CPS layoffs have hundreds of teachers looking for work

The financial woes of the Chicago Public Schools has provided the city's principals with a deep pool of experienced applicants for teaching jobs.

CPS last week sent layoff notices to 500 teachers as principals across the cash-strapped district cut their budgets for the 2015-16 school year. Another 500-plus nonteaching staffers also were laid off.

Social studies teacher Robert DiPrima carried a sheaf of resumes - and a heavy heart - to a CPS job fair at International Union of Operating Engineers Local 399 in the South Loop on Thursday. His talks with principals were encouraging, but DiPrima still was shocked at being cut from the faculty at Jane Addams Elementary after 16 years at the South Side School.

"It's my first interview in 16 years," DiPrima said. "Jane Addams is a family. I had kids of kids I'd taught in class."

For the full story, click here.