THE KEY TO OUTSTANDING SCHOOLS IS OUTSTANDING LEADERS                                

The goal of Chicago Public Schools is to provide our students with access to a world-class education, ensuring that every school has a highly effective leader who can drive the change needed to improve student achievement and graduate every student college and career ready.  Outstanding principals who are accountable, empowered and supported are critical to the success of our students and schools.

The CPS Talent Office – Principal Preparation and Development (OPPD) works to identify and recruit exceptional leaders so that every CPS school community has a pool of highly-qualified candidates to select from when a principal position becomes available.  OPPD provides support for current principals, aspiring principals, local school councils and district administrators. 

Successful completion of the CPS Principal Eligibility Process is required for anyone who wishes to become a CPS Principal.

The CPS Principal Eligibility Process is a rigorous, experience-based assessment designed to identify qualified, successful leaders for our students and their communities.

BECOME PART OF THE CPS PRINCIPAL CANDIDATE POOL

• Acquire a Type 75 Administrative Certificate
• An Illinois Type 75 administrative certificate is required to be hired as a principal in the state of Illinois.  Applicants with a valid administrative certificate from another state can apply for a provisional license.  Visit ISBE for more information, and click here for a certification checklist.

• Prepare for the Principal Eligibility Process
• Apply to the Eligibility Process when you have experience and demonstrated results aligned with the Principal Competencies and Success Factors.
• Be prepared. Do not wait until the last minute to submit your application.
• Apply when you are ready to actively pursue a principalship.
• Attend an Info Session

• Pass the CPS Principal Eligibility Process
• Aspiring principals must pass the CPS Principal Eligibility Process in order to become part of the Principal Candidate Pool.  This policy applies to all applicants, both internal and external. 

APPLY FOR PRINCIPAL OPPORTUNITIES THAT ARE RIGHT FOR YOU

• At CPS, principal contracts are awarded by Local School Councils (LSCs).Please contact OPPD to learn more about the LSC interview and selection process. 
• Visit the CPS Careers site  to apply for principal opportunities

TIMELINES

• Eligibility Cycles are typically held in Fall, Winter, Spring and early Summer
• Aspiring Principals: Once you become eligible, your status is valid for 3 years from the date you achieve eligibility. 
• Current Principals: Once you become eligible, your status is valid for 3 years from your last day as a CPS Principal.