Chicago Public Schools Employment Opportunities Shift Fast
- 01. Chicago Public Schools Employment Opportunities: Current Openings and How to Apply
- 02. Key Employment Categories Available Now
- 03. Current High-Demand Positions and Salary Ranges
- 04. Resident Teacher Program: Fast-Track to Classroom Leadership
- 05. Paraprofessional Opportunities: SECA and TA Positions
- 06. Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide
- 07. Superintendent/CEO National Search: Leadership Opportunity
- 08. Why #TheBestAreWithCPS: District Mission and Impact
Chicago Public Schools Employment Opportunities: Current Openings and How to Apply
Chicago Public Schools (CPS) currently has 768 open jobs across the district as of May 2026, including 479 teacher positions, 150 paraprofessional roles, 49 clerical positions, and 41 administration/management openings. The district is actively hiring for the 2026-2027 school year, with critical shortages in Special Education, Bilingual Education, STEM, Early Childhood, Dance, P.E., and Theatre.
Key Employment Categories Available Now
CPS structure its career pathways into five main categories, each with dedicated recruitment portals and application processes:
- Teach Chicago - The new CPS teacher recruitment hub servicing Licensed Teachers, Student Teachers, and Career-Changers looking to become teachers
- School Leadership - Programs to identify, develop, support, and retain strong principal leaders dedicated to student success
- Central Office and Operations - Meaningful careers in academic support, Finance, IT, Law, Human Resources, and more
- Clinicians - Nursing, social work, psychology, and holistic care positions serving students citywide
- Transportation - Driver positions; send resumes to driver@cps.edu for third-party management companies
Current High-Demand Positions and Salary Ranges
Understanding the compensation structure helps candidates evaluate fit across different roles. CPS offers competitive salaries with full benefits for most full-time positions:
| Position Category | Openings | Salary Range (Annual) | Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teachers (Licensed) | 479 | $64,469-$82,839 | Health, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO |
| Paraprofessionals (SECA/TA) | 150 | $35,000-$45,000 | Full healthcare, paid holidays, steady paycheck |
| Special Education Teacher | 120+ | $64,469-$82,839 | Union position, exempt status |
| Resident Teacher (2026-2027) | 50 | $49,500-$55,663 | Pathway to Professional License, 4-year commitment |
| Clerical/Administrative | 49 | $40,000-$55,000 | Full benefits, union coverage |
| Central Office (IT/Finance/Law) | 41 | $73,314-$95,459 | Executive-level benefits package |
Average employee salaries at CPS are $76,000-$83,567 annually, with top earners (Case Management Program Clinical Coordinators) making approximately $91,495.
Resident Teacher Program: Fast-Track to Classroom Leadership
The Resident Teacher 2026-2027 Cohort is currently accepting applications (posted February 4, 2026) for candidates seeking a Professional Educators' License while shadowing experienced teachers. This program addresses critical teaching shortages in Dance, P.E., STEM, Theatre, Special Education, Early Childhood Education, and Bilingual Education.
- Eligibility: High school diploma or GED required; college students need 2.5+ GPA
- Commitment: Minimum 4 years of employment (1 year residency + 3 years as classroom teacher)
- Location: Central-42 West Madison Street (Talent Office), Chicago, IL
- Position Type: Union Position, Exempt overtime status
- Job Number: 2600004S
Previous experience working with CPS students is preferred but not required.
Paraprofessional Opportunities: SECA and TA Positions
CPS is now hiring Special Education Classroom Assistants (SECAs) and Teacher Assistants (TAs) for the upcoming school year, offering full-time employment with year-long classroom placements. These roles provide essential supports to Chicago kids and teachers, making them ideal for those starting a career in youth development or education.
SECA positions fulfill CPS's commitment to providing high-quality education to students with disabilities, offering full healthcare benefits, paid holidays, and steady paychecks. Year-long placements translate into quality relationships with teachers and students, enabling meaningful daily impact.
Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide
Navigating the application system efficiently increases your chances of securing an interview. Follow these steps:
- Visit the official CPS careers portal at cps.edu/careers/
- Click the employment category matching your desired role
- Create a candidate profile and specify preferred working criteria
- Save your search to receive automatic notifications for similar openings
- Submit your resume and application through the Taleo job search system
- For transportation positions, email resume directly to driver@cps.edu
Superintendent/CEO National Search: Leadership Opportunity
The Chicago Board of Education is launching a national search for the next Superintendent/CEO of Chicago Public Schools, seeking a visionary and collaborative leader to build on the district's progress. This high-level position will champion student success in every neighborhood across Chicago.
Why #TheBestAreWithCPS: District Mission and Impact
CPS serves over 325,000 students across 500+ schools with more than 45,000 employees, most of them teachers. The district has set ambitious goals to ensure educational excellence and is described as "a district on the rise". Working with CPS means providing a high-quality educational experience for every student in every neighborhood in Chicago.
From a Marist Education Authority perspective, CPS's commitment to equity, holistic student development, and community-centered schooling aligns with values-driven educational missions that prioritize student-focused outcomes and social impact across diverse communities.
Key concerns and solutions for Chicago Public Schools Employment Opportunities Shift Fast
How many jobs are available at Chicago Public Schools?
Chicago Public Schools has 768 open jobs as of May 2026, including 479 teacher positions, 150 paraprofessional roles, 49 clerical positions, and 41 administration/management openings.
What teaching positions are most in demand?
Critical shortage areas include Special Education, Bilingual Education, STEM, Early Childhood Education, Dance, P.E., and Theatre. The Resident Teacher program specifically targets these fields.
What is the salary range for CPS teachers?
Teacher salaries range from $64,469 to $82,839 annually, with average teacher pay at $55,663 per year ($26.76/hour). Top earners make approximately $68,500 annually.
Do paraprofessionals receive benefits at CPS?
Yes, SECA and TA positions offer full-time employment, steady paychecks, full healthcare benefits, paid holidays, and year-long classroom placements.
How do I apply for CPS transportation driver positions?
Send your resume to driver@cps.edu, and the Transportation Department will forward it to third-party companies managing driver hiring.
What is the Resident Teacher program commitment?
Participants must commit to a minimum of 4 years of employment: 1 year of residency plus 3 years as a classroom teacher following successful completion.
