Enhancing CPS’ Culture is Goal of I am CPS Initiative
I am CPS is a districtwide initiative launched in January 2016 that is building a culture of excellence throughout Cincinnati Public Schools.
Described as a “culture transformation,” I am CPS is creating an organizational climate to help Cincinnati Public Schools achieve the ambitious vision for student learning laid out in CPS’ My Tomorrow initiative and to make CPS a national district of choice for educational professionals.
I am CPS is an investment in employees and in students. With I am CPS, the district is establishing a culture that inspires, attracts and retains talented people at all levels. All Cincinnati Public Schools’ employees, regardless of their jobs, play a critical role in helping CPS achieve the My Tomorrow vision — that all students graduate on time and are prepared to pursue postsecondary education and chosen career paths.
I am CPS stands on four competencies and the behaviors that support them: I Care, I Continuously Improve, I Collaborate and I Commit to Success.
How did I am CPS start?
During 2014-15, a group of 13 CPS leaders and stakeholders from across the district — principals, teachers, Central Office leaders and union representatives — gathered monthly to create a comprehensive approach to professional learning and organizational culture. This group developed a vision and framework of values, competencies and behaviors that provide guidance for building this culture within CPS. The district has committed to bringing this vision to life by investing in the internal and external resources necessary to carry it forward for all employees.
I am CPS Impacts All CPS Employees
All CPS staff will participate in high-quality, professional learning experiences designed to reinforce the I am CPS culture framework. The first professional learning series began in January 2016 and brought together Central Office leaders, the district’s leadership team, and leaders of our six union organizations. Responses from this first group are helping tailor the experiences for our school-based staff, while also ensuring that there is high buy-in from district leadership.
I am CPS Vision
I am CPS is a culture transformation that enables all Cincinnati Public Schools’ employees to embrace and live out shared values, competencies and behaviors that support and sustain a high level of performance for all of our students, and for each one of us.
I am CPS Purpose
I am CPS provides the tools necessary to make this vision a reality and engages the diverse talents of all Cincinnati Public Schools’ employees – from classroom teachers to building leaders to Central Office leadership. It will enable us to inspire, attract, develop and retain great employees who work relentlessly to ensure the success of all CPS students, in school and beyond.
I am CPS Visual Strategy — Printable Version
Inspiration from your CPS colleagues who are models of I am CPS competencies.