Course
PQP-AL1
PQP1: Accelerated School Leadership
Fast-track your leadership journey with this intensive, seven-week course, designed for experienced educators seeking to complete the rigorous Education Leaders (Principal's Qualification) Program in a condensed format.
This accelerated course integrates three key areas of school leadership—Essential Leadership, Organizational Leadership, and Instructional Leadership—into a cohesive, immersive learning experience that prepares you to:
- ✔ Foster inclusive, collaborative school communities through effective relationship-building and stakeholder engagement.
- ✔ Navigate organizational leadership challenges, including school-wide policy development, resource allocation, and equity-driven decision-making.
- ✔ Drive instructional improvements and student success by designing, implementing, and evaluating curriculum and teaching strategies.
By the end of this course, candidates will have successfully developed and submitted a Leadership Practicum Proposal, demonstrating leadership competencies across Essential, Organizational and Instructional Leadership, applying their leadership philosophy to real-world school contexts, and refining a personalized leadership portfolio aligned with the Ontario Leadership Framework (OLF).
This course leads to PQP Part 1 qualification.
Learning Outcomes
Candidates who successfully complete this course will be able to:
- Examine and apply leadership theories, models, and strategies to cultivate strong, inclusive school communities.
- Develop and implement communication, decision-making, and problem-solving strategies that support stakeholder engagement and school-wide improvement.
- Analyze and refine school policies, resource allocation, and equity-driven leadership practices that promote institutional growth.
- Evaluate and apply instructional leadership strategies to enhance curriculum, teaching effectiveness, and student achievement.
- Integrate and assess data-driven decision-making, staff capacity-building, and school-wide learning cultures to improve leadership effectiveness.
- Develop a Leadership Practicum Proposal that demonstrates readiness to implement school improvement initiatives and aligns with the Ontario Leadership Framework (OLF).
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:
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Phase One (Course 1-3 or Accelerated Course) as elective LHA1060
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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:
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✅Candidates must submit a Leadership Practicum Proposal before completion of PQP-AL1.
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✅The practicum must be school-based and mentored by an OCT-certified, practicing principal or vice-principal.
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✅Learners must secure their own mentor before registering. OISE CPL cannot assist with mentor identification.
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Recommendations
- Successful completion of this course represents fulfillment of requirements for the Principal's Qualification Program Part 1 qualification.
- Upon successful completion of the course:
- ✅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.
Course can be applied towards
Full Course Details
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DEADLINE TO REGISTER: JUNE 19, 2025 AT 11:59 P.M. EST - LATE REGISTRATION MAY BE PERMITTED BEYOND THIS DEADLINE, PENDING AVAILABILITY.
Format: Online - Asynchronous with Recommended Synchronous Sessions
This intensive offering is a condensed 7-week experience that covers all three Phase 1 courses in succession. There are no scheduled breaks or holidays during this offering.
This is a full-time professional learning experience. Learners are expected to dedicate a minimum of 21 hours per week to course activities, assessments, and participation in daily discussions. Optional synchronous sessions will be scheduled and shared closer to the course start date.
A Leadership Practicum Proposal must be completed prior to the end of the accelerated course. A mentor principal or vice-principal must be secured prior to the course end date, as they will need to be identified in your proposal.
Important Note
Due to the accelerated format of the course, extensions are not available. Falling behind may result in removal from the course, subject to OISE CPL's transfer and withdrawal policy. Please ensure you can fully commit before registering.
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 will 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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