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The Ontario Principals’ Council (OPC) is the voluntary professional association representing principals and vice-principals in Ontario’s public schools. Our 5,400 Members represent elementary and secondary school leaders from across Ontario and operate within the ethical guidelines of the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT).

As a Member, you will receive

  • Protective Services support for matters of employment
  • professional advice from experienced consultants who are former principals
  • regular emails and updates from our current President
  • our award-winning The Register magazine
  • access to Member-only web resources
  • discounted Member rates for Professional Learning
  • eligibility for the OPC Group Benefits plan, if working for a participating board and
  • discounted rates and extra services through our Member Discount program.

To apply for membership, complete the membership application and email to Membership Services or fax to 1866-445-949.

Apply for Membership

Consideration for New Appointees

If you were recently appointed as a principal or vice-principal, becoming a Member of the OPC is time sensitive. Submit your membership application within 60 days of your first day in the role to be eligible for historical protective services coverage.

How do I know if I am eligible? 

You may become an OPC Member if you

  • are a principal or vice-principal in a publicly funded district school board in Ontario or other government of Ontario agency that is funded by a Ministry of the government of Ontario
  • pay the required Membership fees
  • work in the field of education within Ontario and
  • are not a member of the Ontario Teachers' Federation (OTF).

If your current role does not align with any of the categories above, you may apply to become an Associate of the OPC.

Membership in Special Circumstances

Administrators in Indigenous Community Schools in Ontario

Membership may be available to individuals who work as principals or vice-principals in Indigenous Community Schools, provided their employment is not governed by a collective agreement to which the OPC is not a party.

 Services provided include

  • Professional and/or legal interpretation of applicable employment contract terms
  • Protective Services within the limits of the applicable policies, procedures and the OPC’s experience. The final determination of services will be made at  the discretion of the Protective Services Team
  • Access to professional learning at reduced rates
  • Access to the OPC’s coaching program
  • Access to Member discounts from the OPC
  • Access to notarial services in accordance with OPC's procedures
  • Access to the Starling Minds Mental Fitness program designed for school administrators
  • See the complete list of available services

To apply for membership in Special Circumstances, complete the Membership Application, email to Membership Services, or fax to 1866-445-9249.

Services Offered to Indigenous Community School Administrators

As a provincial professional association representing public school principals and vice-principals, the OPC is pleased to extend a range of services to support school administrators working in Indigenous Community schools in Ontario. You will have access to the following services:

1. Legal Support and Representation
  • Employment Contract Review: Professional and/or legal interpretation of your employment contract terms, with advice and support provided within the limits allowed by your contract and applicable employment position.
  • Protective Services: Access to Protective Services within the limits of the OPC’s policies and procedures and of your contract terms.
2. Professional Learning and Development
  • Workshops and Seminars: Access to professional development workshops and seminars at reduced rates, designed to enhance leadership skills, instructional strategies and school management practices.
  • Education and Training Programs: Access to leadership training and programs in alignment with the OPC Human Rights Statement and professional learning Guiding Principles.
3. Membership Services
  • Coaching Programs: Access to the OPC’s Leadership Coaching Program to support professional growth and development centered on personal goals. 

  • Networking: Participation in OPC Town Halls, identity-based affinity spaces and other networking opportunities.  

  • Discounts and Benefits: Eligibility for Member discounts on OPC merchandise and services. 

  • Notarial Services: Access to notarial services in accordance with the OPC’s policies and procedures. 
4. Advocacy and Policy Influence
  • Political Advocacy: Participation in broader education policy discussions and advocacy efforts at the provincial level, particularly on issues that impact school leadership and Indigenous education.
5. Resources and Publications
  • Access to Publications: Subscription to our regular newsletters, journals and updates on education leadership and relevant legal developments. 

  • Resource Documents: Access to resource documents, toolkits and best practice documents on school administration and leadership.

Please Note

While membership under Special Circumstances grants access to many of the professional development and support services provided to Members, certain benefits are not available. These benefits include participation in collective bargaining, full protective services coverage and input into contract negotiations, as your employment is with an entity other than a provincial district school board.