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Principal Eligibility

Principal Candidate Pool

The CPS Principal Candidate Pool (Pool) is the District's talent bench for Principals. Members of the Pool are individuals who have met the minimum qualifications to become a CPS Principal. Membership in the Pool is a requirement to obtain a Principal position in district-governed schools in alignment with the CPS Principal Eligibility Policy (Policy). View a list of members on the CPS Principal Candidate Pool website. Please note, not all eligible members are included on the list.

Principal Eligibility Process

Successful completion of the CPS Principal Eligibility (Eligibility) process is a requirement to become a member of the Pool and, thus, a CPS principal. Aspiring principals must pass the Eligibility process before they can be selected for a contract, interim, or acting principal position. This applies to all candidates, internal and external alike, and ensures that schools have the most qualified principal candidates prepared to succeed from the first day on the job.

The Eligibility process requires current and aspiring principals to demonstrate evidence of leadership experience related to the CPS School Leadership Framework that have resulted in positive school-wide student outcomes across multiple grade levels and subject areas.

Applications to the next cycle of the Principal Eligibility Process will open on October 14, 2024, and close on October 21, 2024.

The October 2024 Principal Eligibility Process will be a revised version of the process that measures to adapt to the new School Leadership Framework. If you are interested in applying, you can find additional information on the process, including FAQs and information on applying for the abbreviated process, on this accompanying site

If you have any questions, please contact the Department of Principal Quality at cpsleaders@cps.edu.

October 2024 Cycle Key Dates

Step 1: Online Application

  • October 14, 2024 at 8:00 a.m.: Online Application Opens
  • October 21, 2024 at 10:00 a.m.: Online Application Closes
  • October 24, 2024 at 4:00 p.m.: Fingerprinting and all verifications are due

Step 2: On-site Assessment

  • November 11 - 18, 2024: On-site assessment dates. (Tentative based on the number of applicants)

Mission: Identify, develop, support, and retain strong principal leaders who are dedicated to student success in CPS.

Vision: Every Chicago Public School has a strong leader providing opportunities for all students to achieve their fullest potential.

Department of Principal Quality

773-553-1515

cpsleaders@cps.edu

42 West Madison
Chicago, IL 60602