Milwaukee Public Schools will host a two day recruitment fair in Chicago this week as the district seeks to hire recently laid off Chicago Public Schools educators.
“Milwaukee is just a short 90 minute drive or train trip away, and we are ecstatic to welcome Chicago educators to Milwaukee as we work to manage and reduce class size and ensure that a highly qualified teacher is in front of every student,” said Dominick Maniscalco, MPS chief human resources officer.
Chicago Public Schools laid off teachers this summer as part of a cost cutting plan tied to declining enrollment and a budget deficit of more than $730 million.
CPS has also faced long running concerns about academic performance, including low literacy proficiency rates, uneven math outcomes, and persistent gaps in student achievement between neighborhood schools and selective enrollment campuses. Although it does score a B on one prominent satisfaction rating.
MPS announced their leadership and recruitment teams will be in Chicago on Wednesday, July 29, and Thursday, July 30. The recruitment drive comes as the Milwaukee Board of School Directors approved a $1.6 billion budget for the 2026–27 school year. The district says their budget prioritizes investments directly in the classroom, adding new teaching positions to manage and reduce class sizes while also raising employee salaries.
MPS district is currently seeking to hire 200 teachers across multiple grade levels and subject areas during this event. This number reflects additional positions needed to manage and reduce district class sizes, new openings created by recent retirements and resignations, as well as those positions recently filled.
To help educators transition seamlessly into the upcoming school year, MPS hiring officials will conduct on site interviews and make immediate, on the spot job offers.
MPS is touting they offer a competitive compensation package, including an average teacher salary of $90,000, excellent benefits, and a pay structure that rewards teacher longevity and continued education.
