The Leadership Quality Standard (LQS) certificate is the Government of Alberta's requirement for educators looking to explore careers as principals and vice-principals. The LQS certificate ensures individuals entering roles have a common level of preparation by developing necessary competencies such as providing instructional leadership, managing school operations and resources, fostering effective leaderships, etc.

Participants in this online program (two 3-credit courses) will learn to lead sustainably and according to how students and school personnel might flourish as individuals, a community, in society, and in relation to the natural world.

EDUC 5xx – Leadership and Vision

This course asks students to connect their motivations for leadership with the goal of service so that students and school personnel can flourish as individuals and as a community. Students are challenged to develop personal vision and values to purposefully lead from the heart in a manner that understands and responds to the contexts impacting schools, supports high-quality teaching and learning, and demonstrates the competencies aligned to the Leadership Quality Standard.

EDUC 5xx – Leadership and Action

This course examines actions school leaders take in support of their call to the vocation of school leadership and their vision for student engagement, learning, and well-being. Students study the alignment of policies and procedures with the management of school operations and resources in order to support the desired teaching and learning practices in a manner that demonstrates the competencies aligned to the Leadership Quality Standard. The course also surveys improving the instructional program.

Important Dates

  • Application Deadline: June 15, 2023
  • Spring Term 2 Dates (Course 1): May 23 - June 9, 2023
  • Fall Term Dates (Course 2): August 31 - December 8, 2023

Admission Eligibility

  • Completed B.Ed. degree, or its equivalent, from an accredited institution.
  • Valid teaching certificate.
  • Three years or more of approved teaching experience while holding a valid Alberta teaching certificate or an approved teaching certificate issued by a jurisdiction outside of Alberta. This is to be demonstrated through the confirmation of teaching experience and a supporting letter from the current principal.