Applications Open for Chicago Public Schools Seniors to Join Innovative Teaching Prep Program
Applications are open for Chicago Public Schools’ (CPS) Teach Chicago Tomorrow program, a structured pathway for CPS graduates who want to return to the District as educators. CPS hires approximately 140 CPS graduates as teachers each year, and through Teach Chicago Tomorrow the District has set a long-term goal to triple the number of CPS grads hired annually to more than 500.
These hirings will also be crucial in reflecting the needs and representations of our communities.
Teach Chicago Tomorrow, established in 2020, is a partnership between CPS, City Colleges of Chicago (CCC), and Illinois State University (ISU). It offers two structured pathway programs for aspiring CPS teachers, each a roadmap that makes becoming a teacher more accessible, predictable, and affordable.
The Teach Chicago Tomorrow Pathways Partnership track combines the resources of the three partner institutions, who have created a structure to guide CPS graduates in enrolling in college and completing their degree program; earning a teaching credential in specific teaching specialties; and starting their CPS career. The full-time coursework takes place in Chicago, at CCC and at ISU satellite facilities.
Scholars first earn an associate degree at City Colleges of Chicago and then earn their bachelor’s degree by completing the second two years of college as an Illinois State University student. After undertaking a year-long student teaching experience within CPS schools and earning their Illinois teaching license, students will have priority for job placement at CPS schools.
The Emerging Educators Program is an alternative option for students needing more time to complete college. Students take classes at CCC, part-time or full-time, to complete their associate degree and then transfer to Illinois State University or any other four-year institution of their choosing to complete their education degree program.
CPS will also provide additional financial support through stipends of at least $1,500 for students who participate in the full eight-week Teach Chicago Tomorrow summer bridge program for CPS graduates heading into their first year of college.
Students eligible for the program must:
* Have a passion for education and teaching.
* Be a CPS graduate from the class of 2021 or 2022.
* Minimum of 2.5 GPA for admission (and must maintain 3.0 throughout college enrollment).
* Minimum score of 21 on the ACT or SAT of 540 in English and 530 in Math.
* Alternatively, students may enroll in a summer bootcamp to achieve college-readiness.
Interested students can apply by submitting an interest form (Click “Get Started”): teach.cps.edu/teach-chicago-tomorrow.
The final application deadline is Friday, April 15.
Teach Chicago Tomorrow and the Pathways Partnership are supported by Crown Family Philanthropies and the Joyce Foundation. Key supporters of Teach Chicago include Crown Family Philanthropies and the Joyce Foundation. Additional support is provided by the U.S. Department of Education. More information about Teach Chicago can be found at www.teach.cps.edu.
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