Elevating Employee Experience, Connection, and Community
The Employee Engagement Office leads the systemwide strategy to strengthen internal culture, communication, and pride across New York City Public Schools (NYCPS).
Our work connects the Chancellor’s vision to the daily experiences of the 150,000 employees who make our system thrive. Through initiatives like PS Proud, our heritage and cultural celebrations, and events such as State of Our Schools, we tell the story of NYCPS from the inside out, ensuring every employee feels informed, inspired, and proud to serve.
Our mission is to create meaningful, inclusive experiences that strengthen belonging, purpose, and connection across NYCPS.
What We Do
The Employee Engagement team supports staff across all divisions by:
- Designing initiatives that strengthen workplace culture, belonging, and connection
- Producing systemwide engagement events and celebrations
- Managing PS PROUD, the district’s flagship storytelling campaign
- Partnering with offices and schools to elevate employee stories and experiences
- Developing toolkits, resources, and assets that support engagement across the system
PS PROUD Campaign: Bringing Our Stories to Life
PS PROUD is our citywide storytelling campaign celebrating the people who make New York City Public Schools extraordinary. This initiative highlights the pride, purpose, and passion across our schools and central offices by amplifying the voices of our staff, alumni, and leaders.
Using the PROUD framework, we showcase what makes NYCPS special:
P – People at the Center
Our stories uplift the educators, alumni, and staff who make our system strong.
R – Representation Matters
We honor the rich diversity, cultures, and identities that reflect our city and our schools.
O – Our Stories, Our Strength
Each spotlight captures authentic moments that show the heart of NYCPS.
U – Unity Across Schools & Central
We bridge classrooms, offices, districts, and central teams through shared pride and connection.
D – Dedication to Our Students & Families
Everything we do is rooted in belonging, service, and ensuring every child thrives.
Campaign Components
- Short video features of employees and alumni sharing why they are “PS PROUD.”
- Story prompts and templates divisions and schools can use to capture their own moments of pride.
- Alignment with heritage and culture events to uplift staff stories connected to identity and community.
This campaign is a growing archive of videos, spotlights, and resources designed to inspire, connect, and remind us why we are PS PROUD.
Toolkits
You may also be interested in:
Ways to Get Involved with Employee Engagement
Employees can support and engage with PS PROUD by:
- Attending heritage and culture events
- Participating in workshops and learning sessions
- Joining or collaborating with an Employee Resource Group ERG—supported and managed by the Organizational Development, Talent & Culture (ODTC) team—which provides community, networking, and shared learning across identities and interests
- Sharing a “Why I’m PS Proud” story, quote, or video
- Bringing ideas for engagement to the Employee Engagement team
NYCPS All Stars
NYCPS All Stars allows you to recognize employees across the organization who go above and beyond, all in one easy-to-use app. You can instantly show your appreciation for a job well done. Search for your recipient, choose your recognition method, personalize your appreciation note, add a quote and sentiment if you choose, and send. Your recognition will be on its way.
NYCPS All Stars app allows you to:
- Easily recognize employees across the Company in a matter of minutes
- Search by name
- Personalize your recognition with a note and a quote
- Choose to keep it private or make it public for all to see who you’re recognizing
