In 2018, CPS was experiencing a declining teacher workforce, need for greater equity across the system with high-quality teachers in every school, too few candidates for high-need subject areas (e.g. bilingual, special education), and staff diversity gaps.

At this time, with Matt as CPS Chief Talent Officer, he and Maureen partnered to develop and implement a comprehensive initiative to recruit and retain highly effective and diverse teachers across CPS under what came to be Teach Chicago.

As specific programs under Teach Chicago launched – including a teacher residency and a high-need school recruitment initiative – Maureen facilitated focus groups of prospective and current CPS teachers and conducted internal stakeholder interviews, ultimately recommending a new messaging framework to help CPS sell its strengths to candidates in compelling and authentic ways.

This strategy led to the following talent and communications outcomes over the ensuing 3-5 years:

• Record-high numbers of special education, bilingual, early childhood teachers hired and record-low vacancy rates at the district’s highest-need schools

• Positive news stories, press conferences and conference presentations discussing Teach Chicago pathways and programs, all promoting how CPS is focused on improvements to teaching in the district

• New teacher recruitment website, messaging, and storytelling featuring teachers and leaders within CPS

Teach Chicago continues to be a leading CPS Talent strategy. Learn more at teach.cps.edu.