The Education Leaders Master Certificate in Leading School Improvement is a 14-week applied professional learning program designed for experienced K-12 educators and school leaders.

Participants plan, execute, and reflect on a real school improvement initiative aligned to their current leadership context. Through mentorship, peer collaboration, and structured inquiry, participants deepen their ability to drive sustainable change in their schools.

No, you do not need to be a licensed teacher. This program is designed for experienced K-12 educators, instructional leaders, school administrators, and other education professionals who are leading or preparing to lead school-wide improvement initiatives.

📌 If you are earlier in your career or looking to build foundational leadership skills before taking on school-wide leadership?

Consider our three-course Education Leaders Certificate.

📌 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.

Yes!

This program welcomes both domestic and international educators. While case studies may reference Ontario or Canadian contexts, the skills, strategies, and leadership competencies developed in this course are applicable across global K–12 school systems, including international, independent, and public schools.

No.

While this program builds on the competencies gained in the Education Leaders Certificate Program, it can also stand alone for those with established leadership experience and core leadership competencies. If you already hold significant leadership experience or are actively leading school-wide initiatives, you may begin directly with this program.

📌 If you are earlier in your leadership journey, consider beginning with our Education Leaders Certificate Program to build the foundations of leadership before pursuing the Master Certificate.

This is a 14-week professional development program. You’ll complete an applied leadership inquiry project in your current school context, while participating in online discussions, mentorship check-ins, and guided leadership reflections. The program culminates in the submission of a final leadership report and professional growth plan.

You’ll need to dedicate 6–8 hours per week to independent learning, project work, and online engagement. Synchronous collaborative seminars and mentorship check-ins will be scheduled throughout.

The cost is $1,298 CAD. There is currently no financial aid available for this program.

Upon successful completion of the program, you will receive an OISE Master Certificate of Completion, a formal acknowledgement of the your achievement in leading sustainable school change.

Key Benefits:

• Recognized by OISE Continuing & Professional Learning, University of Toronto—one of the world’s top-ranked faculties of education.
• Demonstrates advanced competency in instructional leadership, school improvement, and strategic planning.
• 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.