The Education Leaders Certificate Program (ELP) is designed to equip K-12 educators with the leadership, instructional, and governance skills needed to take on expanded leadership roles in schools.

Through a blend of practical application, mentorship, and leadership case studies, you will gain strategies to lead teams, oversee school operations, and improve student learning outcomes.

Key benefits include:

• Practical Leadership Development: Apply leadership models to your real school challenges.
• Mentorship & Expert Guidance: Learn from experienced school leaders and facilitators.
• Global & Independent School Relevance: Develop strategies applicable across diverse education systems.
• Flexible, Professional Learning: Designed for K-12 educators, with interactive discussions and applied assessments.

📌 Seeking Principal's Qualification (PQP)?

If you are an Ontario Certified Teacher (OCT), explore our Education Leaders PQP to earn your PQP Part 1 & PQP Part 2 qualification.

📌 Already a Principal or School Leader?

If you have the foundations of school leadership down, take the next step with our Leading School Improvement Master Certificate, focused on whole-school improvement and strategic leadership.

Designed for non-OCT K-12 educators, independent school leaders, and global education professionals, the Education Leaders Certificate Program (ELP) provides a flexible and internationally relevant school leadership development experience tailored to diverse educational settings.

While both programs develop essential school leadership competencies, the ELP is suited for K-12 educators across Canada and the world who do not require or qualify for Ontario’s formal principal's qualification.

Key Benefits:

• No OCT Certification Required: Open to K-12 educators worldwide.
• Flexible Leadership Development: Practical knowledge and skill development applicable to independent, international, and public school settings.
• No Formal Practicum Requirement: Unlike PQP, this program does not require a formal Leadership Practicum but incorporates applied leadership projects throughout.
• Broader Leadership Focus: Covers instructional leadership, equity-driven governance, and operational strategy without being tied to Ontario-specific principal requirements.

📌 Seeking Principal Qualification (PQP)?

If you are an Ontario Certified Teacher (OCT), explore our Education Leaders - Principal's Qualification Program to earn your PQP Part 1 & PQP Part 2 qualification.

📌 Already a Principal or School Leader?

If you already have the foundations of school leadership down, take the next step with our Leading School Improvement Master Certificate, focused on whole-school improvement and strategic leadership.

Yes!

This program is designed for both domestic and international educators in public, private, and independent school systems. While the curriculum is informed by research-backed leadership models applicable to diverse education systems, some case studies and frameworks reference Canadian and Ontario-based practices.

Many of the leadership strategies covered in this program—such as instructional leadership, school governance, and equity-driven decision-making—can be applied across international school contexts.

The Education Leaders Certificate Program (ELP) consists of three structured courses that develop key competencies in instructional leadership, governance, and school operations.

📌 Courses include:

• Essential Leadership in Education (ELP-ELE1): Develop a leadership philosophy, strengthen school-community relationships, and build foundational leadership skills.
• Organizational Leadership & Equity (ELP-OLE2): Navigate school operations, equity-driven decision-making, and resource management.
• Instructional Leadership & Innovation (ELP-ILI3): Advance teaching excellence, curriculum innovation, and data-informed instructional leadership to support diverse student learning needs.

The program emphasizes applied learning through case studies, peer collaboration, and leadership challenges, ensuring that participants gain real insights into school leadership.

Will I complete a final project?

Rather than a single capstone or practicum requirement, participants take part in applied leadership projects throughout the program. Across all three courses, you will develop a Personal Leadership Resource Archive—a curated portfolio of strategies, frameworks, and case-based insights designed to support ongoing leadership growth beyond the program.

Yes. The three courses must be taken in sequence to ensure progressive skill development:

1. Essential Leadership in Education (ELP-ELE1)
2. Organizational Leadership & Equity (ELP-OLE2)
3. Instructional Leadership & Innovation (ELP-ILI3)

Each course builds on the knowledge and skills from the previous one, providing a structured and comprehensive leadership development experience.

The program is designed to be completed in approximately 9-12 months, with each course running for 7 weeks. However, you'll have the flexibility to take breaks between courses if needed, allowing you to complete the program at your own pace.

No, you do not need to be a licensed teacher, though the program is designed for K-12 educators, aspiring school leaders, and education professionals seeking to develop leadership skills, instructional expertise, and school governance strategies.

📌 Are you an Ontario Certified Teacher (OCT)?

If you are seeking the Principal’s Qualification (PQP), please consider our Education Leaders - Principal's Qualification Program.

📌 Looking for advanced school leadership training?

If you are an experienced school leader focused on whole-school improvement, explore our Leading School Improvement Master Certificate.

Upon successful completion of all three courses, you will receive an OISE Certificate of Completion, a formal acknowledgement of the K-12 instructional leadership, school governance, and operational strategy expertise you will have gained.

Key Benefits:

• Recognized by OISE Continuing & Professional Learning, University of Toronto—one of the world’s top-ranked faculties of education.
• Demonstrates a commitment to professional growth in K-12 educational leadership.
• Valuable for career advancement in K-12 school administration, independent school leadership, and international education.

📌Does this program count toward a degree?

This program does not grant academic credits, nor is it equivalent to a diploma or degree. However, it is designed and delivered by OISE Continuing & Professional Learning at the University of Toronto—one of the world’s top-ranked faculties of education. The program’s curriculum reflects rigorous, research-informed leadership development, making it a recognized professional learning opportunity for K-12 educators, school administrators, and education professionals worldwide.

While it does not provide advanced standing toward a master’s degree, it will enhance your professional profile, demonstrating a commitment to leadership growth and practical expertise in K-12 school leadership, making it a valuable addition to your portfolio when pursuing leadership roles.

Program fees are paid per course. You may choose to enroll in courses individually or pre-register for all three courses at once.

✅ Education Leaders Certificate Program

• Essential Leadership in Education (ELP-ELE1): $965
• Organizational Leadership & Equity (ELP-OLE2): $965
• Instructional Leadership & Innovation (ELP-ILI3): $965

✅Total Program Investment: $2,895

📌 Important Notes:

• You may register per course or pre-register for all courses at once.
• No additional taxes or material fees are charged.
• Fees are subject to change. Please check the course page for the most up-to-date pricing.
• There is no financial aid available for the program at this time.

📌 Interested in advanced, whole-school improvement?

Explore our Leading School Improvement Master Certificate, designed for experienced school leaders.