Leadership Development


System Leaders

Ontario's system leaders – directors and supervisory officers – have a crucial role to play in creating the conditions for success within the publicly funded education system.

Ontario Leadership Framework

The Ontario Leadership Framework is designed to

  • Inspire a shared vision of leadership in schools and boards
  • Promote a common language that fosters an understanding of leadership and what it means to be a school and system leader
  • Identify the practices and competencies that describe effective leadership
  • Guide the design and implementation of professional learning and development for school and system leaders

Leadership Self-Review Tool

The Leadership Self-Review Tool (LSRT) was developed to help school boards examine the support they offer their school leaders. It is the first survey instrument of its kind to be used in the Ontario education system and is designed to be used by school and system leaders.

Effective Practices Guide for Principal/Vice-Principal Terms and Conditions of Employment

The purpose of this guide (PDF, 30 KB) is to describe effective practices that boards could use to inform their consultation with principals and vice-principals and to establish or update their policies on principal/vice-principal terms and conditions of employment. This guide is the result of the discussions and agreements of a work group that included representatives from principal associations and supervisory officer associations and directors of education.

Leadership Career Options

The need to recruit and retain superintendents, principals and vice-principals means that succession planning and leadership development must become a priority for Ontario schools and school boards.

Professional Learning

Professional learning is a key aspect of leadership development. The resources and links below may help you while planning for professional learning, whether it is for you, your school or your board.

Study of the Role of Superintendents and Directors Focus Groups and Surveys

A study of the role of supervisory officers and directors was conducted by the Council of Ontario Directors of Education in May and June of 2006. The study included surveys and focus groups across the province. This study (PDF, 72 KB) sought feedback from practitioners on their roles and the opportunities and challenges they face in carrying out their roles.

Mentoring for Newly Appointed System Leaders – Directors and Supervisory Officers

The mentoring for newly appointed Directors of Education and Supervisory Officers pilot has been expanded as a field test for the 2008-2009 school year. System leaders who are in their first and second years in the role are eligible to receive mentoring supports.

Tools for School Board Employees


Succession Planning for Leadership in Ontario Schools and School Boards

The Institute for Education Leadership commissioned The Learning Partnership to undertake a comprehensive research study on succession planning for leadership in Ontario schools and school boards. The study examines current knowledge about succession planning, the demographics of the pool of current leaders, the factors motivating and discouraging people from assuming the role, and current practices and challenges in Ontario. This study is available on the Research page of the Institute for Education Leadership website.