The Principal's Qualification Program, offered by the Centre for Flexible Teaching and Learning, is designed to prepare aspiring school administrators for the various roles that come with the position of Principal and Vice-Principal in Public and Catholic schools of Ontario.  The roles have changed dramatically over the past few years.  Expectations for the Principal are increasingly focussed on site-based management and accountability with the Principal performing roles that include the following:  leader of curriculum leaders; facilitator of staff growth; plant and human resources manager; advisor to School Councils; community leader; and participant in system level initiatives as part of an extended management team.

To facilitate learning outcomes around these roles, the Principal's Qualification Program is divided into two parts, each of which is divided into a framework of modules.  Based on decisions of the site based instructional team, the modules will include an on-line component ranging from 20% to 33% of the 100 contact hours required for each of Parts I and II. 

Part I of the program focuses on "Leadership", while Part II of the program is primarily about "Change".  Together, the learning modules within the two parts constitute an opportunity for candidates to acquire and develop the body of knowledge and skills necessary to operate effective Public and Catholic schools within the Province of Ontario.

THE PRACTICUM

The practicum provides candidates with an opportunity to gain knowledge and skills in a practical context within their own Public or Catholic school district.  The Ontario College of Teachers stipulates that the practicum must include at least 60 hours of experiential learning of which up to 20 hours may be spent job shadowing the candidate's mentor or another school administrator.  The practicum must be completed before a recommendation can be sent for the Part II.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Candidates for Part I must:

  1. hold an acceptable university degree;

  2. hold an Ontario Certificate of Qualification or Interim Certificate of Qualification (Temporary Letter of Standing);

  3. hold concentrations in three divisions including the intermediate division, as indicated on the applicant's Certificate of Qualification;

  4. provide evidence of at least five years of successful teaching experience in a school providing elementary or secondary education, as certified by the appropriate supervisory officer; and

  5. provide evidence of  one of the following:
    1. Specialist or Honour Specialist qualification as indicated on the applicant's Certificate of Qualification and
      1. successful completion of at least half the number of courses required to qualify for a Masters Degree that is an acceptable university degree, or
      2. an additional Specialist or Honour Specialist qualification as indicated on the applicant's Certificate of Qualification.
    2. a Masters Degree that is an acceptable university degree.
    3. successful completion of such number of graduate university courses equivalent to the number of graduate university courses that are required to qualify for a Masters Degree that is an acceptable university degree.


Candidates for Part II must:

Provide a copy of their Certificate of Qualification with the Principal's Qualification Program, Part I (PRIN D&I) entry.

REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS
  1. complete the Application Form for PQP, Part II and Practicum;
    1. Part I:  Provide documentary evidence as follows:
      1. copy of Certificate of Qualification with concentration in three divisions (must include Intermediate);
      2. an original official transcript confirming completion of an undergraduate degree from an accredited university;
      3. evidence of one of the qualifications listed under 'Admission Requirements' (above), numbers 1, 2, or 3 supported by an official transcript; and
      4. proof of five or more years of teaching experience.

    2. Part II:  Provide documentary evidence as follows: 
      1. copy of Certificate of Qualification showing completion of Principal's Qualification Program, Part I; 

       

Candidates should note that Nipissing will only forward to the Ontario College of Teachers a recommendation for the Principal's Qualification courses that you have completed with us.  Documentation regarding the completion of a Master's program or other graduate level courses must be sent to the Ontario College of Teachers for their records.
COURSE FEES

The course fee for each PQP course is $975.  Full payment is required at the time of registration and must accompany your registration form.  Each course is subject to a $150.00 non-refundable cancellation fee. Early Registration Discounts do not apply to the Principal's Qualification Program. 

MINIMUM ENROLMENT DEADLINE

The program will be cancelled in locations where the number of applications is deemed insufficient to make the course viable.  Minimum enrolments may vary by location and are based on the cost of running the course in that area.

LOCATIONS

The Principal's Qualification Program is offered in various locations which may include:  Barrie, Brantford, Sudbury, Sault Ste. Marie, and North Bay. ​