Career Fairs FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Career Fairs

How do I RSVP to attend?

Candidates have several options to ensure their attendance. Utilize the Recruitment Hotline at (773) 553-1134, email the Teacher Recruitment RSVP at trrsvp@cps.k12.il.us or register on site at the event by submitting a resume to the registration team.

What should I expect at a Job Fair?*

A job fair can be overwhelming for those who have never attended one of these events. With only four hours and hundreds of principals to meet, the recommended success strategy is time management and preparation. This means you should pace yourself, bring an excess of resumes and arrive early. At a job fair, you will encounter:

Lots of people - Typically, our summer events yield 2,000-3,000 candidates per event, a total of almost 10,000 prospective candidates between the months of May-July.
Lengthy lines - If the schools you seek have long lines, you have on-the-spot decisions to make. The purpose of job fairs is to meet and give your resume to as many administrators within a four-hour time span. To stand in one or two lines limits your visibility and your employment possibilities. A resume box is positioned at each table for intake. Leave a resume and follow-up with a call to the school the next day.
HR Staff Members - Staff will be on site to assist you. If you need assistance, locate individuals wearing burgundy/navy CPS attire.

*Please remember that entry to a job fair closes one hour before event conclusion and submission of a resume is required for event participation.

Who is eligible to participate in a Certified Teachers Job Fair?

Certified Teacher Job Fairs are open to:

Those who hold a valid Illinois teaching certificate, including Type 03/Elementary, Type 04/Early Childhood, Type 09/Secondary with an endorsement in a subject area, Type 10/Art/Special Education/Music/PE, Type 73/Guidance Counselor.
Those who have recently completed an accredited education program inclusive of student-teaching, and have passed the three Illinois State exams.
Individuals who have completed a CPS approved Alternative Certification Program.
Out-of-state candidates who have completed an approved education programs, done their student-teaching and possess reciprocal state teaching licenses/certificates. Out-of State candidates will be required to obtain the Provisional Illinois Teaching License to be eligible for CPS employment.

Who does the actual hiring - Principals or the Department of Human Resources (HR)?

Chicago Public School principals are the hiring managers. They have complete autonomy to interview and select their school-based personnel. HR works collaboratively with the principals to pipeline and process qualified candidates into the organization.

What is the parking like at the job fairs?

Each host site is different. Be sure to check the venue's website for detailed information regarding their parking policies, fees and facilities. We also encourage use of public transportation. Each site is readily accessible by CTA bus or trains. For more information, connect to www.transitchicago.com.

Are there CPS sponsored job fairs for non-teachers?

At this time, Career Fairs are ONLY for certified teacher candidates. Click here if you are interested in Educational Support Personnel (ESP) positions and ESP vacancies. Visit the on-line application to submit your on-line profile and view ESP vacancies.

All interested individuals have direct access to advertised vacancies throughout the CPS via the web. The web site provides a list of all teaching, administrative, and educational support vacancies advertised in the Personnel Bulletin, as well as the requirements and instructions on how to apply for the available positions. This information is updated on a weekly basis. Click here to visit the Personnel Bulletin.

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).