Graphic with the text American Association of School Personnel Administrators

The American Association of School Personnel Administrators (AASPA) has awarded Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) with two national honors, recognizing the school division’s Human Resources (HR) Department for fostering a culture of belonging as well as its innovative digital outreach strategies.

AASPA presented the William L. Hunter Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award which recognizes school district HR departments that excel in implementing teacher development programs primarily focused on increasing the number of teachers of color within their respective districts.

“Our Human Resources Department leads with purpose, intention, and a clear vision for our workforce,” said Dr. Donna Eagle, chief human resources officer. “The team implemented a strategy that not only expands our teacher and employee pipeline but also reflects the values of equity and inclusivity that define Prince William County Public Schools.”

AASPA also awarded the PWCS HR department with the HR Digital Branding Development Award for effectively leveraging digital platforms to tell the school division’s HR and communicate and engage with current and prospective employees.  PWCS earned this award for their efforts with the branding strategy developed for the “You Belong Here” campaign. The approach included media outreach, social media engagement, official branding initiatives, and other strategic engagement objectives geared toward effectively recruiting certified and classified staff to PWCS.

 “We integrated the PWCS Pillars of Belonging, which are Valued, Included, Engaged, Welcomed, and Supported, across all of our branding and language efforts,” said Dr. Matthew Wygal, supervisor of employee relations. “These pillars guided our work, and weaving them throughout the campaign successfully showed prospective employees why PWCS is a place where they can grow and thrive.”

This strategy not only supported retention, but also built the PWCS employer brand, making PWCS more appealing to prospective employees. The success of this campaign was also due in large part to the collaboration with the Communications Department.

“Communications and media helped us be as creative as possible,” Dr. Wygal added. “They helped bring the campaign to life, showcasing what Prince William County Public Schools stands for, what we care about, and why candidates should work here.”

 The PWCS HR Department continues to lead and implement projects that strengthen workplace culture, build a positive, high-performing work environment, improve recruitment, develop staff, and help employees thrive.

 “We bring energy, innovation, and heart to everything we do,” Dr. Eagle stated. “Receiving these awards prove that this team sets the standard for what is possible in human resources and public education.”

 PWCS will receive these awards at the AASPA 87th Annual Conference in Nashville, Tennessee, in October.

 The AASPA is an international organization that provides leadership in promoting effective human resource practices within education. For more information, visit the AASPA website.