Winter 26 TLC Teacher Leadership Newsletter

TLC Schools in Action

Beethoven and Gale Elementary

Check out our new video that explores the Instructional Team Coach (ITC) through the eyes of school leaders who are implementing this role. Hear from Principal Mauricia Estes (Beethoven) and Principal Francisco Leal (Gale), together with their ITCs, as they discuss the role’s impact.

From early-stage implementation to real-time gains in teacher effectiveness, learn why the ITC role is a game-changer for school-wide continuous improvement.

TLC Teacher Leader Highlight

Lead Coach

About the Role

A Lead Coach is a full-time teaching position with 80% release time to provide coaching and support to teacher leaders and teacher teams to address local instructional needs. The primary objective of the Lead Coach role is to build the capacity of other teacher leaders and teachers, and support the distributed and supportive leadership model at their school.

Decarla Jackson

Lead Coach, World Language Academy High School

I have been the Lead Coach at World Language High School for four years, though my leadership journey began much earlier. Before this role, I served as a coach with the High School Transformation Program (IDS) and the Office of Teaching and Learning. For years, as a classroom teacher at Bogan High School, I found myself naturally mentoring and coaching new
teachers, which eventually led my then administrator to ask me to provide formal support to members of the staff. My inspiration has always been the relationships; I’ve found that building a foundation of trust is the only way to have the honest conversations that lead to better teaching and, ultimately, better student outcomes.

Recently, I worked with a teacher who was hesitant to seek help due to a fear of judgment. Once we identified that the struggle was primarily around planning, we started a coaching cycle. We didn't just plan for the next day; we co-planned a system for future lessons. This shift in practice led to a major instructional shift. I observed the classroom transformation; students were more focused, and engagement levels rose significantly because the instruction was more intentional.

In my experience, the value of this role lies in peer leadership. It provides a safe space for reflection and gives teachers the confidence to try new practices while adapting them to their own unique styles. On a personal level, the most rewarding part of this work is seeing improvement in our data and knowing I played a small part in teacher and student growth. It makes me feel connected to our school's success and serves as a reminder that I am also a learner. I am always eager to grow alongside my colleagues to make sure our students receive the best instruction possible.

...building a foundation of trust is the only way to have the honest conversations that lead to better teaching and, ultimately, better student outcomes.

Decarla Jackson

To learn more about the the Lead Coach role and supports, visit the opportunity page.

Resources

The TLC Team selected the following resources to share:

• Coaching Supports Menu
  The Meta-Coaching Supports Menu from the Distributed and Supportive Leadership Team is presented as a “menu” in order to illustrate the range of supports available to instructional coaches and teachers, as well as to promote the agency of teachers in being able to recognize and advocate for their needs.
• TLC Website
  This new website serves as a comprehensive, dynamic hub for current and aspiring TLC Teacher Leaders. Visit our website to learn more about our roles, read our case study, view upcoming TLC professional development, and more.
• Lead with CPS LinkedIn
  The Lead with CPS LinkedIn page has officially launched! Be the first to learn about leadership cohorts and professional learning opportunities for teachers, school leaders, network, and central office staff happening throughout the year. 
  Follow Lead with CPS on LinkedIn

Professional Opportunities

Internal

Continuing Education Program

CPS partners with universities and colleges to provide opportunities to earn college credit, graduate-level degrees, certifications, and endorsements at a significant discount. There are also CPS-sponsored programs that cover up to 100% the cost of tuition to earn specific endorsements in high-needs areas.

• ESL/Bilingual Endorsement or ESL/Bilingual SPED Approval: 
  The Office of Multilanguage and Multicultural Education will provide funding to cover 100% of the coursework required to earn an ESL endorsement, bilingual endorsement, ESL SPED approval, or bilingual SPED approval. Rules and eligibility requirements apply. Read the program flyer to learn more. Questions may be directed to cohort@cps.edu.
• Western Governors University now offers a 5% discount on all degree and endorsement programs.  To learn more, call 1-866-225-5948 or visit their website to view a comprehensive list of degrees and endorsement programs. You can also visit their scholarship website for opportunities such as the K-12 Partner Scholarship and the New Year Scholarship.
• American College of Education now offers a 10% discount on a variety of degrees and endorsements. To learn more, visit cps.edu/keeplearning or contact Erin Ferruzzi at erin.ferruzzi@ace.edu.

For more information about continuing education opportunities, visit cps.edu/keeplearning on the employee intranet. 

DPQ Affinity Groups

The Department of Principal Quality (DPQ) is hosting five virtual affinity groups this school year. Upcoming meeting dates are below.

• Black/African American (2/26)
• Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander (2/26)
• Latine (2/26)
• LGBTQIA+ (2/25)
• Middle Eastern *new this year!* (2/26)
• End of year celebration April 8th, 4-6:30 pm Garfield Park

These groups are designed to support current teachers and school personnel aspiring to future school leadership roles. To learn more or sign up, visit the opportunity page.

Lead with CPS

Lead with CPS posts various leadership and professional learning opportunities for teachers, school leaders, network, and central office staff throughout the year. Stay in the loop by regularly searching for opportunities that support your growth and development.

External

If you are seeking additional opportunities, the following organizations offer professional development focused on core teacher leadership competencies.

• Pulitzer Center
• The Pulitzer Center is hosting a paid workshop for Chicago teachers to learn how to leverage The 1619 Project as a lens to examine global and local issues such as human rights, AI technology, climate change, peace and conflict, and health. The workshop is happening on February 17, 2026, from 1-4pm. To learn more, visit their website.
• The Pulitzer Center is a global non-profit organization that combines breakthrough journalism and audience engagement, connecting teachers, students, youth, influencers, artists, and other professionals with key underreported issues.
• Chicago Teachers Union Nurturing Teacher Leadership Program
• Nurturing Teacher Leadership is a two-year program of free professional development and candidate support that prepares current CPS teachers, counselors, and librarians for the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) certification—the highest credential a teacher or counselor can earn. The Chicago Teachers Union Quest Center has provided this support for over 25 years. Rules and eligibility requirements apply. To learn more, visit their website.
• Recruitment for the next cohort (2026-2028) is happening now! The next live recruitment session is scheduled for Monday, February 23, 2026, from 5 pm to 8:30 pm. Register here.
• Teachers Supporting Teachers
• Teachers Supporting Teachers (TST) is a local non-profit that works to build the capacity of current and aspiring teacher leaders. TST offers a cohort-based membership model, training, ongoing support, and compensation. To learn more, you can read about their roles or request information by completing the TST Interest/Nomination form or visiting their website.
• Teach Plus
• Teach Plus hosts the Illinois Affinity Group Network and invites CPS educators to join groups designed to build community, address challenges, and exchange ideas. Educators interested in applying are encouraged to complete the IL Affinity Group Network Interest Form.
• Teach Plus is a national non-profit that recruits, selects, trains, and supports teacher leaders. To learn more about their teacher leadership opportunities, visit their website.

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Have a prosperous new year!