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Frequently Asked Questions


“Discover Chicago Public Schools” Bus Tours

What is the benefit of participating in one of the tours?

Participants will have a vantage point that many job seekers do not - networking opportunities with principals/hiring managers, direct interface with HR staff and employment consultants, recruitment information and employment search tips related to the CPS and, most importantly, a preview of your potential employer's operation and organizational culture. Lastly, this opportunity removes the stress of planning your Chicago visit. The day activities are thoughtfully structured from 8:00 am - 4:00 pm with ample flexibility and down time for participants to explore the City/nightlife at their leisure. This may mean catching a play at one of many Chicago theatres, visiting a museum, lounging by the lake, enjoying the City's summer festivals and parades or dining at one of the 27,000 diverse restaurants Chicago has to offer.

When are the tours?

Our Summer 2007 Bus Tour series has ended. Please continue to check back for future bus tour dates and additional information.

What types of events are generally included in bus tours?

THREE-DAY EXPERIENCES:

Explorers (for those who require housing accommodations)

Explorer experience includes:
  • Accommodations for 3 Nights in Downtown Chicago
  • Breakfast and Lunch Daily (except on departure day)
  • Welcome Reception (on first night)
  • Tour of Schools within the Chicago Public Schools
  • Recruitment Information Session
  • Tour of Chicago Communities
  • Teacher Housing Tour
  • Chicago Transportation Authority (CTA) Rider Pass Provided
  • Tour Transportation
Travelers (for those who do not require housing accommodations)

Traveler experience includes:
  • Breakfast and Lunch Daily (except on departure day)
  • Tour of Schools within the Chicago Public Schools
  • Recruitment Information Session
  • Tour of Chicago Communities
  • Teacher Housing Tour
  • Tour Transportation
ONE-DAY EXPERIENCE

One-Day experience includes:
  • Breakfast and Lunch
  • Tour of Schools within the Chicago Public Schools
  • Recruitment Information Session
  • Tour Transportation
Note:  Tour schedules are subject to change.

Are there costs attached to the tours?

To maintain a standard necessary to provide a fulfilling and substantial experience, fees have been applied to offset expenses associated with accommodations (where applicable), transportation, meals, giveaways, speakers and activities. The registration fee covers all applied event costs.

How do I register for a tour?

Once you have entered your registration information and chosen a tour date, you will be directed to the payment section. After your payment has been applied, you will receive tour confirmation via email. It is important that participants print and bring their confirmation forms, as they will be required to produce it during check-in. Please note that walk-ins are not permitted. Each tour is designed to accommodate 30 participants; therefore, it is highly encouraged that interested attendees register early to secure their date of preference.

Note: Once a tour date reaches capacity, that tour date will no longer be available for selection. You are encouraged to have an alternate date in the event that your first choice is unavailable.

Cancellations: To receive a 100% refund, you must submit written notice within 30 days of receipt of your payment. Requests received after 30 days of receipt of payment are subject to penalty and will receive a partial refund at 50%.

What should I bring with me on the tours?
  • Business casual attire (business casual entails khaki/black chinos and presentable shirts - we highly discourage jeans and t-shirts)
  • Copies of your resume
  • Comfortable shoes
  • Clothing for the evening, if you plan to explore the Chicago nightlife
  • Appropriate outerwear, if applicable
  • Money for personal spending
Can I bring a spouse, parent and/or friend?

Your employment decision is a life altering choice. If you would like your spouse, parent and/or friend to attend, we can accommodate your companion. Please be mindful that tour spacing only allows for 30 individuals per session; therefore only one additional companion is permitted. The companion is subject to all applicable registration fees and must produce a confirmation upon check-in.

Where will I stay while in Chicago?

Participants do have a choice regarding their accommodations. If the non-housing option on the registration form is chosen, we presume that you will arrange your own housing and that you will not require assistance from CPS. However, if the housing option is selected, we have partnered with the J. Ira & Nicki Harris Family Hostel (Hostelling International Chicago) to ensure an affordable and exceptional visit. The J. Ira & Nicki Harris Family Hostel is located in the center of downtown Chicago and in the City's thriving education district! Please take a virtual tour at www.hichicago.org.

Note: Roommate selections and/or assignments are arranged by gender.

What if I do not use the CPS assisted accommodations?

No problem. However, please note that the J. Ira & Nicki Harris Family Hostel will act as the tour starting and ending point for daily activities. The facility is located at 24 E. Congress Parkway in downtown Chicago and within distance of the CTA's train lines and bus routes. Parking within the downtown area is fairly pricey; we encourage using public transportation. For other housing options, please visit www.choosechicago.com.

What are the travel options to Chicago?

Chicago is a traveler's delight; accessible by every major transportation option, including vehicle, plane, bus and train.
  • Via Vehicle: Highways 90/94, 80, 88, 55, 57, 290, 294, 355, Illinois/Indiana Skyway
  • Via Plane: Chicago is one of the few cities with 2 world renowned airports, O'Hare and Midway. As hubs to millions of international and domestic flights and passengers, both are served by all major carriers with frequent and convenient scheduling. If you have selected CPS assisted housing - University Center is situated downtown - O'Hare and Midway can be accessed by a 45 minute train ride; O'Hare (the Blue Line) and Midway (the Orange Line) have drop points in the downtown area
  • Via Bus: Greyhound - www.greyhound.com or Megabus - Megabus services all major cities and rides are one dollar! Their special rate is for a limited time only. Visit www.megabus.com to learn more
  • Via Train: Amtrak - www.amtrak.com
Note: All "Discover CPS" participants are responsible for their own travel arrangements from home to the Hostel on check-in day. Shuttle transportation service will not be provided. Hostelling International is located in the Chicago's Downtown South Loop close to public transportation. Please visit www.transitchicago.com for directions from either of Chicago's two major airports (O'Hare and Midway), as well as directions from the downtown train (Amtrak) and bus (Greyhound) terminals.

I am not from the tri-state area, what is the weather like?

The tours take place during the spring and summer months, in which the temperatures are comparable to any other region. In the spring, one can expect a range from 50 degrees to high 60’s. The evenings fall more on the cooler side. Summer days can be anywhere from mid 70’s to 90’s and mid 70’s to low 80’s in the evening. To plan your visit accordingly, please visit www.chicagotribune.com/news/weather/ for updates and reports.

While in Chicago, I would like see attractions, where do I begin?

Chicago is a tourism extravaganza, with world-renowned shopping, dining, museums, architecture, theater, music and more. Click on the following link to create your itinerary or search the calendar of events: www.choosechicago.com.

Legal Statement (Title IX): It is the policy of the Board of Education of the City of Chicago not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, age, disability or sex. Inquiries concerning the application of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and the regulations promulgated thereunder concerning sex discrimination should be referred to the Title IX Officer, Chicago Public Schools, 125 S. Clark St., Chicago, Illinois 60603, 773-553-2688 (TTY-773-553-2699).
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