Chicago Public Schools Employee Reviews about "principals"
Updated Jan 30, 2019
Pros
"Great People to work with and good benefits" (in 30 reviews)
"Good pay based on experience - better than some suburban districts" (in 27 reviews)
Cons
"Principals are typically insane people who cannot be trusted" (in 30 reviews)
"Many of the central office employees spend the entire work day watching Youtube videos while on 60K" (in 19 reviews)
Reviews about "principals"
Return to all Reviews"Public school teacher"
StarStarStarStarStar- Work/Life Balance
- Culture & Values
- Career Opportunities
- Compensation and Benefits
- Senior Management
RecommendsPositive OutlookApproves of CEOI have been working at Chicago Public Schools full-time for more than 8 years
Pros
Solid employment. Wonderful community of professionals and development. Excellent benefits. Security once tenured. Holiday vacations. Decent work-life balance once you get the hang of it.
Cons
Mayor appointed board of education. Principals are typically insane people who cannot be trusted. Constant turnover of staff and leadership. Underfunded and underresourced. It can be a struggle to survive the first 2-5 years.
Advice to Management
Fight back against standardized testing. It has poisoned the well. Do the best you can to support and retain talented teachers.
Chicago Public Schools2019-01-30"Decent pay compared to other cities and states"
StarStarStarStarStar- Work/Life Balance
- Culture & Values
- Career Opportunities
- Compensation and Benefits
- Senior Management
RecommendsNeutral OutlookNo opinion of CEOI have been working at Chicago Public Schools full-time for more than 10 years
Pros
Continuing Education, Benefits, Salary, and Union
Cons
Some principals are dishonest and unfair.
Advice to Management
Get rid of corrupt principals
Chicago Public Schools2018-03-22"Art Teacher"
StarStarStarStarStar- Work/Life Balance
- Culture & Values
- Career Opportunities
- Compensation and Benefits
- Senior Management
Doesn't RecommendDisapproves of CEOI worked at Chicago Public Schools full-time
Pros
Kids really need the arts.
Cons
Not all principals respect or understand the value of the arts.
Advice to Management
Principals would be well advised to listen to their teachers and respect their expertise.
Chicago Public Schools2017-09-08- Helpful (1)
"Substitute Teacher"
StarStarStarStarStar- Work/Life Balance
- Culture & Values
- Career Opportunities
- Compensation and Benefits
- Senior Management
RecommendsPositive OutlookDisapproves of CEOI have been working at Chicago Public Schools part-time for more than a year
Pros
Can possibly work every day
Cons
Many Principals and Clerks are disrespectful. Constantly changing assignments, even if the Teacher specifically requested you!
Advice to Management
The Sub takes the time to go on AESOP to accept an assignment. However, the School's Administrative Staff, Principals down to Clerks constantly changes a Sub assignment. I'm told that they have the right to do this, however, the Union says that their violating our contractual rights. Of course the Union can't and doesn't support Substitute Teachers! Finally, the CPS Substitute Teacher hasn't had a raise in over... 20 years!
Show MoreChicago Public Schools2017-09-05 - Helpful (1)
"Elementary Teacher"
StarStarStarStarStar- Work/Life Balance
- Culture & Values
- Career Opportunities
- Compensation and Benefits
- Senior Management
Doesn't RecommendNeutral OutlookDisapproves of CEOI worked at Chicago Public Schools full-time for more than 5 years
Pros
Many jobs to choose from and many schools need a full time K-9 teacher.
Cons
Too much chaos in the school and union. Lots of negativity from principals, and other staff.
Advice to Management
Schools are run like little principalities. Communicate with the employees more and be confident, encouraging and respectful to the teachers.
Chicago Public Schools2017-07-09 "Regular Teacher"
StarStarStarStarStarI worked at Chicago Public Schools full-time
Pros
Chicago Teachers Union will protect you from administration that treats you poorly
Cons
There are crazy principals out there who treat you with no respect and make your life as a teacher miserable.
Chicago Public Schools2016-10-19"Education not a priority in Chicago and Illinois"
StarStarStarStarStar- Work/Life Balance
- Culture & Values
- Career Opportunities
- Compensation and Benefits
- Senior Management
Doesn't RecommendNegative OutlookDisapproves of CEOI have been working at Chicago Public Schools full-time for more than 10 years
Pros
The appreciation showed by students and parents. I also enjoy my relationships with my colleagues. The opportunity to assist students and help them grow.
Cons
CPS is top heavy with administrators. The system does not respect school principals or teachers. The company is purging veteran teachers because salaries are expensive. This is accomplished through poor evaluations that lead to being laid off. This is also not a stable place for new teachers. At the beginning of each school year enrollment changes lead to positions closing and layoffs. Teachers scramble to find... new positions.
Show MoreAdvice to Management
You need to work with CTU. Provide stability for teachers and students. Get rid of school based budgeting. Stop trying to cut special education.
Chicago Public Schools2016-09-01"deserves zero stars"
StarStarStarStarStar- Work/Life Balance
- Culture & Values
- Career Opportunities
- Compensation and Benefits
- Senior Management
Doesn't RecommendNegative OutlookI worked at Chicago Public Schools full-time
Pros
salary and benefits; annual raises
Cons
Unreasonable and hostile principals who bully their employees. They are dishonest on evaluations. They pick favorites. Dirty politics. Very toxic hostile work environment. People with health problems usually end up getting sicker and healthy teachers usually end up having health problems due to severe stress. Teachers often found in their rooms or bathrooms crying. Teachers often taking medical leaves because of the... stress. Lack of support from Principals. If i could give this place zero stars, i would. The mayor is always closing down the schools and laying off teachers...lack of job stability. Zero work/Life balance. Principals will text you at 6pm while you are eating dinner and demand that you have something done by 7pm. If you don't see your phone and don't respond, you will be reprimanded when you get to work the next day.
Show MoreAdvice to Management
Stop bullying your employees! Make them feel valued and they will be able to perform at their highest potential. Teachers need support!
Chicago Public Schools2016-08-25- Helpful (2)
"Reality Check"
StarStarStarStarStarDoesn't RecommendNegative OutlookDisapproves of CEOI worked at Chicago Public Schools for more than 3 years
Pros
Great opportunity to be involved with children and help in developing their mindsets. Student growth and successes are there and possible to achieve.
Cons
The Board is top heavy and unfairly distributes funding. Most principals, who feel like puppets, are under extreme pressure which always trickles down through the ranks, and unfortunately impacts the children. So... it sucks.
Advice to Management
Principals join your teachers and stand your ground. CPS, Central Office, Area Officers, and all who are connected... you better recognize! You're in this for the kids. ACT like it... But most of you cringe at the very thought of actually working with our kids. Go figure.
Chicago Public Schools2016-05-22 - Helpful (2)
"THE WORST - Union doesn't help much either"
StarStarStarStarStar- Work/Life Balance
- Culture & Values
- Compensation and Benefits
- Senior Management
Doesn't RecommendDisapproves of CEOI worked at Chicago Public Schools full-time for less than a year
Pros
You get paid more than private or charter, but honestly, it's not even worth it. If you work on the north side, you'll probably be fine, but the south side is not only dangerous, it lacks support and funding.
Cons
- Horrible principals who gossip behind your back and cause drama - Teachers who think they're still in high school and also like to cause drama - Union that is unresponsive/doesn't file your grievances in a timely manner - ABSOLUTELY NO WORK/LIFE BALANCE. I was working 12+ hour days, only to come home and work for another 3+ hours and I STILL wasn't doing things good enough. - Oh also, they can move you... whenever they want. Within 6 months, I moved from 2nd to 2nd/3rd split (no experience with either) to 1st grade with no advance notice. - You don't even teach. You weed through the bureaucracy and hope to keep your head above water.
Show MoreAdvice to Management
Get it together. Seriously. This district is a joke. CPS Is causing good teachers to turn their backs on teaching. Kids are slipping through the cracks.
Chicago Public Schools2016-04-26
Join the Chicago Public Schools team
Found 30 reviews