Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is the third-largest school district in the United States, serving over 320,000 students in 600+ schools and employing nearly 40,000 people. 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. In order to fulfill this mission, we make three commitments to our students, their families, and all Chicagoans: academic progress, financial stability, and integrity. Six core values are embedded within these commitments – student-centered, whole child, equity, academic excellence, community partnership, and continuous learning.
Under the general direction of the school principal and the immediate supervision of assigned staff, the Miscellaneous Educational Support Staff member provides general operational, clerical, and instructional assistance throughout the school. This position adapts to daily operational needs, helping maintain a safe, orderly, and supportive learning environment for students.
The Miscellaneous Support Staff member will be held accountable for the following responsibilities:
Student Supervision & Safety: Assists in supervising students during lunchroom, playground, arrival, dismissal, and bus loading/unloading activities.
School Operations & Corridor Monitoring: Monitors hallways, main entrances, and corridors to maintain building security and ensure students are in assigned areas.
Classroom & Instructional Support: Assists teachers with organizing learning materials, preparing bulletin boards, maintaining an orderly classroom, and assisting students with basic assignment completion.
Administrative & Clerical Tasks: Operates standard office equipment (copiers, printers, computers) to reproduce educational materials, track attendance, and process basic school records.
Student & Visitor Support: Greets and directs visitors to appropriate school areas and assists with routine parent/guardian communications as directed by school leadership.
Targeted Assistance: Provides general support to individual students or small groups under the direct guidance and supervision of certified classroom teachers.
High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
Good knowledge of proper English grammar, spelling, and basic mathematics.
Ability to work effectively with school-aged children and follow written and oral instructions.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills to interact positively with staff, students, and visitors.
Basic computer literacy and ability to operate standard office equipment.
Alignment with CPS core values of equity, student safety, and continuous learning.
Light Work: Exerting up to twenty (20) pounds of force occasionally, up to ten (10) pounds of force frequently, or a negligible amount of force often to move objects. Requires walking or standing to a significant degree throughout the school day.
As a condition of employment with Chicago Public Schools (CPS), employees are required to:
Establish/Maintain Chicago Residency: Employees must live within the geographic boundaries of the City of Chicago within six months of their CPS hire date and maintain residency throughout their employment.
Background Check & Compliance: Successfully complete a CPS background check and TB test prior to employment.
Health & Safety Guidelines: Comply with all current CPS health, safety, and operational protocols.
Minimum Education: High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
Licensure/Certification (Optional/Preferred):
Valid State of Illinois Paraprofessional License (ISBE) is a plus, but not required.
CPR and First Aid Certification (preferred or willing to obtain upon hire).
Instructional & Operational Support:
Basic knowledge of fundamental subjects (English grammar, spelling, reading comprehension, and general mathematics).
Ability to assist students with coursework under the direct supervision of certified teaching staff.
Capability to follow written and verbal instructions quickly and adapt to changing daily tasks across various grade levels.
Communication & Interpersonal Skills:
Strong oral and written communication skills to interact professionally with students, parents, visitors, and school personnel.
Ability to foster positive, respectful, and supportive relationships with school-aged children.
Conflict resolution skills to handle minor student interactions calmly and effectively.
Technical & Clerical Proficiency:
Basic computer literacy, including experience using web browsers, email, and Google Workspace (Google Docs, Sheets, Forms).
Ability to operate standard office equipment, including copiers, multi-line phones, and document scanners.
Safety & Security Awareness:
Awareness of school safety protocols and the ability to maintain vigilant oversight during hallway monitoring, recess, lunchroom, and dismissal duties.
Physical Requirements (Light Work):
Ability to exert up to twenty (20) pounds of force occasionally, ten (10) pounds frequently, or a negligible amount often to move objects.
Requires significant standing, walking, bending, stooping, and active movement throughout the school building and playground grounds daily.
Personal Attributes: High level of patience, reliability, punctuality, flexibility, and commitment to the academic success and safety of all CPS students.
Chicago Public Schools is looking for teachers, leaders, and non-instructional staff to transform the face of urban education. We are a team of passionate, committed, and talented professionals who believe that every CPS student will graduate prepared for success in college, career, and life. Come join us in making CPS a model for public school districts throughout the nation. CPS is the third largest school district in the United States with more than 600 schools providing education to over 340,000 children.
