What does leadership look like beyond the school system? For teacher candidates in the Leadership in Educational Organizations concentration, that question recently came to life. Through two core courses, FOCI275 Leadership in Schools and EDST275 Understanding Leadership in School Organizations, students dig into the theory behind how organizations function and how leaders shape the experiences of those within them. They explore everything from group dynamics to decision-making structures, building a foundation of organizational literacy that will serve them well in schools and beyond.
At the Faculty of Education, all teacher candidates tailor their degree by choosing a concentration that aligns with their interests and goals. Each concentration includes two courses and a three-week alternative practicum that can take place anywhere in the world, offering opportunities to connect theory with real-world experience outside of a traditional classroom.
For this cohort, that connection took shape at Kingston’s City Hall where students met with Mayor Bryan Paterson, gaining first-hand insight into leadership at the municipal level. He spoke candidly about his role, the challenges he faces, and how he approaches leading a growing city. From navigating complex decisions to staying grounded in community needs, his perspective offered a compelling example of leadership in action. The visit also included a heritage tour of City Hall, where students explored the building’s history and learned about the leaders who have helped to shape Kingston. “Overall, it was a great learning experience for all teacher candidates, with some commenting that this was the highlight of their program” noted Professor Benjamin Kutsyuruba who organized the City Hall visit.
“I really enjoyed our field trip to City Hall and the opportunity to meet with the mayor,” said teacher candidate Brianna Klein. “I found the experience genuinely inspiring, especially how down-to-earth Bryan was in his approach to leadership. With my mom working in municipal government, it was particularly interesting to compare how Kingston operates differently. Overall, it felt like an invaluable experience that highlighted how leadership extends beyond education, while also showing how much of the theory we’ve learned can be meaningfully applied in real-world contexts. It was tons of fun.”