The Community Solution Education System (TCSES), based in Chicago, Illinois, is a dynamic education management organization dedicated to transforming public education through innovative charter schools. Jobs at The Community Solution Education System span teaching, administration, and support roles, offering professionals a chance to impact urban youth in one of America's most vibrant cities. With a focus on equity and excellence, TCSES attracts educators passionate about closing achievement gaps. Whether you're seeking higher ed jobs with a community twist or administrative positions, TCSES provides meaningful careers in Illinois' education sector.
Established to address systemic challenges in Chicago Public Schools, TCSES manages several high-performing charter schools serving thousands of students. Roles here emphasize data-informed teaching, culturally responsive pedagogy, and collaborative leadership. Salaries are competitive for the region, often starting at $55,000 for teachers and higher for leadership, with opportunities for advancement.
Founded in the early 2000s amid Chicago's education reform wave, The Community Solution Education System emerged from a partnership between educators, philanthropists, and community leaders. TCSES took over struggling schools, implementing rigorous curricula and extended learning time. By 2010, its schools achieved top ratings from the Illinois State Board of Education, with graduation rates exceeding 90% in some campuses.
Today, TCSES operates from its Chicago headquarters, expanding its model to replicate success in underserved neighborhoods. This history of resilience shapes jobs at TCSES, where employees contribute to ongoing innovation. For those interested in education leadership, TCSES's track record offers a platform to build legacies in Chicago university jobs and beyond.
TCSES schools offer K-12 programs with emphases on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics), college preparatory tracks, and social-emotional learning. Teachers develop interdisciplinary units, integrating real-world Chicago issues like urban sustainability. Administrative jobs involve overseeing compliance with charter authorizations and grant-funded initiatives.
Professionals in research or program development roles analyze student data to refine interventions, drawing on evidence from national studies like those from the RAND Corporation on charter efficacy. This environment suits those pursuing research jobs in applied education settings.
Jobs at The Community Solution Education System include classroom teachers, principals, deans of instruction, operations managers, and specialized roles like special education coordinators. Faculty positions focus on core subjects, while executive roles handle strategy and partnerships. For a full breakdown of university job types, including adjunct and administrative variants applicable here, visit our resource page.
To secure jobs at TCSES, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree minimum, with master's or PhD preferred for leadership. Teachers require Illinois teaching licensure; advanced roles seek expertise in education policy or urban pedagogy.
Research focus areas include student achievement metrics, teacher retention in high-poverty schools, and innovative assessments. Preferred experience encompasses 3+ years in urban education, publications in journals like Urban Education, or securing grants from foundations like the Gates Foundation.
Essential skills and competencies: Strong classroom management, proficiency in data analytics tools like Google Data Studio, cultural humility for diverse learners (over 90% students of color at TCSES), and collaborative problem-solving. These align with broader higher ed faculty jobs.
Key terms for understanding jobs at TCSES:
The application process for jobs at The Community Solution Education System begins on their website's careers page. Submit a resume, cover letter addressing your fit for Chicago's context, transcripts, and references. Selected candidates undergo phone screens, demo lessons, and panel interviews emphasizing scenario-based questions.
Actionable tips: Customize applications with TCSES-specific metrics, like referencing their 95% attendance rates. Network via Chicago education events. Use our free cover letter template. Prepare for questions on equity by studying local data from the Chicago Consortium for School Research. Follow up professionally within 48 hours. For higher ed parallels, see how to write a winning academic CV.
TCSES champions diversity, with 70% of staff from underrepresented groups. Initiatives include the Emerging Leaders Program, training BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) educators for principalships; partnerships with HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) for recruitment; and annual Equity Summits featuring Chicago activists. Gender parity in leadership (50/50) and LGBTQ+ affinity groups foster belonging. These efforts ensure jobs at TCSES reflect the community's mosaic.
In Chicago's energetic environment, TCSES supports balance with 10 sick days, family leave, and mental health days. Summers offer recharge or paid professional development. Campuses buzz with student events, teacher collaborations, and proximity to Millennium Park for after-work escapes. Hybrid options for admins reduce commutes on the L train. Wellness perks include gym subsidies and yoga sessions, helping staff thrive amid urban demands. This setup appeals to those valuing community in administration jobs.
TCSES offers comprehensive benefits: health/dental/vision, 403(b) matching up to 5%, tuition assistance up to $5,250/year, and relocation aid for Chicago newcomers. Career ladders promote from teacher to network director within 5 years. Ongoing training via partnerships with Northwestern University keeps skills sharp.
Jobs at The Community Solution Education System blend purpose with professionalism in Chicago's heart. From faculty innovation to executive strategy, opportunities abound. Explore higher ed jobs, higher ed career advice, university jobs, or recruitment resources on AcademicJobs.com to advance your path.
View all University Jobs
Post and Connect – the new way of promoting your higher ed jobs
