Education · 1 of 4

The path

There is no shortcut. You have to teach first, for years.

1. 1

   Become a certified teacher

   5 to 6 years

   Bachelor's degree plus a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed), then registration with your provincial regulator.

2. 2

   Teach, and build breadth

   5 or more years

   Ontario asks for at least five years of successful classroom teaching and qualifications across three divisions, so you need experience with more than one age group.

3. 3

   Build the academic piece

   2 to 4 years, part time

   Ontario requires either a master's degree, or two specialist qualifications, or one specialist plus graduate credits.

4. 4

   Principal's Qualification Program

   1 to 2 years, part time

   Two parts plus a leadership practicum, run through the Ontario College of Teachers framework. Other provinces have their own leadership certificate.

5. 5

   Vice-principal, then principal

   2 to 5 years as a vice-principal

   You apply to a board pool, get interviewed, and get placed where they need you. Expect to move schools.