Course
PK12-PQP1
Principal's Qualification Program Part 1
Strengthen your readiness to lead schools that are collaborative, equitable, and focused on learning.
OISE Continuing & Professional Learning's PQP1 course builds the leadership knowledge and applied skills needed to guide teaching, learning, and school operations with integrity and purpose.
You will explore three interconnected dimensions of effective leadership:
- Relational leadership focuses on building trust and shared purpose among staff, students, families, and community partners
- Organizational leadership examines how policies, operations, and resources can be aligned to support ethical and sustainable school management, and
- Instructional leadership develops your capacity to guide curriculum, assessment, and professional learning that promote student success
Through applied readings, case analysis, and facilitated discussion, you’ll consider the Principal’s multifaceted role as an instructional leader, relationship builder, and manager of people and systems. Each module connects theory to practice through reflection, scenario analysis, and peer collaboration.
By the end of the course, you will have developed a clear leadership philosophy, a deeper understanding of equity-driven decision-making, and an approved Leadership Practicum Proposal that defines your focus area for school improvement.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of PQP Part 1, you will be able to:
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Develop and articulate a personal leadership philosophy aligned with the Ontario Leadership Framework (OLF).
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Build collaborative and inclusive school cultures that support staff growth and student learning.
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Analyze the organizational, policy, and ethical dimensions of decision-making in Ontario schools.
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Apply principles of equity, diversity, inclusion, and anti-racism to leadership and instructional practice.
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Design and gain approval for a Leadership Practicum Proposal in collaboration with a qualified mentor.
Notes
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A reliable internet connection and computer with a camera and microphone is required to access course materials and participate in live online sessions.
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Successful completion of this course and an approved Leadership Practicum Proposal leads to recommendation to the Ontario College of Teachers for the Principal's Qualification Part 1.
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This course may be recognized as an elective toward the Educational Leadership & Policy MEd program at OISE. Contact your Program Coordinator for details and approval.
Prerequisites
Applicants must meet the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT) requirements for admission to the Principal’s Qualification Program, Part 1:
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OCT Certification in Good Standing
Applicants must hold a valid Certificate of Qualification and Registration with the Ontario College of Teachers. -
Basic Qualifications in Three Divisions
Candidates must be qualified to teach in at least three of the four divisions:
Primary, Junior, Intermediate, or Senior. One must be the Intermediate Division. -
Academic Qualification (choose one):
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A Master’s or Doctorate (minimum 30 graduate-level credits), or
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Two Three-Part or Honour Specialist Additional Qualifications (AQs), or
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One Three-Part or Honour Specialist AQ plus 15 graduate-level credits (half a master’s).
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Teaching Experience
A minimum of five years (970 days) of successful teaching experience as a certified teacher, verified by a Supervisory Officer on this form.
(Note: Principal signatures are not accepted; forms must be signed by a Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent, or equivalent Supervisory Officer.)
Recommendations
To support your success in the course, we recommend the following:
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Secure a qualified mentor early on. Mentors must be practicing principals or vice-principals who hold PQP qualifications and are certified by the Ontario College of Teachers.
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If you are completing the Educational Leadership & Policy (ELP) MEd. program, approval from your Program Coordinator is required to count this course as an elective.
Status
Course can be applied towards