Frequently Asked Questions

Your application is a reflection of your unique leadership journey. While Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be a helpful tool, it should only be used responsibly to assist with editing or clarifying your thoughts. AI should enhance, not replace, your authentic voice and specific experiences. Reviewers are looking to get a better glimpse of YOU and the real-world impact of your leadership. Please ensure your responses remain distinctly yours.

The Common Program Application ("Common Program App") is designed to simplify the various applications, selection processes, and timelines associated with school leadership and aspiring leader development programs and opportunities. Its aim is to expand access and create more transparent, equitable pathways for leadership development within the district.

Below is a complete list of the offerings that are available for the current 2026 application.
Note: Green indicates the listing has an application on the Common Program App.
Note: * A single asterisk indicates that the given listing is interest only and will NOT be on the Common Program App this year.
Principal Programs: (11)

• Building Early Learning Leaders (BELL)

• CPS Executive Fellows*

• Great Expectations Mentoring (GEM) Fellow*

• Great Expectations Mentoring (GEM) Mentor*

• New Principal Institute: Content Mentor Principal

• New Principal Institute: Mentor Principal

• Pipeline Mentor Principal (includes CLC Mentor Principal)

• School Leaders Care Team*

• School Leaders Celebration Committee*

• The Fund Summer Design Program*

• The Fund Design Coaching to Implement*

Assistant Principal Programs: (11)

• AP Peer Professional Developer*

• Building Early Learning Leaders (BELL)

• Chicago Leadership Collaborative Pathway 2 (CLC P2) - Admin Endorsement and Internship

• Chicago Leadership Collaborative Pathway 3 (CLC P3) - Principal Residency

• Great Expectations Mentoring (GEM) Fellow*

• Great Expectations Mentoring (GEM) Mentor*

• Leadership Bridge*

• School Leaders Care Team*

• School Leaders Communications Committee*

• The Fund Summer Design Program*

• The Fund Design Coaching to Implement*

Teacher Leader/ School-Based Staff Programs: (11)

• Aspiring Assistant Principal Institute (AAPI) - Tier 1

• Aspiring Assistant Principal Institute (AAPI) - Tier 2

• Aspiring Assistant Principal Institute (AAPI) - Tier 3

• Chicago Leadership Collaborative Pathway 1 (CLC P1) - New Leaders Emerging Leaders and UIC/TFA Aspire Programs

• Chicago Leadership Collaborative Pathway 2 (CLC P2) - Admin Endorsement and Internship

• Chicago Leadership Collaborative Pathway 3 (CLC P3) - Principal Residency

• DPQ Affinity Groups*

• Early Educators for Thriving Children (EETC)

• The Fund Summer Design Program*

• The Fund Affinity Groups for Aspiring Leaders*

• The Fund Design Coaching to Implement*

Central/ Network Office Staff Programs: (10)

• Aspiring Assistant Principal Institute Tier 1 (AAPI T1) - [Focus on Leadership Identity]

• Aspiring Assistant Principal Institute Tier 2 (AAPI T2) - [Focus on Coaching Teachers]

• Aspiring Assistant Principal Institute Tier 3 (AAPI T3) - [Focus on Leading Teams and Change]

• Chicago Leadership Collaborative Pathway 2 (CLC P2) - Admin Endorsement and Internship

• Chicago Leadership Collaborative Pathway 3 (CLC P3) - Principal Residency

• DPQ Affinity Groups*

• Great Expectations Mentoring (GEM) Fellow*

• Great Expectations Mentoring (GEM) Mentor*

• School Leaders Care Team*

• School Leaders Celebration Committee*

The Common Program Application for participation during the 2026-2027 (next) school year will be hosted on Alchemer. The application link can be found here (cps.edu/commonapp).
Refer to our Technical User Guide on how to navigate the survey.

The length of time it may take to complete the application is approximately 20-30 minutes. Application questions should be reviewed prior to starting the application. 

Please review the questions carefully before accessing the Common App to estimate the length of time you'll need to complete the application. We also encourage you to answer the questions in a separate document in advance so that you are prepared to submit the application in one sitting.

In addition to determining approximately how much time you will need to complete the application, we recommend that you review the program details such as objectives, qualifications, and time commitment prior to beginning the application. These details are linked on this site (by program).

Dedicate time to reflect on your experiences and how they align to the goals of different programs in order to determine which is the right fit right now. Be prepared to explain your school-based and personal leadership accomplishments and impact in detail.

Absolutely! We encourage you to do so. Reflect on how your experience and leadership have grown since your last application, and consider why you’re now ready for this development opportunity.

Some programs allow you to participate more than once, while other programs do not. Please be advised, you may not complete the following programs more than once:

• Aspiring Assistant Principal Institute (AAPI) All Tiers

• Chicago Leadership Collaborative (CLC) All Pathways

• CPS Executive Principal Fellowship

• Great Expectation Mentoring (GEM) Program (as a Fellow)

• Leadership Bridge

Leaders will gain valuable insights by collaborating closely with their peers and coaches throughout these programs.
Participants will also focus on developing key leadership skills and competencies to support their success in their current roles. 

The specific skills gained will vary by program, so we encourage candidates to review the program descriptions thoroughly before applying.

Although great investments have been made to provide these opportunities, programs included in the Common Program Application are of no additional cost to participants. However, the Chicago Leadership Collaborative (CLC) Pathway 3 program partners may require tuition for advanced degrees.

Your participation in programming is subject to CPS supervisor and additional CPS Leadership approval, in addition to employee discipline and misconduct checks.