Pros
I enjoyed my experience with the Chicago Teaching Fellows. I was a career changer and wanted an alternative to going to back to school. I knew I wanted to teach special education, and I liked that CTF allowed me to jump right into a full time teaching job at CPS. Plus, unlike other programs, I was an actual CPS employee from the start (not an employee of the certification program). The school year program is excellent. It is organized and well thought out. I was impressed with the quality of the coaching during the school year. My coach was always there for me if I needed help, and was a fantastic resource. That said, you will need to take control of your own development as a teacher. If you are someone who is willing to put it some of the legwork yourself (they won't spoon feed you), this a great opportunity. Besides, teaching is a lot of figuring it out for yourself- I learned so much by hitting the ground running. CTF was certainly there to help me if I needed it. I'm so glad I did the program, and I would choose it again in a heart beat.
Cons
The summer program (pre-service training) was often very frustrating. You will work with season/summer staff for the most part (not the regular staff). For example, my summer coach was not very helpful to me and didn't seem to understand the program herself. Summer is stressful because your performance ultimately decides whether you will continue for the rest of the year, and be allowed to teach. Summer felt very disorganized -- BUT, get through the summer (don't let it discourage you!) and the school year program is a night and day difference. The full time/ school year staff is much better and incredibly helpful, and the school year program was much more organized. You will be happy you stuck with it! Plus, it sounds like summer training will be structured differently this year, so hopefully it will be a much better experience.