The Pipeline Mentor Principal role is available to principals interested in supporting the School Leadership Pipeline either as a (1) CLC Pathway 3 Mentor Principal or a (2) Content Mentor Principal.

Through this opportunity you are able to indicate your interest in being a Mentor (and direct supervisor) to a Resident Principal in the Chicago Leadership Collaborative (CLC) Pathway 3 - Principal Residency, and/or a Content Mentor to aspiring school leaders.

CLC Mentor Principals work directly with Resident Principals (in Pathway 3) on the day-to-day activities and responsibilities associated with the principal’s role as school leader. The Mentor role provides an extraordinary opportunity for successful, experienced principals to gain advanced leadership skills as they develop the abilities of aspiring principals. Mentoring creates a unique relationship that requires commitment, development and training. The Resident Principal becomes a member of the Mentor’s administrative leadership team at the Mentor’s school for twelve months, therefore, strong interpersonal and communication skills and a desire to work closely and adeptly with a learning leader are required.

Eligibility
- At least three years as a CPS district principal
- Improved Student Outcomes* for the last 2 years (SY24, SY25 to date)*as determined by the applicant with supporting evidence
- Approval of Network Chief to mentor an aspiring principal
- Must agree to actively and thoughtfully engage the Resident Principal in:
- Instructional activities that involve teachers at all grade levels and from diverse populations
- The hiring process through direct observation or participation
- The observation and evaluation of teachers, using REACH, as well as the observation of other certified and non-certified staff
- Opportunity for principals who have not served as a CLC Mentor Principal consecutively in the last two school years

*Note: CLC Pathway 3 Mentor Principals are eligible to host residents for up to 2 consecutive school years. Principals accepted into the CLC Mentor pool last year will not be required to reapply.

Content Mentor Principals share their expertise and experience with aspiring school leaders in a variety of ways; Content Mentor Principals are interested in planning and facilitating professional learning for aspiring leaders and/or hosting an aspiring leader to shadow them for a day.
- As a mentor in the Shadow Experience (Eligibility: At least two years as a CPS district principal), you will:
- Model best practices in instructional leadership, decision-making, and stakeholder engagement.
- Engage in reflective discussions with aspiring leaders, helping them process observations and ask questions.
- Refine your own leadership by articulating your approach and coaching future leaders.

- As a Community of Practice Mentor (Eligibility: At least two years as a CPS district principal), you will:
- Share practical insights and best practices based on your leadership experience.
- Guide structured discussions and workshops on key leadership topics, helping participants develop actionable strategies.
- Strengthen your own leadership skills by facilitating professional learning and engaging in deep, meaningful conversations with aspiring leaders.

- As a LeaderLAB Mentor (Eligibility: At least five years as a CPS district principal), you will:
- Lead a full-school-day, intensive, hands-on learning experience at your school.
- Facilitate reflection and discussion to help participants analyze the presented practices and consider how they can be adapted and applied within their own unique school environments.
- Highlight successful initiatives and practices currently employed at your school