Overview
Our Principal's Development Course (PDC) will engage candidates in critical inquiry. Through the co-construction of knowledge and learning, candidates will further explore
- complex issues related to creating and sustaining vibrant school and system cultures
- enhancing student learning and well–being and
- the ethical dimensions of leadership through the experiences of other candidates.
It employs a critical, pedagogical lens to explore various module topics and strengthen professional efficacy by
- gaining in-depth knowledge
- generating new knowledge for practice and
- refining professional judgement.
This program consists of a selection of 25-hour modules on a variety of topics. All modules are offered in online delivery unless otherwise noted.
To receive the Additional Quallification (AQ) certification, candidates will need to complete a total of five modules of their choice, inclusive of one compulsory module. The intent is to ensure a flexible offering with new modules being added on a regular basis. The modules do not need to be completed in any specific 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 |
Module 1 - Principal Legal Duties and Responsibilities (compulsory module) |
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Module 2 - Instructional Leadership for School Improvement |
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Module 3 - Leading an Equitable and Inclusive School |
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Module 4 - Mentoring and School Leadership |
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Module 5 - Building a Digital Leadership Portfolio |
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Module 7 - Courageous Conversations |
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Module 8 - Leading the Kindergarten Program |
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Module 9 - Leading the Innovative School |
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Module 10 - Supporting Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Intersex or Asexual (2SLGBTQQIA+) in Your School |
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Module 11 - Leading the Special Education Program |
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Module 12 - Supporting Leadership in Mathematics |
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Module 13 - The Principal's Role in Mental Health Awareness and Trauma-informed Schools |
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Module 14 - Leading the French Immersion School |
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Module 15 - I Stand in Treaty |
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Module 18 – Anti-Oppressive School Improvement |
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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).
Program Fee
$250 per module. Includes a $50 non-refundable registration fee.
Full payment is required for registration to be confirmed.
Full Subsidy Available!
Full subsidies are available for all PDC modules. Please view our Special Education for School Leaders Project for more detailed information or to apply.
Micro-credential Badges
What is a micro-credential badge?
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official recognition for completing a defined set of competency-based learning opportunities
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specialized learning experiences designed to recognize learning obtained from a particular module and allows for the flexibility of taking one module or taking multiple modules towards the PDC AQ micro-credential certificate while promoting lifelong learning and skill development.
Starting December 1, 2023, upon successful completion of a PDC module, you will receive your micro-credential badge in a digital format. A blockchain digital micro-credential is a tamper-proof and verifiable credential which stores information such as the issuing institution, the date the module was completed and the learning objectives. Upon receiving your micro-credential badge, it can be added to your resume, social media, LinkedIn profile and easily shared with current or prospective employers.
Upcoming Sessions
2024-25 Schedule | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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*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 with your board, please email learning@principals.ca.
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/Course Resource Access | ||||||||
All program content and 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. | ||||||||
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:
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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.