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.
Course can be applied towards
Full Course Details
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DEADLINE TO REGISTER: June 25, 2026, 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET)
If the “Add to Cart” button is still visible after, late registration may be available, if time and space permit. Only eligible applicants with complete documentation can be accepted. Register early whenever possible, as courses may fill before the deadline.
Course Format
This accelerated 4-week course runs fully online through a blend of asynchronous and synchronous (live) sessions. It is facilitator-led and organized into modules with readings, discussions, and assignments that follow set timelines.
Because the full PQP curriculum is delivered in a shorter window, learners should plan for a concentrated weekly workload. Many participants spend ~30 hours per week engaging with course materials and completing activities, though this can vary based on individual learning styles and professional experience.
Synchronous Meeting Schedule
Participants in this course are expected to attend six synchronous online sessions, scheduled from 9:30 am - 11:30 am on the datesbelow. These sessions support dialogue, collaboration, and real-time problem-solving as participants connect theory to authentic leadership challenges. Attendance will support the development of each candidate's School Improvement proposal.
Key Dates
Synchronous sessions are scheduled for 9:30 am - 11:30 am on the following dates:- July 6
- July 8
- July 13
- July 15
- July 20
- July 22
- July 27 (drop-in office hours, for support of School Improvement - Leading Change proposal)
Technology Requirements
You’ll need a reliable internet connection and a modern web browser to access course materials. Optional live sessions (if offered) will be announced within the course site.
Registration Process
- Select “Add to Cart” and proceed to checkout.
- Log in to your Learner Portal (or create an account) and complete payment.
- In your learner account, go to My Applications > Start to complete your application.
- An OISE CPL representative will review your submission and confirm your enrollment before the course begins.
Withdrawal and Refund Policy
Withdrawal, transfer, and refund requests must be submitted before the course start date. Partial refunds or one-time transfers may be available within a short period after the start date (see policy for details). View the full policy on our website under Policies & Guidelines > Withdrawals and Transfer Policy.
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