Pre-Service Teaching Equity Project (P-STEP)
Cohort Applications Now Open for 2025–26
Are you passionate about shaping the future of education in Chicago? Ready to turn your student teaching experience into a launchpad for your career? The Pre-Service Teaching Equity Project—P-STEP—is your pathway into a full-time, impactful teaching role in CPS.
P-STEP is a year-long student teaching track designed for future educators placed in select CPS schools. This comprehensive experience combines your fieldwork and student teaching into a single, seamless program—fully approved and supported by your university.
What You’ll Gain
As a P-STEP participant, you'll receive exclusive benefits that go beyond a traditional student teaching experience:
Complete your student teaching with mentorship from experienced teachers.
Earn a stipend to support your professional development and program participation.
Access tailored supports like:
240Tutoring and content exam prep
Resume writing workshops
CPS job fairs and equity training
PD sessions to prepare you for classroom leadership
Receive one-on-one support from a CPS recruiter—plus priority eligibility for early job offers.
Get early access to CPS New Teacher Supports via the Office of Teaching and Learning.
Enjoy a guided, personalized experience from enrollment to your first day as a full-time CPS teacher.
Who Should Apply
P-STEP is open to teacher candidates from our partner universities who are completing their field experience in a P-STEP-eligible CPS school. If you're passionate about equity, urban education, and student success—this is the opportunity for you.
Partner Institutions Include:
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Cohort space is limited. Apply early!
Please fill out the P-STEP Interest Form to express your interest in our next cohort.
Learn More at An Upcoming P-STEP Event
We host in-person information sessions to help you learn more about our Pre-Service Teaching Equity Project program. Please check back this summer for our 2026-27 event schedule.
Receive the Support You’re Looking For
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Stay In The Know
P-STEP shares a monthly newsletter with information, opportunities and updates. Subscribe by sending a quick email to pstep@cps.edu and/or explore our recent archive of newsletters here: