Ontario Catholic Supervisory Officers' Association

What Ontario Catholic Supervisory Officers' Association does

The Ontario Catholic Supervisory Officers' Association (OCSOA) is a private professional association founded in 1969 that serves Catholic Supervisory Officers and Directors of Education working in Ontario's 36 Catholic district school boards. Organized across six regional chapters, OCSOA functions as a faith-centered community of senior educational leaders, delivering professional development, advocacy, networking, and faith formation rooted in Catholic educational philosophy. Its membership base is essentially the entire universe of Catholic supervisory officers in Ontario, and its services include annual conferences, retreats, awards, publications (e.g., The Enduring Gift, Upon Whose Shoulders We Stand), and a free job posting board for educational leadership vacancies.

OCSOA's core product is the Supervisory Officers' Qualifications Program (SOQP), a five-module qualification program (System Leadership, Leading System Change, Governance, Accountability, and a Leadership Practicum) that candidates must complete within five years to obtain a Supervisory Officer's Certificate. SOQP is delivered by OCSOA through its Catholic Community Delivery Organization (CCDO) designation as the approved Catholic delivery channel for the Ontario College of Teachers. Modules are priced at $1,125 + HST ($1,271.25) each, and the program is offered in a continuous entry hybrid format combining Zoom and face-to-face instruction.

OCSOA generates revenue through three streams: SOQP program fees, event registrations and corporate sponsorships (Platinum, Gold, Silver tiers), and recurring membership services. The organization is staffed by approximately 3-5 employees (Executive Director, Executive Assistant, Administrative Assistant, Program Director) and operates from a headquarters in Mississauga, Ontario. Leadership is transitioning from John B. Kostoff (Executive Director, 2016-2026) to Tracy Barill effective July 1, 2026. ROCSOA, a wholly owned branch serving retired members, operates alongside the main association.

Name

Ontario Catholic Supervisory Officers' Association

Legal name

Ontario Catholic Supervisory Officers' Association

Website

https://ocsoa.ca

Company type

Private

Founded year

1969

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

The Ontario Catholic Supervisory Officers' Association is a 1969-founded professional association serving Catholic Supervisory Officers and Directors of Education across Ontario's 36 Catholic school boards. It delivers the SOQP qualification program, annual events, awards, publications, and advocacy for Catholic education leadership.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Education Leadership Professional Association

NAICS

Professional Organizations (81392)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYEDADAJAD

Educator Preparation Program (EPP) Approval & Oversight

Education/Education Administration, Accreditation & Policy/Teacher Certification, Licensing & Professional Standards Boards

SECONDARYEDADAJAM

School Leader / Administrator Certification & Licensure Boards

Education/Education Administration, Accreditation & Policy/Teacher Certification, Licensing & Professional Standards Boards

Keywords

• Professional association services
• Education leadership development
• Supervisory officer training
• Catholic education advocacy
• Faith-based professional development

Headquarters

HQ city

Mississauga

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. SOQP Program Fees: The Supervisory Officers' Qualifications Program (SOQP) charges fees for each module ($1,125 + HST = $1,271.25). Each module is 50 hours of instruction. The Leadership Practicum also has a fee of $1,125 + HST = $1,271.25.
2. Event Registrations and Sponsorships: Revenue generated from OCSOA events including AGM & Conference, Retreat, ROCSOA Luncheon, and ECCODE AGM & Conference. Sponsors support events at various levels (Platinum, Gold, Silver).
3. Membership Services: Professional organization services to Catholic Supervisory Officers and Directors of Education across Ontario's Catholic school boards.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

The Ontario Catholic Supervisory Officers' Association (OCSOA) is a professional membership association that provides professional qualification programs, faith-based leadership development, networking events, and advocacy services for Catholic Supervisory Officers and Directors of Education across Ontario's Catholic school boards. It operates the Supervisory Officers' Qualifications Program (SOQP) as the approved Catholic Community Delivery Organization (CCDO) for the Ontario College of Teachers.

Product overview

OCSOA is a professional association for Catholic Supervisory Officers in Ontario, offering a professional qualification program (SOQP), events, awards, publications, and a job posting service. The main offerings include the five-module Supervisory Officers' Qualifications Program (SOQP), various publications (The Enduring Gift, Upon Whose Shoulders We Stand, Voices of Our Elders), event hosting (AGM & Conference, Retreat, ROCSOA Luncheon, ECCODE AGM & Conference), and four distinct awards (B.E. Nelligan Award, Distinguished Leadership Award, Award of Excellence for Catholic Education, CASSA NEL Award). The organization also operates a job posting platform for educational leadership positions.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• SOQP (Supervisory Officers' Qualifications Program): Professional qualification program for supervisory officers in Ontario's Catholic schools, comprising four instructional modules and a leadership practicum, operated by CCDO and approved by Ontario College of Teachers.
• ROCSOA

Products and services

• Supervisory Officers' Qualifications Program (SOQP) An intensive five-module professional qualification program comprising System Leadership, Leading System Change, Governance, Accountability, and Leadership Practicum modules that candidates complete within five years to earn a Supervisory Officer's Certificate in Ontario. Delivered online and face-to-face as the Catholic Community Delivery Organization (CCDO) under Ontario College of Teachers approval.
• OCSOA Events & Awards Program Annual professional events including AGM & Conference, faith-based Retreat, ROCSOA Luncheon, and ECCODE AGM & Conference, plus four annual awards (B.E. Nelligan Award, Distinguished Leadership Award, Award of Excellence for Catholic Education, and CASSA NEL Award) recognizing contributions to Catholic education leadership.
• OCSOA Publications and Resources Catholic education publications and faith development resources including The Enduring Gift video, Upon Whose Shoulders We Stand film, Voices of Our Elders document, Christus Vivit summary, OCSOA Pamphlet, and From the Bishops resources (Renewing the Promise, Fulfilling the Promise, This Moment of Promise).
• Job Postings Service A free job posting platform listing professional opportunities for Supervisory Officers and Directors within Ontario Catholic school boards across categories including Area Director, Director of Education, Superintendent, and Other leadership roles.

Named customers29 records

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

37 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• ACBO (Association of Catholic Boards of Ontario)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOCSOA partners with ACBO as part of the Catholic education network in Ontario, collaborating on advocacy and professional development for Catholic school boards.
• CCC (Catholic Curriculum Corporation)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for Catholic curriculum development and resources supporting Catholic education across Ontario schools.
• CCSTA (Canadian Catholic School Trustees Association)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational Catholic education organization that OCSOA collaborates with for Catholic education advocacy and leadership development.
• CEFO (Catholic Education Foundation of Ontario)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCEFO has produced films such as 'Upon Whose Shoulders We Stand' for the 150th Anniversary of Canada, highlighting Catholic religious orders' contribution to education in Ontario.
• CPCO (Catholic Principals' Council of Ontario)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Ontario's Catholic principals organization for professional development and Catholic education advocacy.
• EOCCC (Eastern Ontario Catholic Curriculum Corporation)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional Catholic curriculum partnership serving Eastern Ontario Catholic school boards.
• IEL (Institute for Education Leadership)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOntario education leadership institute that OCSOA collaborates with for professional development frameworks including the Ontario Leadership Framework.
• ICE (Institute for Catholic Education for Ontario)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerICE provides faith development resources and professional development opportunities. Dr. Anne Jamieson serves as Executive Director and facilitated the 2027 OCSOA Retreat.
• OCSTA (Ontario Catholic School Trustees' Association)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOCSTA represents Catholic school trustees across Ontario. Anne O'Brien serves as Director of Catholic Education at OCSTA and co-leads SOQP Module 3 (Governance).
• OECTA (Ontario English Catholic Teachers' Association)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Ontario's Catholic teachers union for Catholic education advocacy and professional collaboration.
• OCSBOA (Ontario Catholic Supervisory Officers' Business Administrators Association)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOCSBOA represents Business Supervisory Officers in Catholic schools. Brian Capovilla serves as OCSBOA representative on OCSOA Board.
• ECCODE (English Catholic Council of Ontario Directors of Education)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerECCODE brings together Directors of Education from English Catholic school boards for their Annual General Meeting and Conference, co-hosted with OCSOA.
• King's University CollegeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCatholic university college partner providing academic resources and educational leadership programs.
• Newman Theological CollegeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCatholic theological college partner providing resources for Catholic education and faith formation.
• St. Jerome's UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCatholic university partner providing academic resources and educational programming.
• University of St. Michael'sminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity of Toronto Catholic college partner providing academic resources for Catholic education.
• OAPCE (Ontario Association for the Promotion of Catholic Education)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerParent organization promoting Catholic education and family involvement in Catholic schools.
• Nelson Education (Nelson Canada)coreOthersNelson Education sponsors the OCSOA CASSA NEL Award (previously XEROX Canada EXL Award). They are a Platinum sponsor for OCSOA events.
• EF Educational ToursminorOthersPlatinum sponsor for OCSOA AGM & Conference 2026.
• Borden Ladner Gervais (BLG)minorOthersSponsor for OCSOA AGM & Conference 2026 and ECCODE AGM 2025.
• Education PerfectminorOthersSponsor for OCSOA AGM & Conference 2026.
• ECNO (Education Computer Network of Ontario)minorOthersSponsor for OCSOA events.
• Pearson CanadaminorOthersSponsor for OCSOA AGM & Conference 2026.
• McCarthy UniformsminorOthersSponsor for OCSOA AGM & Conference 2026.
• Common CompassminorOthersGold sponsor for OCSOA AGM & Conference 2026.
• EntenteminorOthersSponsor for OCSOA AGM & Conference 2026.
• Hicks MorleyminorOthersSponsor for OCSOA AGM & Conference 2026.
• Keel Cottrelle LLPminorOthersSponsor for OCSOA AGM & Conference 2026 and ECCODE AGM 2025.
• Paradigm STIminorOthersSponsor for OCSOA AGM & Conference 2026.
• Rubicon PublishingminorOthersSponsor for OCSOA AGM & Conference 2026.
• Sprig LearningminorOthersSponsor for OCSOA AGM & Conference 2026.
• thinkDoxminorOthersSponsor for OCSOA events.
• CLVRminorOthersSilver sponsor for OCSOA AGM & Conference 2026.
• Greenfield (Education)minorOthersSponsor for ECCODE AGM 2025.
• Shibley Righton LLPminorOthersSponsor for ECCODE AGM 2025.
• PromeusminorOthersSponsor for ECCODE AGM 2025.
• McGill UniversityminorOthersSponsor for ECCODE AGM 2025.

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights3 records

Direct peers

• Ontario Public Supervisory Officers' Association (OPSOA): Direct public-system counterpart to OCSOA. OPSOA serves supervisory officers and directors of education in Ontario's public school boards, mirroring OCSOA's role and structure on the public-school side, including leadership development and qualification pathways.
• Institute for Catholic Education (ICE): Ontario-wide body providing faith development resources and Catholic education professional development. ICE's mandate substantially overlaps with OCSOA's faith formation and curriculum leadership work, and ICE's Executive Director facilitates OCSOA programming such as the annual Retreat.
• Association of Catholic Boards of Ontario (ACBO): Represents Ontario Catholic school boards and trustees alongside OCSOA's representation of supervisory officers. Both organizations serve the same Catholic school boards, collaborate on advocacy, and share overlapping member institutions across the province.
• Catholic Principals' Council of Ontario (CPCO): Ontario association for Catholic school principals with overlapping membership base, mission, and Catholic education advocacy focus. CPCO delivers parallel professional development, events, and advocacy for principals while OCSOA serves supervisory officers, making them closely aligned peer organizations in the same Catholic ecosystem.
• Ontario Catholic School Trustees' Association (OCSTA): Provincial association representing Catholic school trustees in Ontario. OCSTA serves the governance/trustee arm of the same boards OCSOA serves through supervisory officers, with shared advocacy interests, joint SOQP module co-instruction (Module 3 Governance), and event co-hosting.
• Canadian Catholic School Trustees' Association (CCSTA): National association for Catholic school trustees across Canada. CCSTA is a Core strategic partner of OCSOA and represents a parallel leadership-tier (trustees) of the same Catholic boards, with overlapping advocacy and professional development programming at the national level.

Regional players

• Council of Catholic School Superintendents of Alberta (CCSSA): Alberta-based association of Catholic school superintendents with a comparable mandate of professional development, advocacy, and qualification support for Catholic system leaders. CCSSA is the closest geographic-comparable peer outside Ontario, though it does not directly compete in the same territory.

Emerging players

• Ontario English Catholic Teachers' Association (OECTA): Represents Ontario English Catholic teachers and engages in Catholic education advocacy alongside OCSOA. While focused on the teacher tier rather than supervisory officers, OECTA is a peer voice in the same Catholic education advocacy ecosystem with comparable member-based service model.

Broad incumbents

• National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA): U.S.-based national professional association for Catholic education, providing conventions, publications, leadership formation, and awards programs. While broader in scope and U.S.-focused, NCEA offers a comparable member-services and recognition model that OCSOA emulates at the Ontario provincial scale.
• Ontario College of Teachers (OCT): Provincial regulatory body that accredits teaching credentials and approves delivery organizations such as OCSOA's CCDO. OCT operates at a system-wide governance level and is the umbrella under which OCSOA's SOQP qualification sits, making it a higher-tier incumbent comparable along regulatory and qualification pathways.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Ontario Catholic Supervisory Officers' Association