Leadership Quality Standard - LQS – Focus on Catholic Leadership
Leadership Quality Standard - LQS – Focus on Catholic Leadership
St. Mary’s University Faculty of Education is offering two 3-credit online courses for aspiring school administrators and teacher leaders. Structured on a sequential knowledge and skill development model, the two courses include theory and practice in the development of the nine competencies as outlined in the Leadership Quality Standard. Alberta Education has approved these two courses for Principal accreditation.
Structured on a sequential knowledge and skill development model, the two courses include theory and practice in the development of the nine competencies as outlined in the Leadership Quality Standard. Alberta Education has approved these two courses for Principal LQS accreditation. The courses are fully online and open to aspiring leaders across the province and beyond. The two courses are taught by Dr. Scott Morrison (President of St. Mary’s University and Former Superintendent, Christ the Redeemer Catholic Schools and Executive Director of the Catholic School Superintendents of Alberta (CCSSA)), Gary Strother (former Acting Chief Superintendent of Calgary Board of Education and former Chief Superintendent of Calgary Catholic School District), and Dr. Teresa Miles (Assistant Professor, Education at St. Mary’s University). The courses are infused with Catholic leadership principles but are applicable to aspiring leaders both in Catholic and public schools.
The St. Mary’s Advantage
• The only Catholic University in the province accredited to offer these courses.
• Instructed by recent Catholic and Public School superintendents.
• Study in the comfort of your home.
Course Offerings
Students must successfully complete both EDLD 555 and EDLD 557 to be recommended for LQS in the Province of Alberta.
EDLD 555 H (3-0) Theory and Practice in Educational Leadership Part 1
This course assists future and current school administrators to develop leadership competencies aligned to the Alberta Leadership Quality Standard. Based in educational theory, research, and best practice, this course focuses on the development of the following competencies through the lens of a Catholic worldview: Fostering Effective Relationships; Embodying Visionary Leadership; Leading a Learning Community; Providing Instructional Leadership; and Managing School Operations and Resources.
Prerequisite: Two years of full-time certified teaching required or permission from the instructor.
Note: Credit for both EDLD 555 and EDLD 551 will not be allowed. However, transfer credit for EDLD 551 will be awarded as EDLD 555 if the minimum required grade is received.
EDLD 557 H (3-0) Theory and Practice in Educational Leadership Part 2
This course assists future and current school administrators to address the contextual aspects of educational leadership, ranging from school to district culture; the current context of on-going dialogue and reconciliation with Canada’s First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples; social movements and legislation; and on-going professional growth. Aligned to the Alberta Leadership Quality Standard, this course focuses on the development of the following competencies through the lens of a Catholic worldview: Developing Leadership Capacity, Modelling Commitment to Professional Learning, Supporting the Application of Foundational Knowledge about First Nations, and Understanding and Responding to the Larger Societal Context.
Prerequisites: Two years of full-time certified teaching required or permission from the instructor.
Note: Credit for both EDLD 557 and EDLD 552 will not be allowed. However, transfer credit for EDLD 552 will be awarded as EDLD 557 if the minimum required grade is received.
How to Apply
Application Steps
- Submit an online application through ApplyAlberta
- Apply for the Catholic Educators – CCEL Leadership Certificate
- Note there is only a Spring intake*
- Pay the $100 non-refundable application fee
- Provide one of the following to admissions@stmu.ca:
- A copy of your valid professional teacher certificate indicating at least two years of full-time certified teaching experience
- If you are a school board administrator without a teacher certificate, a letter confirming your employment in an administrative or leadership role with one of the Catholic school boards
Note: Transcripts are not required.
*Application deadlines follow those of the Master of Education (M.Ed.) program, which can be found here. Please note that seats are limited and are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
Course Exemptions & Program Pathway
Students who have successfully completed EDLD 555 and EDLD 557 with a grade of B+ or higher may be exempt from the first two courses of the Master of Education (M.Ed.) with a Specialization in Catholic Leadership.
Note: Students cannot immediately continue into the M.Ed. program after completing these courses. To begin the M.Ed. program in the following Spring intake, students must apply in advance and meet all admission requirements for the M.Ed. program. Students who wish to go directly into the M.Ed. program should apply for it first and complete the LQS courses as part of their program.
Contact admissions@stmu.ca if you have any questions about the application process.