New certificate program trains future school leaders

UVic's faculty of education begins offering the first and only graduate-level certificate program for the next leaders of B.C.'s schools this summer.

Funded by the provincial government and provided through UVic's department of educational psychology and leadership studies, the program begins with a 10-day intensive institute in August.

"UVic is very pleased to be part of this partnership to help prepare educators to be our future leaders," says dean of education Dr. Budd Hall. "The university has played a very active role in offering teachers the opportunity to continue their learning and assume leadership positions in the province's schools. This new program will build on that expertise to give participants the skills they need for their demanding yet rewarding profession."

The professional specialization certificate in school management and leadership (CSML) continues throughout the 2005-06 school year and concludes in the summer of 2006. It combines face-to-face interaction with online learning.

With 40 to 60 per cent of the province's principals, vice-principals and district staff eligible to retire in the next five years, the program is addressing the need to educate the individuals who will take their places. For more information on the program visit www.educ.uvic.ca/csml/index.html.