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Course Description

Establish your foundation as a leader by developing core competencies that build strong school communities, foster collaboration, and cultivate meaningful partnerships with diverse stakeholders.

Examine the role of school leaders as relationship builders, and explore leadership theories, models, and strategies that support effective stakeholder collaboration among principals, teachers, students, families, and community members. 

Engage in discussions, case scenarios, and applied activities to strengthen your ability to lead school-community relations effectively.

By the end of this course, you will have begun building your leadership portfolio and personal resource archive, aligning your professional growth with the Ontario Leadership Framework (OLF) and the evolving demands of school leadership.

 

This course is the first of three leading to PQP Part I qualification.

Learner Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to: 

  • Examine the roles of school leaders, teachers, staff, families, and stakeholders in co-creating an effective and inclusive school environment.
  • Analyze historical, legislative, educational, and social justice factors that shape engagement within the school and the wider community.
  • Reflect on personal leadership strengths and areas for growth in building strong school and community relationships.
  • Apply strategies, protocols, and measurable processes that foster a culture of shared responsibility, safety, collaboration, and accountability.
  • Develop decision-making, problem-solving, and crisis management strategies that support effective school leadership.
  • Explore approaches that foster professional growth for individuals and strengthen collective learning within the school community.

Notes

✅ Technical Requirements:
A computer with a camera, headphones/speakers, microphone, and high-speed internet is required to access OISE course materials and resources.

✅ Master of Education (MEd) Candidates:
OISE MEd candidates in the Educational Leadership & Policy Program may take:

  • Phase One (Course 1-3) as elective LHA1060

  • Phase Two (Course 4) as elective LHA1061

Approval from Dr. Karen Acton, Program Coordinator, is required to pursue this pathway. Admission to these courses is separate from the MEd Program and is subject to approval by OISE Continuing and Professional Learning.

For details about the Educational Leadership & Policy MEd, contact the Department of Leadership, Higher & Adult Education.

Prerequisites

Before registering, please ensure that you meet the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT) prerequisites for the Principal’s Qualification Program (PQP) Part 1:

✅ OCT Official Prerequisites
✅ PQP Prerequisite Infographic

  • Education qualifications will be reviewed via your OCT public profile.
  • Teaching Experience must be verified by a Supervisory Officer (Principal’s signature not accepted).
  • Leadership Practicum & Mentor Requirement:

    • Candidates must submit a Leadership Practicum Proposal before completing Course 3: PQP-IL3.

    • The practicum must be school-based and mentored by an OCT-certified, practicing principal or vice-principal.

    • Candidates must secure their own mentor before registering. OISE CPL cannot assist with mentor identification.

Recommendations

  • Successful completion of this course represents Course 1 of 3 towards the Principal's Qualification Program Part 1
  • Upon successful completion of Course 3 of 3:
    • Qualified candidates will be recommended to the OCT for the PQP Part 1 qualification.
    • A Certificate of Completion will be awarded from OISE Continuing & Professional Learning at the University of Toronto.

Applies Towards the Following Certificates

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Application

Name
Education Leaders PQP: Phase 1
Enroll Now - Select a section to enroll in
Section Title
PQP1.1: Essential Leadership in Education
Type
Online
Dates
Jan 15, 2026 to Mar 05, 2026
Total Hours
42.0
Delivery Options
Online  
Course Fee(s)
PK12 Course Fee non-credit $365.00 Click here to get more information
Section Notes

DEADLINE TO REGISTER: JANUARY 5, 2026 AT 11:59 P.M. EST - LATE REGISTRATION BEYOND THIS DEADLINE MAY BE AVAILABLE IF SPACE PERMITS.

Format: Online - Asynchronous with Recommended Synchronous Sessions 

This session will run for 7 weeks. Your learning will take the form of in-depth online discussions as well as group and individual assignments. Learners will be expected to engage in approximately 6 contact hours of learning per week for a total of 42 hours. 

Withdrawal & Refund Policy

  • Requests for withdrawal received by the registration deadline will receive a full refund.
  • Requests made after this date will only be considered for extenuating circumstances and require further review and documentation.
  • If approved, a refund for the course fee (minus a $50 administrative) fee will be processed.

Please review the withdrawal, refund and transfer policy under Resources > OISE CPL Registration Policies on our website. 

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