Our professional learning team is committed to  

  • developing and delivering relevant and meaningful learning for individuals to reflect on and improve their capacity to provide effective leadership in education and 

  • developing, providing and supporting a variety of relevant, accessible and locally customized professional learning opportunities, based on diverse Member and participant needs, feedback and job demands. 

Learning opportunities are designed and facilitated to align with our Professional Learning Expectations and Standards.

Additional Qualifications (AQs) EDI Summit - Group of people with discussion bubbles Education Study Tours with map of Canada and Toronto Emerging Leader Development Program
International Exchanges with map of the world Leadership Coaching New Leader Support Program OPCLeadLearn Annual Conference
Self-directed Learning Workshops - diverse group of people being led by a facilitator Placeholder Placeholder

Free Learning Opportunities for Members

Article Discussions Book Clubs Leadership Conversation Series Leadership Talks Podcast
Leading Learning Toolkit Professional Learning Networks Seminar Series Webinars with person viewing laptop screen
District Regional Sessions Placeholder Placeholder Placeholder

View the core programming offerings in an alternative electronic format - Excellence in Leadership Learning 2026-27 Learning Catalogue.

Professional Learning Opportunities Email Sign Up

We send a weekly Professional Learning Opportunities email that includes the latest information on our upcoming offerings and resources. If you are interested in receiving this communication, sign up today. 

Professional Learning Email Sign Up

Professional Learning Team

Lindsey Diakiw (She/Her)

 Professional Learning Consultant

Lindsey has been an educator and leader in Ontario schools for over 30 years. Lindsey has supported aspiring, new and experienced leaders build their skills as a co-chair of learning networks, as a mentor and coach, and as a centrally assigned principal in Leadership Development and Engagement. She has worked along side students, colleagues, parents, and families to increase engagement in school communities by creating space for student and family voice. Lindsey has recently joined OPC as a Professional Learning Consultant to continue her commitment to supporting education leaders in their growth and development. 

 Brad Harris (He/Him)

Project Coordinator

Brad Harris supports the planning and delivery of professional learning opportunities for school leaders across Ontario. He works collaboratively with colleagues and partners to coordinate programs, events, and resources that enhance the member experience. Brad is passionate about organization, problem-solving, and using technology to improve processes and support effective project management. He recently completed a Certificate in Non-Profit Leadership for Impact, further strengthening his skills in leadership and organizational effectiveness. Committed to continuous learning and exceptional service, Brad enjoys contributing to initiatives that help educational leaders connect, learn, and grow.

Mazlina Khan (She/Her)

 Project Coordinator

As a Project Coordinator at the Ontario Principals' Council (OPC), I support the planning and delivery of projects and professional learning initiatives that empower school leaders across Ontario. I collaborate with cross-functional teams, manage project timelines, coordinate stakeholder communications, and help bring impactful programs to life. Passionate about organization, collaboration, and continuous improvement, I enjoy creating meaningful learning experiences that contribute to leadership development and educational excellence.

 Susie Lee-Fernandes (She/Her)

Headshot of East Asian female wearing a sand sweater Director of Professional Learning

Susie has served in education for over 25 years in the roles of teacher, principal and superintendent with responsibilities for equity, special education and leadership development. She is a dedicated educator and life-long learner, committed to culturally responsive leadership and authentic collaboration with community partners. In her current role as Director of Professional Learning for the Ontario Principal’s Council, Susie is honoured to support principals and vice-principals in exemplary school leadership at the local, national and international levels.

Julie Tran (She/Her

 Project Coordinator

Julie joined the Professional Learning team in 2023 after a decade supporting student success and curriculum initiatives with the Durham District School Board. Recognized for her collaborative approach and commitment to service excellence, she draws on experience from both education and advertising to support impactful professional learning. On behalf of the Ontario Principals' Council, Julie contributes to advancing equitable and inclusive learning environments and creating opportunities that empower educational leaders to thrive. She also gives back to her community through volunteer leadership and values building relationships that foster belonging, engagement, and positive experiences for all learners.

Additional Information

Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act

We are committed to accommodating the individual needs of our Members and learning session participants, in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Our professional learning offerings provide access to a variety of AODA compliant mechanisms, including technologies, to share, collaborate and connect across Ontario and beyond. To review OPC's Accessibility Policy.

If you require accommodation, please contact learning@principals.ca or call 416-322-6600 and ask to speak with a member of our professional learning team.

Appeal Process

The appeal process is in place to ensure that transparent steps are in place if a candidate/participant disagrees with the assessment and evaluation within a program. These appeal procedures are transparent, based on due process and designed to ensure prompt, fair and equitable treatment of all concerned. 

For additional information please review our appeal process page.

Guiding Principles

Professional learning Guiding Principles drive all planning, development and delivery.

Significant Events and Faith Observations
Our team endeavours to avoid scheduling learning sessions at times that conflict with significant events or faith observations. We offer repeat sessions at different times and may record some sessions, when possible, to support the needs of our Members and participants.

Please let us know at learning@principals.ca if you require an accommodation or would like to discuss alternative options. 

International School Leadership (ISL)