Leadership Development

Grand Erie is committed to supporting future educators through meaningful, hands-on learning experiences. The Teacher Candidate Placement Program provides teacher candidates with the opportunity to work in dynamic classroom settings alongside skilled mentor educators who guide and encourage their professional growth.

Program Objectives

• Provide authentic teaching experiences in diverse learning environments
• Support the development of effective instructional, classroom management, and assessment practices
• Build understanding of equity, inclusion, and the varied needs of today’s learners
• Encourage self-reflection and continuous professional learning to build a strong foundation for a teaching career
  

Benefits to Participants

• Practical Experience: Apply coursework in real-time through planning, instruction, and student engagement
• Mentorship: Receive guidance and feedback from experienced educators
• Inclusive Practice: Strengthen the ability to support diverse learners and build equitable learning environments
• Professional Growth: Develop confidence, adaptability, and readiness for the teaching profession
  

Network and Collaboration

Teacher candidates also have opportunities to connect with peers, mentor educators, and school employees across Grand Erie. Participation in school-based activities and professional learning helps candidates build relationships and contribute to the broader learning community.

The Teacher Candidate Placement Program offers a supportive learning environment that prepares future educators to begin their careers with confidence, compassion, and a strong understanding of effective teaching and leadership. 

The New Teacher Induction Program supports the professional growth of beginning teachers through orientation, mentorship, and targeted professional learning. NTIP provides new teachers with opportunities to apply learning in their classrooms while receiving ongoing support from an experienced mentor. The program encourages collaboration, reflective practice, and participation in a strong professional learning community.

NTIP is available to any new teacher in a 97+ day Long Term Occasional position or in the first or second year of a permanent contract who has not previously completed all elements of the program.

Program Goals

• Support the successful transition into the teaching profession
• Build strong instructional, assessment, and classroom management practices
• Strengthen inclusive and equitable teaching strategies to meet diverse learner needs
• Encourage ongoing professional reflection and inquiry
• Develop meaningful mentorship relationships that support growth and confidence

Program Overview

Orientation Sessions

Teachers are introduced to Grand Erie’s culture, priorities, policies, procedures, and available resources. 

Professional Learning Opportunities

Participants take part in professional learning focused on instructional strategies, classroom management, Universal Design for Learning, equitable teaching practices, assessment and evaluation, and student well-being.

Topics may include:

• Specialized Services
• Curriculum and Student Achievement
• Indigenous Education
• Culturally Relevant and Responsive Pedagogy
• STEAM and Innovation

Mentorship

Each NTIP teacher works with an experienced educator who provides guidance, feedback, and ongoing support through job-embedded learning. 

The New Administrator Mentorship Program is a required program for all newly appointed Vice Principals and Principals. The program provides leadership support by enhancing leadership capacity and promoting effective school management. It includes mentorship, professional learning, leadership development, collaborative networks, and alignment with system goals.

This program equips new administrators with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to lead effectively, ensuring the success and well-being of students, employees, and school communities.

Program Objectives:  

• Support the development of leadership knowledge, skills and personal resources needed by new administrators 
• Facilitate the transmission of the school, system and professional culture to new administrators
• Provide opportunities for administrators to analyze and reflect on their leadership with support from experienced administrators
• Promote the personal and professional well-being of administrators
• Build mentoring capacity by developing effective coaching and leadership skills among participants in the New Principal and Vice-Principal Mentorship Program
• Enhance leadership effectiveness and contribute to improved teaching and learning outcomes within school communities

Program Structure

The program includes four sessions covering topics based on the Ontario Leadership Framework and informed by participant feedback.  Topics may include:

• Building Positive School Culture
• Handling Challenging Situations and Relationships
• Progressive Discipline
• Leadership in Special Education
• Health and Wellness
• Operational Supports for Learning 
  

LEAD Part 1 provides a practical introduction to leadership development, open to all Grand Erie employees regardless of role or position. Through two focused sessions, participants build self-awareness, strengthen their ability to lead others, and deepen their understanding of how leadership actions connect to system priorities.

Grounded in an equity-informed lens, the learning emphasizes that leadership is not tied to title, but demonstrated through everyday actions, relationships, and decision-making. Participants will reflect on their strengths, develop personal leadership resources, and explore strategies to positively influence their teams and school communities. 

The Leadership Pathways Evening is a night to support those preparing to pursue various leadership and varying positions in Grand Erie.

These role-specific sessions will offer targeted preparation aligned with distinct pathways.

Additional pathways will be forthcoming as we continue to grow this program.  

The Grand Erie Leadership Symposium event brings employees from all roles together to connect, learn, and reflect while listening to guest speakers and experts in the field of leadership.

It supports leadership development by encouraging shared learning, amplifying diverse perspectives, and reinforces that leadership happens at every level of the organization. 

Grand Erie offers certified teachers opportunities to enhance their professional skills and expertise in specialized areas through Additional Qualification (AQ) courses, in partnership with accredited universities. These opportunities support specialization, alignment with the Ontario Curriculum and continuous professional growth.

AQ courses empower teachers to deepen expertise, enhance student learning, and pursue new career opportunities within the Ontario education system.

Grand Erie is pleased to offer board-sponsored AQ courses for interested teachers.  Current partnerships include Brock University, Lakehead University, Laurier University and Six Nations Polytechnic. 

The Clerical Learning Series is designed to enhance the professional skills and knowledge of school clerical employees, enabling them to effectively support school operations and contribute to a positive school environment. Sessions focus on system priorities and practical hands-on learning.

System Clerical professional learning is designed to strengthen the professional skills and knowledge of system clerical employees, empowering them to build capacity and effectively support board operations. Sessions are aligned with system priorities and focus on practical, hands-on learning tailored to the evolving needs of the organization.