The National College for Educational Leadership (NCEL) is now accepting applications for its Virtual Instructional Leadership (VIL) online course that will be launched within weeks.

In order to equip school leaders with the skills and competencies to effectively manage their schools remotely, the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information, through NCEL, and in collaboration with the United Nations Children's Fund, has developed the VIL online course to support principals' management and supervision of teachers using e-learning platforms.

According to Dr Taneisha Ingleton, director/principal of NCEL and VIL ideator, the course forms part of the college's commitment to implement strategic initiatives to transform the educational leadership landscape in Jamaica and to enhance the leadership competencies of school principals before, during, and after crises.

Director of Programmes/VIL Technical Lead and Creative Designer Dr Cheryl McLaughlin noted that the course is contextually relevant, and that its development solidifies the college's thrust to support and promote continuous engagement and professional development of the island's school principals.

All principals and vice-principals in all school levels across the system are encouraged to express their interest to participate in the VIL course by submitting applications via the college's website (ncel.gov.jm) no later than Thursday, May 28, 2020.