The Education Leaders Program (ELP) is more than just a pathway to principal certification—it’s an opportunity to transform your leadership skills and confidence. Here’s what makes this program stand out: 1. Evidence-Based and Future-Focused The ELP is rooted in OISE’s evidence-based Ontario Leadership Framework, blending current research with practical applications. This ensures you’re prepared to navigate the complexities of modern school leadership confidently. 2. Comprehensive and Practical Learning The program integrates case studies that mirror real-world scenarios, allowing you to explore and address challenges you may encounter as a leader. These hands-on activities are complemented by rich discussions with facilitators and peers to deepen your understanding and problem-solving abilities. Participants develop a Personal Leadership Resource Archive—a tailored toolkit of strategies and resources designed to support leadership development and implementation. 3. Reflective and Adaptive Design With dedicated space for reflective practice, you’ll have the opportunity to refine your leadership ethos and approach, ensuring that your personal style aligns with your goals and values. The program is rooted in Universal Design for Learning (UDL), offering flexibility in assessments and projects so you can tailor your learning to your specific professional context. 4. Expert Guidance and Global Perspectives Across both phases, you’ll benefit from the insights of expert facilitators and a diverse cohort of peers that may include educators from Ontario, across Canada, and around the world. This varied audience provides exposure to different education spaces and contexts, enriching your perspective and practice.

The program has two distinct phases: Phase One – Education Leaders: Building the Foundations of Leadership. This comprises three foundational courses, each 7 weeks in duration for a total of 21 weeks. The three courses in Phase One must be taken in sequential order, as shown below: Course 1: Shared Leadership: Building Relationships and Engaging Communities. Course 2: Organizational Leadership: Developing and Implementing a Shared School Vision. Course 3: Instructional Leadership: Creating an Effective School and Student Learning Experience. Phase Two – Education Leaders: Nurturing Sustainable Leadership. This is an OISE Professional Learning Fellowship – an advanced, self-guided study to work through your own applied inquiry that takes place over 14 weeks.  OCT Educators seeking their Principal’s Qualification in Ontario must complete both Phase One and Two. Education professionals who are not affiliated with the Ontario College of Teachers may choose to complete one or both phases depending on their needs. Advanced education leaders may opt only for the Phase Two Professional Learning Fellowship.

Please navigate to Course 1 - Shared Leadership: Building Relationships and Engaging Communities course page for a full breakdown of the Phase One pre-requisites.

Please navigate to the Nurturing Sustainable Leadership fellowship course page for a full breakdown of the Phase Two pre-requisites.

Upon successful completion of Phase One – Education Leaders: Building the Foundations of Leadership 3-course program, eligible OCT-certified teachers will receive the Principal’s Qualification Program, Part 1 additional qualification.   Upon completion of Phase Two – Nurturing Sustainable Leadership Professional Learning Fellowship, eligible OCT-certified teachers will receive the Principal’s Qualification Program, Part 2 additional qualification.

Teachers with proof of completion for the PQP1 qualification and an approved practicum proposal may be eligible for the Education Leaders Professional Learning Fellowship (equivalent to PQP2). We will also require a completed self-reflection questionnaire. More details about the application process for PLF-ELP Nurturing Sustainable Leadership (PQP2) are available on the course page.

The total investment is $2,393, which includes: Phase One: $365 per course x 3 courses = $1,095 Phase Two: $1,298 The Education Leaders Program (ELP) offers a uniquely enriched approach to leadership preparation, grounded in OISE’s evidence-based Ontario Leadership Framework. This program goes beyond standard PQP offerings in three key ways: 1. Depth of Learning and Practical Preparation Phase One immerses participants in structured learning through case studies, peer discussions, and practical exercises facilitated by experienced educators and leaders. This phase emphasizes building a strong leadership foundation and culminates in the creation of a Personal Leadership Resource Archive tailored to real-world challenges. Phase Two takes learning further with a 14-week Professional Learning Fellowship, where participants focus on a leadership inquiry or practicum. This phase integrates reflective practice, advanced frameworks, and personalized coaching to help participants develop actionable solutions that directly impact their school communities. 2. Expert-Led Guidance and Support Across both phases, participants benefit from the expertise of skilled facilitators and education leaders who provide practical insights, real-world strategies, and professional guidance. In Phase Two, this is enhanced through one-on-one coaching and targeted mentorship by process facilitators and experts-in-residence, ensuring participants receive tailored support to achieve their leadership goals. 3. Impact-Oriented Design The program emphasizes reflective practice and personalized learning pathways, allowing participants to align their learning with their specific goals and school contexts. Rooted in Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles, the program fosters inclusivity and ensures participants can tailor their projects to address the unique needs of their schools. This investment reflects the program’s commitment to building confident, effective leaders through robust facilitation, cutting-edge frameworks, and a focus on real-world application. Participants consistently highlight the program’s transformative impact on their leadership readiness and ability to inspire positive change.

This program is not currently eligible for OSAP funding. While direct financial assistance is not currently available through the University of Toronto, we recommend exploring external funding options, including but not limited to: - Better Jobs Ontario - Canada Training Credit - Canada Student Grant for Students with Disabilities - Ontario Jobs Training Tax Credit - Canada-Ontario Job Grant (COJG) - The Ontario Teachers’ Federation (OTF)