We are seeking a highly qualified recently retired OPC Member or Associate Member as a program lead for our Global Principal Partnerships (GPP) and Education Study Tours.

The GPP is a formalized job shadowing program where Ontario principals and vice-principals participate in an exchange program with colleagues from abroad. As we become more focused on improving student performance, we recognize that we have much to share with and learn from our colleagues in other countries engaged in the same pursuit. By blending knowledge and connections from abroad with those already held, you can support the growth of this program. 

Our Education Study Tours are typically five days in length and can be modified to meet each group’s needs. Tour components may include pre-arranged school visits, information sessions with school districts and the Ontario Ministry of Education, consultations with education experts, and presentations from partner agencies, such as the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT) and the Education Quality and Assessment Office (EQAO). As the lead, you will help select the itinerary for each group's specific needs.

The number of work days will be based on the program's needs and demand. There is no guaranteed number of days.

Responsibilities

The program lead is responsible for ensuring the program content is current and relevant. The program lead acts as a liaison with local and international school districts or organizations, representatives, program facilitators and the OPC staff. The program lead responsibilities include

  • overseeing and ensuring the integrity of the programs for OPC

  • collaborating with the project coordinator and international delegation lead to plan study tours and related professional learning opportunities and develop communications and marketing materials for study tours, GPP and Leading Educators Around the Planet (LEAP)

  • collaborating with local and international contacts to plan the GPP and LEAP

  • reviewing participant profiles to match with participants from other jurisdictions the GPP program

  • reviewing and amending presentations to ensure content reflects current realities in Ontario’s education system 

  • this position may require online facilitation for the program, as needed. 

    • face-to-face facilitation may also be required and arranged by mutual consent, depending on location 

Selection Criteria

  • recently retired or retiring in 2023 

  • vice-principal, principal or system principal

  • is a member of the OCT in good standing

  • demonstrates a “lead learner” stance as an educator

  • recognition by peers and supervisors as an exemplary public system school leader

  • experience working on provincial initiatives evidence of excellent performance as a project leader in a collaborative environment

  • knowledge of  the Ontario Leadership Framework (OLF), the School Effectiveness Framework (SEF) and other provincial policy documents

  • demonstrates strong communication abilities in facilitating, speaking and writing

  • aptitude for building strategic working relationships within Canada and abroad

  • designs and implements professional learning opportunities using adult learning principles and

  • proficient in using various office programs including PowerPoint, Excel and Word.

The following will be considered an asset:

  • International connections with school boards/organizations

  • Retired within one calendar year 

  • Experience in both elementary and secondary panels and 

  • Proficiency in another language.

Selection Process 

Our selection team will review and assess all applications based on the identified success criteria. Candidates invited to participate in an online interview via Zoom meeting will need to be available on January 16. This process also includes contacting references.

Applicants are asked to submit

  • a cover letter 

  • a curriculum vitae and

  • contact information for two references (one from a supervisory officer and one from a practising principal).

This independent contractor position starts on February 1.

Practising principals are welcome to apply for this position, however, given the nature of the role, preference will be given to those who are recently retired.

Please apply by January 8 at 3 p.m.

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The Ontario Principals’ Council (OPC) is committed to accommodating the individual needs of independent contractors, in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation 191/11, within our recruitment processes and our skills assessment testing practices. Disability-related accommodations during the recruitment and selection process are available upon request.

 The OPC is an equal opportunity organization committed to diversity and inclusion and values the participation of candidates with different lived experiences. We recognize that the selection of candidates from members of equity-seeking and rights-seeking groups is an asset. Self-identification of membership in equity-seeking and rights-seeking groups is voluntary.