Chicago Police & Fire Training Academy; CPFTA Instructor - Part-Time​/Temporary Position

Overview

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Posting Date:
Jan 22, 2026, 5:13:40 PM
• Primary

Location:

Central-42 West Madison Street (Early College and Career)
• Estimated Annual Salary Range: 34.00 - 34.00
• Position Type:
Temporary Position

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is a district on the rise, serving over 325,000 students in 500+ schools and employing over 45,000 people. CPS aims to provide a world-class learning experience that prepares students for college, career, and civic life. The district is guided by six core values: student-centered, whole child, equity, academic excellence, community partnership, and continuous learning. Each role supports the vision that every student deserves a rigorous, joyful, and equitable learning experience.

Located within the Department of Early College and Career Education (ECCE), the Chicago Police and Firefighter Training Academy (CPFTA) is a city-wide program that provides training for high school students interested in careers in public safety. This 2-year program is a collaboration among CPS, the Chicago Police Department (CPD), the Chicago Fire Department (CFD), and City Colleges of Chicago (CCC). Since 1998, CPFTA has recruited and trained up to 125 students annually, offering a comprehensive view of career pathways in public safety, law enforcement, fire science, and criminal justice.

• Provide individual and group instruction in public safety topics related to police or fire department careers, using demonstrations, sketches, explanations, and visual aids.
• Implement lesson plans aligned with required skills for police officers and/or firefighters.
• Develop instructional methods to meet diverse student needs.
• Administer and evaluate knowledge and skill assessments and document student grades.
• Create and maintain records of cadets’ attendance, progress, attitude, and accomplishments.
• Instruct cadets in the safe and proper use of tools and equipment used in public safety jobs.
• Provide instruction in subjects and certifications connected to public safety in the CPD and/or CFD.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Education Required: Associate’s degree from an accredited college or university is required for CPD candidates; OR three (3) consecutive years on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces. High school diploma or GED is required for CFD candidates. CFD candidates must pass the CPAT (Candidate Physical Ability Test).
• Experience
  
  Required:
  
  Current or retired Chicago Police Officer or Firefighter; or CPD or CFD civilian employee.
• Additional Requirements: Physical demands may exceed those for light work. Ability to exert 20-50 pounds of force occasionally, 10-15 pounds of force frequently, and up to 10 pounds of force continually to move objects as required by the role.
• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Ability to work effectively with school-aged children; strong verbal and written communication; solid English grammar and spelling; basic math; strong reading skills; ability to follow instructions; ability to operate basic office and AV equipment; knowledge of CPS rules and regulations is preferred.

As a condition of employment with CPS, employees are required to establish/maintain Chicago residency by living within the City of Chicago within six months of hire and maintaining residency throughout employment.