School leadership has never been more complex—or more essential. Principals and vice-principals play a pivotal role in shaping student success, fostering staff well-being, and creating inclusive, thriving school communities. In the face of increasing demands and competing priorities, leaders need dedicated time and space to reflect, think strategically, and continue to grow.

OPC Leadership Coaching provides personalized, one-to-one coaching for aspiring and practising principals and vice-principals at every stage of their leadership journey. Coaching creates a trusted space for purposeful dialogue, helping leaders gain clarity, strengthen decision-making, navigate complex challenges, and lead with intention while remaining grounded in their values and professional goals.

The Coaching Program is available to individuals as well as groups. Each coaching session builds on individual and/or group strengths through a reflective process. 

Sessions: 

  • 30-60 minute initial planning between the participant and potential coach
  • Minimum of three one-hour sessions is recommended although individual sessions can be booked
  • Sessions will be scheduled at mutually agreeable times

Cost per Session:

  • Individual - $150 + HST per session.
  • Groups - $300 + HST (groups of 2-6 people) or $450 + HST (groups of 7+ people)

*The cost of Leadership Coaching may be subsidized by district PD funds! Please check with your local OPC executive for details.

Location:

  • Sessions are primarily virtual
  • In-person sessions are available depending on coach avaliability
  • The participant or group will be responsible for any coach travel expenses

Registration Form

Upcoming Webinar

Leading with Alignment, Clarity, and Intention: Exploring the OPC Leadership Coaching Program

Fall Session

Date: Thursday October 8, 2026

Time: 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. EDT

Location: Online via Zoom

Winter Session

Date: Wednesday March 3, 2027

Time: 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. EST

Location: Online via Zoom

Coach Biographies

Karen Friedman

As an OISE senior mentor lead and as a certified coach, I partner with school administrators and aspiring leaders in a confidential, non-judgmental space where you can think out loud, take risks, and grow. If you are entering a selection process, I offer as much support as you want with your CV and cover letter, portfolio, presentations, and interviews. We prepare until you feel ready and confident.
Beyond selection, I coach for the work of leadership itself: developing as a leader, building inclusive teams, leading school improvement, and managing difficult conversations with clarity and care.
My approach is grounded in trust, deep listening, and genuine partnership. I bring full presence to our conversations and meet you wherever you are. Above all, I bring a proven track record. I have helped many candidates step into leadership roles and supported experienced administrators as they navigate complexity and lead their schools with confidence.

 
Nina Jaiswal
Nina is an accomplished educational consultant and former Superintendent of Education whose career spans leadership development, strategic planning, and community engagement across Ontario. She partners with school boards and senior teams to strengthen leadership capacity, improve organizational effectiveness, and support student success in complex environments. Grounded in safety, equity, diversity, and inclusion, she is committed to high academic achievement, character development, and the holistic well-being of every learner. 
Nina also works internationally, collaborating with agencies and educational organizations to design and deliver leadership programs, teach leadership courses, and build capacity among emerging and experienced administrators. Her expertise includes school liability, discipline, duty of care, compliance, supervision, and physical injury. A respected writer, blogger, curriculum developer, expert witness, investigator, coach, and mentor, Nina supports professionals in career growth and promotion readiness. She is recognized for building trusted partnerships that advance public confidence and student achievement.
Mary Nanavati, M.Ed., CPCC, ACC

As a professional leadership coach, Mary Nanavati’s expertise is grounded in teaching, staff and curriculum development, team facilitation, work for OPC and 17 years as an award-winning school administrator.  Mary is a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach with an ACC credential from the International Coaching Federation and a Certificate in Applied Positive Psychology.

As a compassionate leadership coach, Mary focuses on the whole person, championing educators to leverage their values and strengths in advancing their careers and in finding greater personal and professional fulfillment, well-being, and work-life balance. She specializes in developing leadership, communication, strategic thinking, relationship, and teamwork skills. By co-creating transformational coaching partnerships built on values that include trust, equity, respect, optimism, and a passion for learning, Mary empowers participants to reach their full potential with enhanced skills, relationships, and confidence.  Mary’s experiences and creative work in leadership coaching reflect who she is as a person, educator, and mentor.

 

Additional Information

Confidentiality
All coaches are bound with OPC by a contract which includes a requirement for confidentiality. In addition, coaches and those seeking coaching will sign a confidentiality agreement before any coaching occurs. This agreement stipulates that the coach cannot share any details of the sessions with a school district, the OPC or any individual. The only information which might be shared with the OPC pertains to the topic discussed so that any general professional learning needs can be identified.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
  • Coaching will be facilitated by experienced OPC principals and/or vice-principals with coaching expertise. All coaches will use a MentorCoaching approach. Their professional experience and training enable them to use a coaching stance in which they guide an individual or group towards solutions or growth. In addition, they may provide advice or share best practices.