Honoring Crossing Guards for Extraordinary Service
Throughout Crossing Guard Appreciation Month, from February 14 to March 14, 2026, we're celebrating the more than 700 crossing guards who help CPS students and families safely arrive and depart schools every day. To show our appreciation, we're presenting four Crossing Guard of the Year awards based on nominations from the CPS community. We need your voice to help select candidates for our annual awards. This is your opportunity to recognize and celebrate a crossing guard who makes a difference in your life.
Awards Details
- Deadline: Nominations for Crossing Guard of the Year will open February 16 , 2026 and will close on April 17, 2026.
- Winners: There will be four Crossing Guard of the Year award winners, one from each region. The winners will be announced on May 18.
- Who can nominate: Chicagoans — including students, school leaders and families — are welcome to participate in the nomination process.
- Criteria: Nominations will be judged based on years of service and attendance, among other metrics.
Nominate a Crossing Guard
Nominate a CPS crossing guard for our annual awards by submitting their name in the form below. Nominations will close on April 17, 2026 at 5 p.m.
The nomination period opens February 16.
Going Above and Beyond
Meet the Chicago crossing guard who carried students across a flooded street to ensure they reached school safely.
Joe Sass is more than just a Crossing Guard at Jamieson Elementary—he is a cornerstone of the morning and afternoon commute. Known as a "gentle giant" by the school community, Joe has spent the last four years ensuring the safety of students and families at the busy intersection of Bryn Mawr and California.
Recently, the devoted husband and father became a local hero after a news helicopter captured heart-warming footage of him in action. When a major water main break flooded his intersection, Joe didn’t just direct traffic—he stepped into the water, lifting students and carrying them safely across the flood so they could get to school dry and on time. It was a powerful display of the heart and commitment Joe brings to his work every single day.
When asked by reporters about his heroic efforts, Joe remained humble. He shared that he took the job because he loves the city of Chicago and helping his community. Joe’s quick thinking and dedication to his students exemplify the very best of our CPS crossing guard team. No matter the weather, you can find Joe dishing out fist bumps and warm smiles to students as they head to class. His presence provides not only safety but a sense of joy and belonging to the Jamieson community. We are incredibly grateful for his dedication and the energy he brings to his post every day.
Join CPS as a Crossing Guard
Are you interested in becoming a CPS crossing guard? We're now hiring for North, Central/West, Southwest and Far South neighborhoods. These positions offer long-term, flexible, part-time employment with benefits. Apply today to join your school community and play a crucial role in student safety. For questions, email crossingguard@cps.edu.
To apply, search the job board for "crossing guard," choose a job opening and follow the application instructions.
Join CPS as a Crossing Guard
Are you interested in becoming a CPS crossing guard? We're now hiring for North, Central/West, Southwest and Far South neighborhoods. These positions offer long-term, flexible, part-time employment with benefits. Apply today to join your school community and play a crucial role in student safety. For questions, email crossingguard@cps.edu.
To apply, search the job board for "crossing guard," choose a job opening and follow the application instructions.
Contact Us
For questions or more information, reach out to us by email at crossingguard@cps.edu.