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HISTORY

In 2002, the CPS Department of Human Resources launched the Human Capital Campaign to ensure that CPS is a highly desirable place where educators grow professionally so students can make strong academic gains.

Under the direction of Dr. Barbara Eason-Watkins, Chief Education Officer, the CPS Student-Teaching Initiative was created to encourage pre-service teachers with strong qualifications and a high level of competence to become CPS teachers.

These dedicated teachers are necessary for CPS to fulfill its mission of being the premier urban school district in the country by providing all of our students and their families with high-quality instruction, outstanding academic programs, and comprehensive student development support.

PURPOSE

As part of the CPS Department of Human Resources, the Student-Teaching Initiative is designed to attract pre-service teachers from Chicago-area universities, as well as in-state and out-of-state schools of education, by offering support through the final phases of the traditional teacher certification process.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE CPS STUDENT-TEACHING INITIATIVE

Placement opportunities at over six hundred elementary, middle, and secondary schools with a variety of educational programs and resources
Guidance by accomplished cooperating teachers in diverse educational environments
A CPS Student-Teaching Handbook to orient pre-service teachers
An online student-teaching registration system to facilitate communication between student teachers and CPS
Short-term housing accommodations through the Teacher Housing Resource Center
The Learning Curve, a newsletter aligned with the Illinois Professional Teaching Standards, to offer useful information and strategies during student teaching
A Web site with resources, tips, and information about educational events
A yearly reception to recognize the contributions of cooperating teachers
A biannual Student-Teaching Summit with workshops on classroom management, literacy strategies, and reflective teaching practices
Employment assistance through the Teacher Recruitment Unit

URBAN EDUCATION EXPERIENCE

Student teachers in CPS gain first-hand experience in an urban environment. Under the guidance of an experienced cooperating teacher, student teachers improve their instructional strategies, assessment practices, and classroom management skills, thereby engaging students and fostering a life-long learning philosophy.

FAST FACTS

In 2005-2006, CPS hosted 700+ student teachers, hailing from over 50 Universities, representing 10 different states.

GOALS FOR 2006-2007

Develop and implement system-wide Student Teacher Registration Policy and Procedures
Develop proven, innovative and rigorous approaches to recruiting, supporting, retaining and rewarding high quality teaching and leadership
Increase University Partners to expand teacher talent pool
Provide quality, on-going learning and development opportunities
Create Student Teacher Mentoring Network Program
Collaborate with the CPS Teacher Housing Resource Center to expand student teacher Short-Term Housing Options
Improve the collaboration between CPS schools, Human Resources and University Partners by building an excellent track record
Improve communication efforts between CPS schools, Human Resources and University Partners
Develop continuous improvement tools
Develop strong partnerships with educational-based groups to leverage resources
Establish school-business-community partnerships to enhance programming efforts

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE CPS STUDENT-TEACHING PROGRAM

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For more information, please contact Dameka Redic at 773-553-1191. Or email us at .

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).