A wide variety of professional learning programs are offered by the NSELC to address professional concerns identified by educational leaders from across Nova Scotia. In each case, input from local personnel in the planning process ensures that the programs offered are being used to support relevent and current Department of Education programs and initiatives. NSELC programs are based on up-to-date educational research and utilize a broad pool of pertinent resources and materials. Most programs are written and facilitated by local educators identified as experts in their field.

Our leadership programs focus on:

• Providing professional learning experiences incorporating relevant information, practical applications and personal experience
• Addressing the real-life needs of educational leaders
• Providing learning experiences and training that are based on current research and literature
• Providing participants with the opportunity to network with fellow educational leaders
• Providing content and processes that reflect diversity of perspectives
• Encouraging participants to anticipate changes in education through the identification and consideration of changes in society
• Modelling leadership dynamics, styles and the use of various instructional strategies.

The ELCNS is excited to announce the revitalization of selected modules and the development of new professional learning opportunities in response to topics identified by Nova Scotia educational leaders in the Winter-Spring of 2021-22.  As part of our Leadership Success Plan, we are currently establishing a strategic timeline for program development based on stakeholder responses and your immediate learning needs.  Priorities for the 2021-2022 Academic Year will include:

• Restorative Approaches in Schools, Revised
• Supporting Student Achievement and Well-Being through the Nova Scotia Inclusive Education Policy
• Promoting Student Well-Being through Health Promoting Schools
• Coaching for Quality Instruction

Opportunities for Nova Scotia educators with expertise and experience in specific topics of study to develop curricula and programs are  communicated on our website here.

Our leadership programs adhere to research-informed principles that support the continued development of educational leaders as they support effective instruction and student learning, and focus on:

• Incorporating current research and evidence-based pedagogy;
• Recognizing teachers and administrators as professionals, and supporting their commitment to the continuous development of professional practice in all stages of their career;
• Recognizing the impact of effective teaching and supportive leadership on the achievement of all students;
• Enhancing teacher performance and student learning;
• Supporting standards of professional practices, professional growth plans and the Teacher Growth and Evaluation process;
• Integrating individual, regional and provincial priorities and initiatives;
• Integrating student well-being and achievement in an integrated way within the Nova Scotia Inclusive Education Policy framework;
• Incorporating inclusive, equitable and culturally responsive pedagogy and leadership practices;
• Fostering individual and collective growth through collaborative inquiry with colleagues across Nova Scotia;
• Building on teacher knowledge and skills to challenge attitudes, deepen understanding and transform practice;
• Facilitating deeper knowledge and skills through application and reflection;
• Addressing barriers to participation and enhancing access to professional learning options for all Nova Scotia educators;
• Recognizing the value of formal and informal learning opportunities; and
• Incorporating participant reflection and feedback to inform ongoing improvements in program offerings.

As part of the ELCNS Leadership Success Plan (2020), educational partners are working towards the redesign of modules and other learning opportunities that support leadership development for educators across Nova Scotia.  In addition to reviewing current content and program offerings, feedback from educators will inform the design of new content, models of program delivery, and accessible and relevant professional learning options.  This will enable the ELCNS to expand and strengthen its ability to support student learning through strong leadership.  This work is underway and will be broadly communicated as it evolves, both through the newly designed ELCNS website and through Regional Centres for Education/Board and other partner organization representatives.

Welcome to the Educational Leadership Consortium of Nova Scotia (ELCNS) website.

As we begin the 2025-2026 school year, the Public School Administrators Association of Nova Scotia (PSAANS) is proud to share that the ELCNS, along with all its current programming and offerings, has officially merged into PSAANS. The ELCNS is now a professional learning branch of PSAANS.

PSAANS and ELCNS are committed to providing professional leadership development programs, such as the ILA and ALP, and other professional learning opportunities, such as Modules and Webinars, for educators in Nova Scotia.  ELCNS and PSAANS will continue to offer programs based on the needs of educators, developed for and by Nova Scotian educators. 

PSAANS and ELCNS are engaging in strategic planning to set direction and next steps in supporting and developing leaders and leadership throughout Nova Scotia.

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