follow-up observation, and without a meaningful opportunity to respond.
This has resulted in significant emotional, academic, and financial harm, including students being forced to retake entire semesters or extend their studies at their own expense.
These cases reveal major gaps in the current system, including the absence of an appeal process, the possibility of biased or discriminatory decisions, and the concentration of excessive decision-making power in the hands of a single individual.
This is not compatible with McGill’s commitments to equity, professionalism, and student well-being.

We request the following changes:

1. A multi-step review before removal from a placement, including:

• a documented meeting,
• an observation by a neutral second evaluator,
• a written decision provided to the student.

2. An independent field placement ombudsperson to review removals, address potential bias, ensure fair procedures, and support student's well-being and mental health.

3. Mandatory anti-bias, anti-racism, and equity training for all cooperating teachers.

4. Financial protections for student teachers, such as travel compensation, tuition coverage when removal is not evidence-based, and exploration of paid internship models.

5. Clear criteria for removal, defining valid grounds (documented behaviour) and invalid grounds (personal discomfort, unsupported suspicion, or bias).

6. A formal appeal process allowing students to challenge removal decisions before their academic progression is affected.