Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is a district on the rise, serving over 325,000 students in 500+ schools and employing over 45,000 people, most of them teachers. CPS has set ambitious goals to ensure that every student, in every school and every neighborhood, has access to a world-class learning experience that prepares each for success in college, career, and civic life. Aligned with our transformed philosophy, we are steadfastly focused on ensuring that the District provides resources equitably to support every student, every school, and every community. Six core values guide the work we do every day for our students – student-centered, whole child, equity, academic excellence, community partnership, and continuous learning. Each role in the district supports our vision that every student deserves a rigorous, joyful, and equitable learning experience.

Located within the Department of Early College and Career Education (ECCE), the Chicago Police and Firefighter Training Academy (CPFTA) is a city-wide program that provides training for junior and senior high school students interested in careers in public safety. This 2-year program was developed jointly by CPS, the Chicago Police Department (CPD), the Chicago Fire Department (CFD), and City Colleges of Chicago (CCC). Since 1998, CPFTA has recruited and trained up to 125 public and non-public high school students each year. CPFTA’s mission is to provide students with a comprehensive view of career pathways available within public safety, law enforcement, fire science, and criminal justice. 

Job Summary:

The part-time/temporary Chicago Police and Firefighter Training Academy (CPFTA) Instructor role is designed to support the Chicago Police and Firefighter Training Academy program in training high-school youth cadets. Instructors will provide individual and group instruction in the area of public safety related to careers in police or fire departments. Specific duties will be identified by the hiring manager following the application process and are based on the skillset of the instructor. This part-time/temporary position will be compensated for time worked on an hourly basis. The work schedule for this role will consist of an estimated 20 hours per week for an anticipated period of 10 months, beginning January 2026 and ending November 2026, but may also extend beyond this time frame. Due to the part-time/temporary nature of this work, this is not a benefit-eligible position. The Part-Time/Temporary CPFTA Instructor will report to the ECCE Citywide Program Manager.

The Part-Time/Temporary CPFTA Instructor position will be held accountable for the following responsibilities:

• Provide individual and group instruction by means of demonstration, sketches, explanations, and visual aids in the area of public safety.

• Implement lesson plans related to skills required by police officers and/or firefighters.

• Develop instructional methods to meet the needs of all participating students.

• Administer and evaluate knowledge and skill assessments; document student grades related to these assessments.

• Create and maintain records of cadets’ attendance, progress, attitude, and accomplishments. 

• Instruct cadets in the safe and proper use of tools and equipment used in public safety jobs.

• Provide individual and group instruction in subjects and certifications connected to public safety in the Chicago Police and/or Fire department(s).

• Other duties as assigned

In order to be successful and achieve the above responsibilities, the Part-Time/Temporary CPFTA Instructor must possess the following qualifications: 

Education Required: 

• Associate’s degree from an accredited college or university is required for the CPD candidates; OR three (3) Consecutive years on Active Duty in the Armed Forces of the United States

• High school diploma or GED equivalent is required for CFD candidates 

• CFD Candidates Must Pass the CPAT (Candidate Physical Ability Test)

Experience Required: 

• Candidate must be a current or retired: 

  • Chicago Police Officer or Firefighter; or 

  • CPD or CFD civilian employee

Additional Requirements:

• Physical demands are in excess of those for light work. The candidate must be capable of one of the following:

  • Capable of exerting twenty (20) to fifty (50) pounds of force occasionally

  • Capable of exerting ten (10) to fifteen (15) pounds of force frequently

  • Capable of exerting greater than negligible/up to ten (10) pounds of force continually in order to move objects associated with the role

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Ability to work with and for school-aged children effectively.

• Solid verbal and written communication skills; capable of communicating effectively with the public.

• Strong knowledge of proper English grammar and spelling; basic knowledge of mathematics. 

• Strong reading skills; capable of providing and following written and verbal instructions.

• Capable of operating basic office equipment, audio-visual equipment, and personal computers.

• Knowledge of Chicago Public Schools rules and regulations is preferred

Conditions of Employment

As a condition of employment with the Chicago Public Schools (CPS), employees are required to:

• Establish/Maintain Chicago Residency - Employees are required to live within the geographic boundaries of the City of Chicago within six months of their CPS hire date and maintain residency throughout their employment with the district.