Central & Network Offices

Lead Citywide is CPS’ strategy for professional, career and leadership development services for Central and Network Office team members.
Lead Citywide is building leaders within CPS Central and Network Offices through a robust set of professional growth experiences. This new initiative is an investment in the development of CPS staff, offering free professional learning opportunities (and credits) to all team members, from emerging staff to the c-suite, through a variety of learning formats: in-person, virtually and online.

Explore current programs and opportunities below:

Our tiered approach is a curated set of cohorts, programs, and learning opportunities designed to build leadership effectiveness for all levels of CPS Central and Network Office staff. Interested in participating? Talk to your manager today. Note: Participation is currently limited as this new program scales up to serve all Central/Network Office staff. More space and cohort experiences will be offered throughout 2023 and 2024.

Tier 1

All Central Office/Network Team Members

  • In-person and online training including on-the-job training, online courses, professional development opportunities, LinkedIn Learning access, Lunch and Learn events, and career planning.
  • Professional Development SY2024 Catalog (see below)
  • LinkedIn Learning Online Classes and Resources- Instructions to access the platform
Tier 2

Managers and Directors (typically pay grades S08-S10)

Cohort experiences that teach specific skills to support operational leaders.

  • Professional Development SY2024 Catalog (see below)
  • Take the Lead – Director Cohort
  • LEAP (Leadership Essentials, Actions and Practices)- New Leader Cohort- Registration opens late summer 2024
Tier 3

Directors, Executive Directors and Above (typically pay grades S11 Above)

  • Professional Development SY2024 Catalog – (see below)
  • Center for Effective Government (CEG)- Coming in winter/spring 2024
  • LinkedIn Learning Online Classes and Resources- Instructions to access the platform

Fall 2023 Courses available for all Central and Network Office employees:

You can also explore the tabs below for LinkedIn Learning, External Partnerships and Programs, and Self-Paced Resources.

A robust list of learning opportunities in-person, virtual and e-learning that take place each year. 

Fall Courses:

Spring Courses:

Spring Cohort Experiences:

You can also explore the tabs below for LinkedIn Learning, External Partnerships and Programs, and Self-Paced Resources.

Fall Courses:

Spring Courses:

You can also explore the tabs below for LinkedIn Learning, External Partnerships and Programs, and Self-Paced Resources.

LinkedIn Learning is a premier online learning provider offering thousands of free video courses taught by industry experts in software, creative, and business skills. CPS Central Office and Network Employees have free access to the platform.

What would you like to learn today? Whether you want to brush up on your Project Management skills, prepare for a presentation, learn how to engage your teams or update your resume and sharpen your interviewing skills, LinkedIn Learning can help you get there.

Check out our new 2023 Playlists. Learn more and get started through the Job Aid to Access Portal.

Need a hand? Send us an email at leaderdevelopment@cps.edu we can consult with you to build a playlist that is customized for your development, or to help you play an active role in developing your employees’ leadership.

While we are proud of our new and expanded investments in professional development offered through CPS, we also have long-standing partnerships with leading external institutions to help grow your professional skillsets and connections. These programs have recently expanded eligibility, making it easier to participate. Plus, staff can apply for sponsorships to fund your participation.

Explore these programs below to find one that’s a great fit for you.

CPS program partners include:

Sponsorships are available, but to be considered for funding, your sponsorship request must be received internally before your external application is submitted.

Questions? Send us an email at leaderdevelopment@cps.edu

Included below are additional resources to explore and access at your own pace:
  • Book Reads: Shopping for a great leadership book or wondering what CPS’ top leaders are reading? Visit our Book Recommendations every month to see what’s new!
  • Free Self Assessments: A variety of online assessments are available to staff for free. To gain a better understanding of yourself, your strengths and skills, take more than one and compare results.
  • Plus, explore additional opportunities (programs, fellowships, mentorships, and more) offered through the Opportunity cards below.

Leadership Development Facilitators Needed

Help the Lead with CPS team expand and diversify development opportunities for Central Office staff! Learn and grow by refining your leadership skills, and help us ensure we have an outstanding and diverse workforce at all levels of the District.  
APPLICATION WINDOW

Applications are now open!

EligibilityAll Central Office leaders are encouraged to apply
LEARN MORE

New Peer Trainer Role: Peer Expert Trainers Needed

Help the Lead with CPS team expand and diversify development opportunities for Central Office staff! Learn and grow by refining your leadership skills, and help us ensure we have an outstanding and diverse workforce at all levels of the District.  
APPLICATION WINDOW

Applications are now open. Good Luck!

EligibilityAll Central Office and Network employees are encouraged to apply
LEARN MORE

Leading with and Finding Your Strengths

Use the Gallup StrengthsFinder Assessment to identify your top five unique strengths as an individual, then come to class to process what those strengths mean for you as a workplace leader.
DURATION1 day
APPLICATION WINDOW

Finding Your Strengths (for individual contributors) – 9am-12pm, Sept. 11, 2023

Leading with Your Strengths (for managers and up) – 9am-12pm Sept, 22, 2023

All options are held at 42 W. Madison

EligibilityFinding Your Strengths (for individual contributors) Leading with Your Strengths (for managers and up)
LEARN MORE

LEAP: Leadership Essentials, Actions, and Practices

Whether you’re a newly promoted leader or new to the district, the LEAP workshop delivers the right leadership training so you succeed! This 3 day workshop which takes place over 2 months is designed for leaders with 0-3 years of supervisory or management experience who have been in their current role for 6 months or less, and at least one direct report and provides key skills for leadership success.
DURATION3-4 months
APPLICATION WINDOW

Coming soon!

EligibilityIdeally leaders with 0-3 years of supervisory or management experience who have been in their current role for 6 months or less, and at least one direct report. However, if you feel you would benefit from the content, feel free to register! If you have already taken FranklinCovey’s 6 Critical Practices for Leading a Team, please do not register for this class.
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Lunch with a Leader Series

Lunch with a Leader. Bring your lunch and learn from a Central Office leader lived experience. This series is part of the upcoming re-introduction of Lead with CPS, the district’s leadership development initiative for staff, and will support our continuous pursuit to make CPS a great place to work and learn. Visit the Events section to learn who is next on the list.
DURATION1 hour
APPLICATION WINDOW

The registration window for this event will open two weeks before the session. The registration link will be emailed to all CPS Central Office and Network Employees.

Please check back in the fall to see who is next on the list.

EligibilityCentral Office and Network Employee at CPS
LEARN MORE
ORGANIZATIONChicago Public Schools

Take the Lead Cohort

Help the Lead with CPS team expand and diversify development opportunities for Central Office staff! Learn and grow by refining your leadership skills, and help us ensure we have an outstanding and diverse workforce at all levels of the District.  
APPLICATION WINDOW

The application for the 2024 cohort is now closed. Please complete this interest form to receive information on the 2025 cohort when it becomes available.

EligibilityCentral Office Director or Director-level employee who manages the work of others (if you are unsure if this program is right for you, feel free to apply). You must have your manager’s support and no active discipline issues (e.g., CAP, PIP, Warning Resolution); An executive that would benefit from understanding the fundamental skills of leadership and one-on-one coaching to strengthen their leadership voice, A leader that demonstrates a clear willingness and ability to commit the time and energy required to participate fully in the program, Most importantly, a leader that is excited to thrive in their leadership role.
LEARN MORE
ORGANIZATIONLinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda.com)

Learn online using LinkedIn Learning

Learn at your own pace during a time that is convenient for you. CPS Central Office employees can learn a wealth of topics, from time management and communication to emotional intelligence and leadership effectiveness. Focus on what you need to do to be more productive, hone your creativity, or give a great presentation.
EligibilityAll Central Office and Network Employees with a CPS email address
LEARN MORE
ORGANIZATIONChicago Public Schools

Teacher Residency Mentor

Resident Mentors host and support pre-service CPS Teacher Residents, who are concurrently completing higher-education coursework and CPS classroom training to become teachers.
DURATIONOne year
APPLICATION WINDOW

Application open until June 1, 2024.

EligibilityThree years teaching experience
Residency Mentor Teachers must have a proficient rating or higher on their most recent REACH evaluation.
School Administration Approval
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ORGANIZATIONChicago Public Schools

Lead Coach

Lead Coaches support a portfolio of teachers to build their skills in pursuit of goals for improved practice and improved student outcomes.
DURATIONNA
APPLICATION WINDOW

Most hiring completed during typical hiring periods; may be rolling depending on unanticipated vacancies

EligibilityLead Coaches are hired as FTEs through typical school-based staff hiring processes.
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ORGANIZATIONChicago Public Schools

Team Lead

The Team Lead supports schools in impacting the instructional core through instructional development, change management, and school-level continuous improvement to drive success for all students. The Team Lead will plan and take the steps necessary to continually improve and expand the instructional core within their school, thereby enriching the lives of more students in Chicago Public Schools.
DURATIONOne year
APPLICATION WINDOW

Ongoing

Connect with your school leader

EligibilityTeam Leaders are selected by school principals based on recommended criteria. Teachers most likely to succeed as Team Leads typically meet the following eligibility criteria: Experienced in CPS (minimum 3 years of teaching in CPS), a demonstrated track record of effective teaching, some experience leading peers/adults effectively (informally or formally), actions and words reflect a commitment to equity and a belief that all students and adults are capable of growth. Updated eligibility processes forthcoming.
LEARN MORE
ORGANIZATIONChicago Public Schools

Team Director

Team Directors support schools in impacting the instructional core through instructional development, change management, and school-level continuous improvement to drive success for all students. The Team Director will plan and take the steps necessary to continually improve and expand the instructional core within their school, thereby enriching the lives of more students in Chicago Public Schools. In SY24, Team Director roles are only available in schools that have opted into participation in the Distributed Leadership Comprehensive Cohort.
DURATIONOne year
APPLICATION WINDOW

Ongoing

Connect with your school leader

EligibilityTeam Directors are selected by school principals based on recommended criteria: Teachers most likely to succeed as team directors typically meet the following eligibility criteria: Experienced in CPS (minimum 3 years of teaching in CPS), a demonstrated track record of effective teaching, some experience leading peers/adults effectively (informally or formally), actions and words reflect a commitment to equity and a belief that all students and adults are capable of growth. Updated eligibility processes forthcoming.
LEARN MORE
ORGANIZATIONChicago Public Schools

New Teacher Mentor

New Teacher Mentors (formerly Framework Specialists) serve as instructional mentors for new CPS teachers across the district via the New Teacher Cohort. The New Teacher Cohort aims to retain, develop, and sustain new teachers in service of ensuring equitable learning experiences across the district. New Teacher Mentors have the opportunity to support district-wide new teacher support such as CPS' annual New Teacher Orientation in August and monthly professional learning for new teachers.
DURATIONOne year
APPLICATION WINDOW

April 5 – May 3, 2024

EligibilityCPS PreK-12 teacher who will be teaching at least one course to CPS students throughout SY24-25 preferred. At least 3 years teaching experience with at least 2 years in CPS.
LEARN MORE
 
Tiffany TaylorExecutive Director of HR Partnership, Talent
 
Evangelina (Eva) CovarrubiasExecutive Director, Office of Equity
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Questions or need to get in touch?

Please email:

Chicago Public Schools
42 W. Madison St. Chicago, IL 60602
773-553-1000
LeadwithCPS@cps.edu

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