CPS Honors Educators During Teacher & School Staff Appreciation Week 2025

CHICAGO - Academic gains, rising graduation rates, and record-breaking college scholarships are a direct result of the unwavering dedication of Chicago Public Schools’ teachers and school staff. Their tireless commitment has created the conditions for student success and meaningful progress across the District. This week, from Monday, May 5 through Friday, May 9, CPS proudly celebrates Teacher and School Staff Appreciation Week to honor the extraordinary individuals who make these achievements possible.

“CPS teachers and staff are the foundation of our school communities,” said CPS CEO Pedro Martinez. “As both a CPS alumnus and a CPS parent, I know firsthand the impact that dedicated educators and staff have on shaping the lives of our students. I extend my deepest gratitude and congratulations to all our teachers and school staff for their unwavering commitment and excellence.”

As part of Teacher and School Staff Appreciation Week, CPS will host a special celebration honoring the fifth cohort of Teach Chicago Tomorrow—a groundbreaking initiative that creates clear pathways for CPS alumni to become future educators.

This year marks a major milestone: the first graduating class from Illinois State University who participated in Teach Chicago Tomorrow will begin leading their own classrooms in the 2025–26 school year. Their journey reflects the District’s deep investment in growing a diverse, homegrown teaching force dedicated to the success of CPS students.

CPS consistently recognizes the vital role teachers play in the success and well-being of our school communities. Throughout the year, the District highlights their voices and experiences—such as through blog posts on the CPS website where educators share their journeys in the profession, offer advice to new teachers, and reflect on the impact of their work.

CPS educators and staff are regularly honored by prestigious organizations across the country for their dedication and excellence. Just last week, three CPS teachers were named recipients of the esteemed Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching, a highly competitive honor that celebrates outstanding educators who make significant contributions to their school communities.

At Hibbard Elementary School in Albany Park, custodial worker Micaela “Mica” Ortiz Arredondo earned third place in the 12th annual Cintas Custodian of the Year Award, a national recognition of her exceptional service and care for the school environment.

Additionally, more than 110 CPS educators were recently recognized for achieving National Board Certification—the highest professional credential in the field of education. Of those honored, 36 earned their certification for the first time, while 80 successfully renewed theirs within the past year.

In March, Comfort Agboola, an English teacher at Edgar Allan Poe Classical School in Pullman, was named Co-Regional Teacher of the Year by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), further highlighting the caliber of educators within our District.

“I echo CEO Martinez’s sentiments about the critical role teachers and school personnel play in shaping what happens both inside and outside the classroom,” said CPS Chief Education Officer Bogdana Chkoumbova. “As a former school leader and classroom teacher, I know firsthand the dedication required, and I wholeheartedly support celebrating our staff—not just this week, but all year long.”

Community members are encouraged to show their appreciation for CPS teachers on social media by using #ThankATeacher and #TheBestAreWithCPS. CPS alumni are also invited to share messages of gratitude or meaningful memories of a teacher who made a lasting impact on their lives.