CHICAGO PUBLIC SCHOOLS EXPANDS OPPORTUNITY SCHOOLS PROGRAM INTO 10 MORE SCHOOLS

During a recent press conference, Chicago Public Schools CEO Janice Jackson (pictured at podium) announced that 10 schools would be added to the Opportunity Schools program for this upcoming school year. Photo Credit: Chicago Public Schools
During a recent press conference, Chicago Public Schools CEO Janice Jackson (pictured at podium) announced that 10 schools would be added to the Opportunity Schools program for this upcoming school year. Photo Credit: Chicago Public Schools

Chicago Public Schools Expands Opportunity Schools Program Into 10 More Schools

BY KATHERINE NEWMAN

Chicago Public Schools CEO, Janice Jackson, was joined by the Mayor of Chicago, Lori Lightfoot, at a recent press conference to announce the expansion of the Opportunity Schools program into 10 additional schools for the upcoming school year. The press conference was held at Michelle Clark Magnet High School, 5101 W Harrison St., which is one of the schools that has just been added to the program.

The Opportunity Schools program was created by Chicago Public Schools as a way of recruiting and retaining high-quality teachers for hard-to-staff schools in positions that are of the greatest need, such as special education and bilingual teaching, according to information provided by CPS.

“As a city, we must guarantee all of our children receive an education that is comprehensive, challenging and prepares them for meaningful work, civic engagement, and life-long learning,” said Mayor Lightfoot. “Opportunity Schools are focused on helping schools to support and retain high-quality teachers who play a central role in the lives and education of our children.”

The addition of these 10 new schools to the program means that these schools, along with the others that were already included, will get the highly trained staff they deserve and it also guarantees that the new staff members will be supported by the district through mentorship and development opportunities as they settle into their new positions.

“With equity at the forefront of the district’s vision for the future, ensuring principals have equitable access to qualified, passionate teachers is critical to continue building upon the district’s significant academic progress,” said Jackson. “The Opportunity Schools program is an investment in schools and teachers’ continued development by providing them with mentorship and unique professional development opportunities to lay the foundation for a successful career.”

Michelle Clark Magnet High School is located in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood on the west side and as part of the Opportunity Schools program, the school administration will now have the support they need from the district to attract high-quality educators and ensure their students are receiving the learning opportunities they deserve.

Thanks to this program, the Principal at Michelle Clark Magnet High School, Charles Anderson, will finally be able to dedicate resources to recruiting the educators that his students need to be able to thrive academically.

“Joining the Opportunity Schools program is helping me assemble a dynamic team of high-quality educators who are invested in the success of our students,” said Anderson. “This additional support will help our school community be further defined by our dedicated educators, staff, families and community members who come together to provide the best possible education to our students.”

Other schools that were added to the Opportunity Schools program for the upcoming school year are Chicago Vocational Career Academy High School, Gage Park High School, Greater Lawndale High School for Social Justice, and Kelvyn Park High School among a few others.

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