Why Teach in Chicago Public Schools?
We Are a Winning Team
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We Value Diversity
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We Put Equity Into Action
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We Earn a Good Living in a Great City
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Be Part of a Success Story
Chicago Public Schools students are achieving at record levels thanks to passionate, dedicated educators, our students’ hard work, and a supportive community.
CPS high school graduation rates have steadily increased over the past two decades. This consistent progress has transformed the lives of countless graduates and families, and is a testament to what can be accomplished when students are centered in all we do.
84.1% Graduation Rate in 2024
105% Increase in graduation rates since 2001
A Workforce Reflective of Chicago
We believe the leaders of our classrooms should reflect the rich cultures and communities of our city. Countless studies show diversity among teachers and school staff helps create a more inclusive, engaging, and well-rounded educational experience that benefits all students.
That’s why CPS is committed to recruiting, retaining, supporting, and developing exceptional and diverse talent at all levels of the District. And we are making real progress. Our Five Year Goals are centered on recruiting more Black and Latinx teachers, increasing retention of all teachers, and reducing teacher vacancies in majority Black and Latinx schools. Learn more.
The CPS Teacher Residency program helps career changers enter our teacher workforce.
Get to Know Opportunity Schools
The Opportunity Schools program is a powerful demonstration of CPS’ sharp focus on and deep commitment to equity. Designed to support and staff neighborhood schools most in-need, the program offers teaching candidates an individualized recruitment experience and provides new hires with a dedicated mentor teacher and instructional coaching.
While Opportunity Schools are found across the city, the majority are on the city’s South and West sides. The Opportunity Schools initiative addresses the steep challenges those schools face in recruiting and retaining educators for both specialized and general roles.
The CPS Opportunity Schools program places highly talented and motivated teachers in Chicago’s most in-need schools.
We offer one of the most generous compensation packages in the country.
Our teacher benefits package includes comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance, reduced tuition for continuing education, pensions and competitive supplemental retirement plans.
We want to take care of you, so you can take care of your students.
You can use this estimator to gain a sense of our compensation levels.
Education Level
Your Salary Today
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The first salary figure noted is total compensation for the 2023-2024 school year. The second salary figure noted is the total compensation for the same education level and two additional years of teaching experience for the 2025-2026 school year.
You should know that the district is negotiating new pay rates, as of July 1, 2024. Updated salary information will be reflected here as soon as it is available.
Please utilize this calculator as an estimate of your potential salary. Based on the collective bargaining agreement with the Chicago Teachers Union, CPS accepts up to 7 years of previous teaching experience towards an increased salary placement.
More information about the Teachers Contract can be found here, and more information about the Board’s compensation policy can be found here. If you are a previous CPS teacher and you are returning to the district, welcome back! You will return to the same salary step where you exited.
Wondering where to start? We can help.
Experience a new way to find a teaching job in CPS.
The Talent Office’s Teacher Recruitment Team are dedicated staff members here to answer your questions, help find your “right fit” role, and make your hiring process as smooth.
Step one is to submit your info through the “Get Started” button to connect directly with one of our recruiters.
LT Recruiters
CPS offers a wide array of teaching roles district wide. Our recruitment team is here to help you find your right fit so you can thrive and make a positive impact.
Come Teach With Us
