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.
ORGANIZATIONCambiar Catalyst

Cambiar Catalyst Fellowship

The Cambiar Catalyst Fellowship is designed to accelerate the careers of school system leaders who are in senior roles that set strategy and support student outcomes.
DURATION12 month program
APPLICATION WINDOW

The application window for this program is currently closed.

Eligibility– Senior school system leaders – In roles supportive of student outcomes – Set strategy within the scope of their role senior leadership role – Have authority to affect change – Leads teams and manages adults – Your supervisor supports your participation – Please note: Lead with CPS Sponsorships are not currently available for this program.
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ORGANIZATIONSURGE Institute

SURGE Fellowship

Surge Fellows are leaders of color who are creating transformative change in urban education. The Fellowship is a 10-month, cohort-based experience designed to create both individual and collective transformation through leadership centered on the power and strengths of one’s own racial and ethnic identities.
DURATION10 month program
APPLICATION WINDOW

The application for this program is currently closed.
Applications for the fall 2024 program will open in spring 2024. Check back in May.
Complete this interest form to be notified when applications open.
Contact chicago@surgeinstitute.org with specific questions about the program.

EligibilityAfrican-American or Latinx leader Age ranges that fall roughly between 28 and 40 Based in the Chicago area for the duration of the Fellowship Bachelor’s degree (minimum) Minimum of six years of work experience Employed in education or youth-serving role for the duration of the Fellowship Ability to cover the participant personal contribution fee Additional CPS Criteria: CPS full-time employee for one year at the time of application Endorsed and supported by manager to participate in the program Last RISE rating of proficient or above
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ORGANIZATIONThe Chicago Public Education Fund

The Fund: Summer Design Program

The Summer Design Program (SDP) helps school teams utilize design thinking to develop solutions that prioritize student needs and tackle pressing challenges faced by specific student groups. Through a partnership between The Fund and Leadership + Design, participants engage in Design Studios—interactive two-day workshops that equip teams with skills in empathy interviews, design thinking-based problem-solving, and creating strategies to accelerate learning.
DURATION1 Day
APPLICATION WINDOW

Opens March 2024-July 2024

EligibilityAll CPS Principals, Assistant Principals, and Teacher Leaders are welcome to apply. If the Principal of your school will not be on the design team, an onboarding call with the Principal and design team will be required.
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ORGANIZATIONCPS – Department of Principal Quality (Engagement Team)

CEO – CEdO – Principal Advisory Council

The Principal Advisory Council advises Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chief Education Officer (CEdO) on policies and practices of the district. They also proactive feedback to central office departments to ensure school leaders voices are considered into the decisions that are being made across the district.
DURATION2 years (SY25 and SY26)
APPLICATION WINDOW

Nominations and elections will be held in April

EligibilityNetwork Chiefs will facilitate a nomination process for each network and hold a network level election for the 2 year term SY25 and SY26. Principals can nominate themselves or a principal colleague to run for the network representative.
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ORGANIZATIONNational Science Foundation

PolarTREC Program

PolarTREC participants engage in an immersive experience that places them side-by-side with researchers in the field of Science for the purpose of developing resources for teaching Next Generation Science Standards.
DURATION3-6 weeks
APPLICATION WINDOW

Deadline October 2023

EligibilityU.S. informal science educators as well as formal U.S. classroom teachers (teaching in grades 6-12). Teachers and informal educators are required to be working with middle and high school students and/or their teachers.
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ORGANIZATIONChicago Public Schools Office of Teaching and Learning

New Teacher Mentor/Framework Specialist

Framework Specialists serve as mentors for first-year CPS teachers in their grade/content areas, lead New Teacher Orientation, additional opportunities to lead district wide teacher professional development.
DURATIONOne year
APPLICATION WINDOW

Deadline: May 29, 2023

EligibilityThree years teaching experience, REACH Distinguished/Excellent rating.
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ORGANIZATIONCPS – Department of Principal Quality

New Principal (Peer & Lead) Mentor

New Principal Mentors provide regular support and guidance to first-year principals in CPS. Mentors form supportive professional relationships to assist their new principal mentee in adjusting to their position, furthering their skills as an instructional leader, and managing barriers to school improvement. Mentors observe to provide coaching and feedback to support the mentee's professional growth.
DURATION1 school year
APPLICATION WINDOW

March 2024- May 2024

Eligibility– At least three years of experience as a CPS Principal – Proficient or Distinguished ratings on principal practice evaluation for the most recent two school years – Approval from their supervisor and additional CPS Leadership
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ORGANIZATIONCPS – Department of Principal Quality

Content Mentor Principal

Content Mentors work in partnership with the DPQ School Leader Development team to plan, organize, and facilitate professional learning on best practices in specialized areas of principal development. Content mentors have demonstrated ultra competency in skill areas aligned to the CPS School Leader Competencies.
DURATION1-4 sessions in a school year
APPLICATION WINDOW

March 2024- May 2024

Eligibility-At least three years as a CPS principal – Identified expertise – Proficient or Distinguished ratings on principal practice evaluation for the most recent two school years
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ORGANIZATIONLeadership Greater Chicago

Leadership Greater Chicago (LGC) Signature Fellows Program

Fellowship for senior leaders serving the City of Chicago who have a desire to influence critical community challenges through interactions with private, public, and nonprofit decision-makers, and work as a group to develop critical thinking, analytical, governance, and leadership skills.
DURATION10 months
APPLICATION WINDOW

The application window for this program is closed. Please complete this interest form to be notified when the application window opens in the fall of 2023 for the 2024 cohort.

EligibilityIdeal Candidate Profile is: Tier 3 Senior Executive at CPS: Executive Director with at least three years of experience, Deputy Chief, Deputy General Counsel, Chief. A senior executive who is directly responsible for making strategic financial investments Is familiar with the Greater Chicago region and its unique culture An executive who has responsibility for building relationships that lead to collaborations or strategic partnerships advancing your organization’s business objectives and mission An executive who has the authority to make decisions as they relate to the workforce and workforce development An executive who would benefit from understanding the civic and business networks and socioeconomic aspects of doing business in the City of Chicago and the Greater Chicago Region Nominated and supported by CPS’ Talent Office Have a proven history of volunteering and civic engagement, and the passion and drive to tackle some of the major issues facing the Greater Chicago region Must commit to attending eight all-day sessions Commit to paying the individual contribution of $1,500 upon acceptance into the program. Age range guidance: 30-45
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ORGANIZATIONThe Chicago Public Education Fund

Leadership Bridge

Leadership Bridge is a professional development opportunity for aspiring principals who are looking to prepare for the transition into the principalship. Leadership Bridge participants will work in the current building where they serve as Assistant Principals in coordination with their supervising Principal and a coach to build a Leadership Development Plan, entry plan, and participate in monthly learning sessions with a cohort of other aspiring principals from across the city.
DURATION1 academic year
APPLICATION WINDOW

Opens March 2024-August 2024

EligibilityCurrent Assistant Principal who is interested in transitioning to the principalship within three years.
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ORGANIZATIONDepartment of Principal Quality

Lead Assessor

Ensures quality in the CPS Principal Eligibility process by monitoring and increasing the engagement, alignment, consistency, and overall excellence of Eligibility Assessors.
DURATION(tentative) 2 years
APPLICATION WINDOW

March-April 2024 on the Common Program App;  pre-eligibility cycle

EligibilityAt least 4 years in role, Demonstrated success in Student Growth metrics, Member of the CPS Principal Candidate Pool, At least 2 years as a Principal Eligibility Assessor with experience as a Reader and Interviewer and demonstrated ability to score with fidelity
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ORGANIZATIONKIPP Foundation

KIPP Leadership Design Fellowship

A seven-month program designed for administrators of public school districts that provides intensive, experiential, and collaborative training on KIPP’s school leader development model.
DURATIONSeven months
APPLICATION WINDOW

Rolling

EligibilityTwo candidates jointly apply and commit to actively engaging in the entire fellowship experience.
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Please email:

Chicago Public Schools
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LeadwithCPS@cps.edu

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