MOU strengthens professional learning pathways and expands access to graduate education for school leaders across Ontario
Fredericton, NB, December 2, 2025 – Yorkville University is proud to announce its recently launched partnership with the Ontario Principals’ Council (OPC) – a collaboration that reinforces Yorkville’s deepening commitment to supporting educators, school leaders, and learning communities across Canada.
The partnership comes at a moment of significant growth for Yorkville University’s Faculty of Education, which is preparing for the launch of its third fully online graduate offering – the Master of Education in Curriculum and Pedagogy (MECP) – in May 2026. The new program will join Yorkville’s established Master of Education in Adult Education and Master of Education in Educational Leadership (with specializations in Educational Administration and Leadership in Learning) programs, further expanding the university’s mission to prepare purpose-driven educators for the evolving needs of learners in the 21st century.
Strengthening Pathways for Ontario’s School Leaders
With more than 5,400 Members, the OPC is the largest professional association representing principals and vice-principals in Ontario’s publicly funded schools. Through advocacy, professional learning, and leadership development, the OPC equips elementary and secondary school leaders with the skills and support they need to provide exemplary leadership in their communities.
Through this new partnership with the OPC, Yorkville now joins a select group of Canadian and international universities, including Western University and Ontario Tech University, recognized for supporting the professional learning pathways of educators and school leaders.
Under the signed Memorandum of Understanding, Yorkville and the OPC have agreed to collaborate to enhance professional learning opportunities for principals and vice-principals and course participants by:
1. Recognizing Transfer Credits: Yorkville University will assess, with the intent to accept, transfer credits for PQP Part 1 and PQP Part 2 – each a 125-hour Principal’s Qualification Program course – into its Master of Education programs.
2. Providing Tuition Bursaries: Eligible OPC Members admitted to any of Yorkville’s Master of Education programs through a Yorkville admissions advisor will receive a 20% tuition bursary, prorated across their program.
3. Promoting Yorkville Programs to OPC Members: The OPC will share information about Yorkville’s graduate education opportunities with its membership.
4. Collaborating on Program Advisory Leadership: The OPC may appoint a representative to serve on Yorkville’s Faculty of Education Program Advisory Committee (PAC).
5. Creating Mentorship Opportunities: The OPC will support the identification of mentorship opportunities for Yorkville’s Master of Education students.
Celebrating a Shared Commitment to Educational Excellence
Yorkville University President and Vice Chancellor Dr. Julia Christensen Hughes celebrated the OPC partnership, emphasizing the significance of the collaboration for both institutions:
“We are thrilled to partner with the Ontario Principals’ Council in expanding access to graduate education for the leaders who shape our schools and influence the future of public education in Ontario. This agreement reflects Yorkville’s enduring belief in the power of education to drive change. As we grow our suite of Master of Education programs – including our soon-to-launch MECP – we remain deeply committed to supporting educators at every stage of their careers and preparing compassionate, courageous leaders who will transform learning across Canada and beyond.”
Susie Lee-Fernandes, Director of Professional Learning and Engagement at the Ontario Principals’ Council, likewise welcomed the collaboration, noting its alignment with the OPC’s commitment to advancing professional learning for school leaders:
“Ontario’s principals and vice-principals are dedicated to fostering safe, inclusive, and high-quality learning environments for students across the province. Our partnership with Yorkville University strengthens the professional pathways available to our Members and course candidates and recognizes the depth of learning embedded in the Principal’s Qualification Program.”
About Yorkville University:
Yorkville University began with a bold vision: to offer flexible, rigorous, and career-focused programs that transform lives. Since 2004, Yorkville University has expanded to campuses across Canada, offering both online and on-campus programs. Our graduates have advanced their careers through programs in the behavioral sciences, social sciences, business, design and the creative arts. Yorkville University’s student-centred, practitioner-oriented approach equips graduates with skills that employers value, making us one of Canada’s largest private universities. Learn more at https://www.yorkvilleu.ca/
