Principal Eligibility Process

Interested in School Leadership?

All candidates must be in the Principal Candidate Pool (Pool) to become a Chicago Public Schools principal.  To view and apply for current principal opportunities, please visit our Principal Opportunities page. 

You do not need to be a member of the Pool to apply for the following roles: 

•  Assistant Principal: to explore Assistant Principal openings, please visit the CPS Job Board.

• Charter School Principal or AP: view open positions on the Illinois Network of Charter Schools' Job Openings page. 

Become a Member of the Principal Candidate Pool

Successful completion of the CPS Principal Eligibility (Eligibility) Process is required to become a member of the Principal Candidate Pool (Pool) and, thus, qualify to take on a principal position in the district. 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 applicants to provide evidence demonstrating experience and/or ability in the principal domains and competencies outlined in the CPS School Leadership Framework (Framework). Applicants will also be screened to ensure they possess the required credentials and meet the standards of conduct and professionalism expected of a CPS principal. 

Eligibility Process Key Dates

• Step 1: Online Application Opens:  April 8, 2024

• Step 1: Online Application Closes:  April 14, 2024 at 11:59 PM

  • Fingerprinting, Employment Verification, and Essay Verification are due EOD April 24, 2024

• Step 2: In-person Interview Dates:  May 6 - 24, 2024 

tentative based on the number of applicants