Course
PQP-EL1
PQP1.1: Essential Leadership in Education
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.
Learning Outcomes
Candidates who successfully complete this course 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.
Status
Course can be applied towards