Overview
Our Principal's Development Course (PDC) enables candidates to personalize their learning in a variety of leadership-focused areas.
Through the co-construction of knowledge and learning, candidates will further explore
- complex issues related to creating and sustaining equitable and inclusive school and system cultures
- culturally responsive and relevant strategies to enhance student well-being and learning and
- the ethical dimensions of leadership through critical reflection and refining professional judgement.
To receive the Additional Qualification (AQ) certification, candidates must complete Module 1 (mandatory) along with four additional self-selected modules. Modules can be completed in any order.
Module Information
This program is made up of five modules and some pre-module work that will need to be completed before the program start date. The breakdown of asynchronous and synchronous hours that total the required 125 hours is shown below.
Asynchronous Hours |
Synchronous Hours |
Total Required Hours |
115 | 10 | 125 |
Pre-module 1 and Canvas Learning Management System (LMS) Access |
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Pre-module (Module 1 only)
All candidates will be asked to complete an Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) self-directed module (generally 2-5 hours) that is meant activate prior knowledge, provide an opportunity for self-reflection and new knowledge building. It is our hope that you will take the learning and reflection from this pre-module forward into the course as you engage with the facilitator and colleagues on a variety of topics. Canvas Learning Management System (LMS) Access All program content and the Canvas Learning Management System (LMS) access will be available to candidates/participants one week in advance of the program/course and will remain active for two weeks after the end of the program/course. Following this period, candidates/participants will no longer have access to assignments, conversations, resources or other content. Please save any information that you would like to retain during the timeframe that you have access to the LMS. |
Module 1 - Principal Legal Duties and Responsibilities (compulsory module) |
|
Module 2 - Instructional Leadership for School Improvement |
|
Module 3 - Leading an Equitable and Inclusive School |
|
Module 4 - Mentoring and School Leadership |
|
Module 5 - Building a Digital Leadership Portfolio |
|
Module 7 - Courageous Conversations |
|
Module 8 - Leading the Kindergarten Program |
|
Module 9 - Leading the Innovative School |
|
Module 10 - Supporting Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Intersex or Asexual (2SLGBTQQIA+) in Your School |
|
Module 11 - Leading the Special Education Program |
|
Module 12 - Supporting Leadership in Mathematics |
|
Module 13 - The Principal's Role in Mental Health Awareness and Trauma-informed Schools |
|
Module 14 - Leading the French Immersion School |
|
Module 15 - I Stand in Treaty |
|
Module 18 – Anti-Oppressive School Improvement |
|
Admission Requirements
The admission requirements follow Ontario Regulation 176/10 - Teachers' Qualifications, 34.
- Ontario College of Teacher's (OCT) Certificate of Qualification and Registration
- Principal's Qualifications (Part 1 and 2 or equivalent) and
- Two years of successful experience as a principal or vice-principal, certified by your Supervisory officer (SO).
Candidates are solely responsible for ensuring they meet all eligibility requirements under O. Reg. 176/10 under the Ontario College of Teachers Act, 1996, including applicable academic, professional, experiential, and credit prerequisites as determined by the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT). These requirements are a prerequisite to admission to Additional Qualifications (AQ) courses/programs, and to successful recommendation to the OCT. It is the candidate’s obligation to provide truthful, complete, and accurate documentation, and to confirm that their academic and professional history fulfills all regulatory requirements.
Completion of an AQ course/programs through the OPC does not guarantee the OCT will accept a candidate’s qualifications, record the qualification on the Certificate of Qualification and Registration, or recognize any credits submitted. If the OCT determines a candidate does not meet prescribed requirements — even where OPC has accepted the registration and the candidate has completed or paid for the program — the OPC shall not be liable for any loss, claim, cost, expense or damage however arising from that determination.
Program Fee
$250 per module. Includes a $50 non-refundable registration fee.
Full payment is required for registration to be confirmed.
Upcoming Sessions
2025-26 Schedule | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
*Completion of Module 1 is mandatory to receive the AQ certification.
Register
Board Partnerships
The PDC can be locally customized to meet the unique needs of your district. If you are interested in offering this program or individual modules with your board, please complete our Additional Qualification (AQ) Board Cohort Request Form or contact us at learning@principals.ca for more information.
Terms and Conditions
Academic Integrity and Engagement |
Professional Learning Expectations and Standards |
Accessibility and Other Policies | ||||||||
Our Accessibility and other policies that relate to our programs are outlined on the OPC Policies webpage. | ||||||||
Program Tax Receipt | ||||||||
A tax receipt will be generated and available on your OPC account by the end of February for the previous tax year. To access the document:
|
||||||||
Refund Policy | ||||||||
A full refund applies when a session is cancelled due to low enrollment. |
For more information about the program, please contact pdc@principals.ca.