A new partnership announced today between Charles Sturt University (CSU) and Principals Australia Institute (PAI) will offer school principals innovative and accessible professional learning opportunities.

PAI has recently undertaken the trial phase of the Australian Principal Certification Program. Certification is a profession-led, quality assured and publicly accountable process for validating the leadership capacity and expertise of Australian school principals. The Program is aligned with the Australian Professional Standard for Principals.

The partnership between CSU and PAI will progress the Australian Principal Certification Program, and was announced at an Australian Principal Certification live webinar event involving principals from across Australia. The event showcased learning from the recent Principal Certification Prototype Trial. The parties are discussing research initiatives and other activities to increase opportunities for the professional learning of principals, and improving recognition of their role in the community.

"Charles Sturt University is excited to be working with Principals Australia Institute to recognise principals as contemporary leaders of schools and communities, and support their ongoing professional learning," course director at CSU's Faculty of Education Dr Jae Major said.

"Principals promote lifelong learning to their students and staff, and also model it through their own professional practice. Great leaders never stop learning and this partnership can assist all principals to reach their potential."

The Chair of the Board of PAI the Honourable Susan Lenehan, said "PAI is pleased to be entering into a partnership with Charles Sturt University. Principal Certification recognises the impact of the role of educational leadership on the quality of student learning, teaching and schools. Certification supports school leaders and assists them to achieve outcomes that benefit the whole community. Our partnership with Charles Sturt University will enhance our work with school leaders."

The Partnership will build on existing common values, skills and educational activities between PAI and CSU. Both organisations seek to expand the skills, and increase recognition of educational leaders and the significance of Principal Certification.

"The partnership has been formed with Charles Sturt University's Faculties of Business and Education reflecting the need for contemporary principals to not only be great educational leaders but also be able to successfully and efficiently manage a complex organisation," course director at CSU's Faculty of Business Dr Lan Snell said.

The courses available to principals through CSU Online include the Master of Education (with specialisation in Educational Leadership), Master of International Education (School Leadership), Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Business Leadership and the Graduate Certificate in Commerce.

Information about educational leadership courses offered at CSU can be located here.

For more information about the Principal Certification Program visit the PAI website.