CPS Pre-Service Teaching Equity Project (P-STEP)
2026 Fall Cohort Application Opens May 21st!
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 semester-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 and recommended teachers.
Participants are eligible for a professional stipend, awarded upon completion of program milestones and active engagement.
Access tailored supports like:
240Tutoring and content exam preparation
Resume writing assistance
CPS job fairs and equity training
Professional Development sessions to support new teacher areas of growth
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 the P-STEP Team from enrollment to your first day as a full-time CPS teacher.
Who Should Apply
P-STEP is open to teacher candidates from all CPS partner universities who are completing their student teaching experience in a P-STEP-eligible CPS district school. If you're passionate about equity, urban education, and student success—this is the opportunity for you.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Cohort space is limited. Apply early!
Please fill out the P-STEP Application to express your committed 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.
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Receive the Support You’re Looking For
Hear directly from some of our past P-STEP participants and learn about how their experience in the program can make a lasting impact.
Video montage of testimonials from P-STEP participants.
Stay In The Know
P-STEP shares a monthly newsletter during the school year with information, opportunities, and updates. Subscribe by sending a quick email to pstep@cps.edu!
Read our last newsletter from the 25-26 school year below.