Student Teaching in Chicago

When you choose Chicago for your student teaching experience, you can look forward to an exemplary experience in urban education through the strong partnership between CTEP, Chicago Public Schools (CPS #299) and Chicago communities. ISU student teachers are placed in ISU partner schools in CPS with the student's certification needs as the guiding priority. CTEP facilitates semester as well as yearlong placements in CPS and supports teacher candidates with completing district requirements. CTEP can also assist ISU students seeking pre-student teaching clinical experiences in Chicago. For more information, contact Jennifer O'Malley.

PICS (Pipeline Immersion Community Schools)

CTEP works with ISU colleges and departments to find semester-long student teaching placements in Chicago that match the requirements for certification for all ISU licensure programs.

Professional Development Schools

The Chicago Professional Development School (PDS) provides elementary education and Bilingual education majors with an opportunity to have a yearlong experience in Chicago. In the first semester, PDS students are in CPS classrooms three days per week while finishing their remaining coursework two days per week with ISU faculty based in Chicago. In the second semester, students return to their fall school sites for formal student teaching. For more information on the Chicago PDS, contact Marypat Fujan.

INFUSE Field Base & Student Teaching

The INFUSE (Innovative Network of Future Urban Special Educators) program offers ISU Special Education students (LBS, LVB & DHH programs) the opportunity to complete both field base and student teaching semesters in CPS, enabling students to complete a year-long experience across two CPS school sites. For more information on INFUSE field base and student teaching, contact Ashley Wolinski.

Professional Development Seminars

ISU students who choose Chicago Public Schools (CPS) as their student teaching placement participate in a comprehensive orientation and professional development program throughout their semester or year in Chicago. CTEP, in collaboration with our partner community-based organizations, developed the seminar series to enrich the pre-service experience and offer enhanced support.

Employment

ISU students who complete their student teaching in CPS are eligible for the district’s Early Offer program (guaranteed employment for high need teachers as defined annually by the district). During your semester or year in Chicago, you will receive comprehensive employment support on the steps to CPS employment* from both CTEP and the CPS Talent Office. You can find more information on the steps to becoming a CPS teacher here. *CPS operates as a decentralized hiring district where principals make final decisions on the staff in their building. After completing the CPS application, candidates search for positions by researching schools, attending district job fairs, contacting administrators directly, and interviewing as needed.