Our Mission
People of Color in Independent Schools of New York, or PoCIS New York, was started with the mission to provide support for faculty and staff of color in New York area independent schools. After 30+ years of hard work by numerous volunteers, we now have 501c3 non-profit status as an organization. Our updated mission is:
People of Color in Independent Schools New York (PoCIS New York) is an organization serving New York independent school administrators, faculty, and staff who identify as people of color. We create and support programming, networking opportunities, and affinity spaces to foster professional growth and community belonging for our constituents. We aim to honor, acknowledge and amplify the multiplicity of the lived experiences of people of color in independent schools as a means to build more inclusive, supportive, and anti-racist environments.
PoCIS New York serves as a resource for BIPOC professionals. The organization is a reminder to BIPOC professionals in independent schools that they are part of a supportive and connected collective. This along with professional development, networking, and mentorship opportunities not only serve to foster community, but is also an effective retention tool for schools that support the organization. As independent schools continue to work on adult representation in their communities, we are fortunate to have PoCIS New York to bridge the gap. Non-profit status will allow us to fortify our programming, extend our reach, and professionalize our operation.
Through annual activities and events PoCIS-NY aims to:
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Provide advocacy, affirmation, support and encouragement for staff, faculty, and administrators of color in independent schools
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Provide and promote opportunities for professional development for people of color working in independent schools
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Enhance the experience of people of color in independent schools through networking, collaboration and development of a social and professional community
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Share information about job announcements at independent schools in the surrounding NYC area to increase diversity in hiring
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Facilitate communication among people of color in independent schools in New York and other professional organizations (ex: NYSAIS, NAIS, ISDN, Interschool, etc.)
PoCIS New York Leadership
Dr. Jason Singleton
Co-Executive Director/Treasurer
Dr. Jason Singleton is an educator, school leader, and empathy researcher with more than 20 years of experience in independent schools. He serves as Middle Division Director at The School at Columbia University and as Co-Executive Director and Treasurer of People of Color in Independent Schools — New York. Jason is the founder of HEARTWIRED LLC, where he helps schools cultivate cultures of empathy, belonging, and relational leadership grounded in his doctoral research on empathy modeling and school culture.
Chiarna Morton
Co-Executive Director
Chiarna Morton is a progressive educator and equity practitioner with more than 15 years of experience in K—12 independent schools. She serves as Director of Equity and Engagement at Cathedral School of St. John the Divine and as Co-Executive Director and Programming & Communications Chair of People of Color in Independent Schools — New York. Chiarna's work focuses on cultivating inclusive school communities through anti-bias education, affinity spaces, and experiential learning grounded in social justice and belonging.
HELP US GROW
Support PoClS New York
Help us continue strengthening and sustaining the impactful programming, resources, and opportunities we provide for our community. We invite members, schools, and supporters to consider making a donation to PoCIS-New York to help our initiatives remain strong and robust. Click the Zeffy link below to support.
