Chicago Teacher Advancement Program

In November 2006, Chicago Public Schools (CPS) received a $27.5 million, five-year grant from the U.S. Department of Education to launch an ambitious differentiated compensation and support program. Based on the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching’s proven Teacher Advancement Program (TAP), Chicago TAP was designed to support and develop great teaching and, ultimately, improve student achievement. Chicago TAP created an enhanced teaching environment with opportunities for career advancement, professional growth, teacher accountability and differentiated compensation; provided principals with a proven process and tools to structure and drive instructional change at their schools; offered a roadmap for good teaching and ongoing instructional support; and nurtured a professional community that encouraged sharing best practices across each school.

Impact

• 600 teachers in 40 schools participated.
• Largest competitive federal grant ever received by CPS.
• First attempt at differentiated pay in CPS.