Welcome
Welcome to the Office of Government Relations and Community Engagement at Teachers College. The Office of Government Relations and Community Engagement (OGRCE) at Teachers College supports the mission of the College by building and sustaining relationships with elected officials, government agencies, and community partners across New York City, New York State, and the federal government; advancing TC's policy priorities in education, health, and psychology; and connecting the College's research and expertise to the communities it serves.
Meet the Director
Rémysell Salas is Director of Government Affairs at Teachers College, Columbia University, where he leads government relations, legislative strategy, and external engagement with policymakers and key stakeholders at the city, state, and federal levels. With more than two decades of experience across government, higher education, labor, public affairs, and national campaigns, Rémy has built and led strategies that advance institutional priorities, shape public policy, and strengthen partnerships across sectors.
He holds degrees from the SUNY at Albany, University of Oslo, and the Harvard Kennedy School. He is currently completing his Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Higher Education Leadership and Policy at the University of Miami.
Our Mission
The Office of Government Relations and Community Engagement (OGRCE) advances the mission of Teachers College by cultivating strategic relationships with elected officials, government agencies, and community organizations at the city, state, and federal levels. The Office monitors and shapes policy affecting education, health, and psychology; represents TC's interests; and builds durable partnerships that connect the College's research, faculty expertise, and academic programs to the communities it serves. Guided by TC's global impact in education, health, and psychology, OGRCE works to ensure that public policy reflects evidence-based practice and that the College remains a trusted, engaged civic partner in New York City, New York State, and beyond.
Government Relations
We work closely with the New York City Council, the New York City Department of Education, the New York State Legislature, and Congress, as well as with community organizations that share Teachers College's commitment to education, health, and psychology.
Our issue areas include higher education policy and funding, K–12 partnerships and AI-in-education initiatives, health and psychology-adjacent research policy affecting students and scholars, and the federal regulatory landscape.
Local Government (NYC)
Teachers College engages with the New York City Council to advance shared priorities in public education and community wellbeing.
- The OGRCE maintains relationships with City Council members representing Teachers College's district and monitors legislation affecting higher education, public schools, and youth services in New York City.
- NYC Council Committee on Education: https://council.nyc.gov/committees/education
- NYC Council Committee on Higher Education: https://council.nyc.gov/committees/higher-education
- Track NYC Council legislation: https://legistar.council.nyc.gov/Legislation.aspx
- NYC Department of Education Teachers College maintains a longstanding relationship with the NYC Department of Education and teacher pipeline programs, and contributes research and expertise to inform citywide instructional guidelines.
State Government (NYS)
Teachers College tracks and engages with the New York State Legislature on issues affecting higher education, public funding, and the College's academic mission.
- Governor of the State of New York Kathy Hochul: https://www.governor.ny.gov
- New York State Assembly: https://www.nyassembly.gov
- New York State Senate: https://www.nysenate.gov
- Track NYS legislation: https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation
Federal Government
Teachers College monitors federal policy developments for higher education broadly.
- U.S. Congress https://www.congress.gov
Community Engagement
As an anchor institution in Morningside Heights and Harlem, Teachers College extends its mission beyond campus, partnering with schools, community organizations, and alumni across the region and around the world to advance education, health, and psychology.
K–12 & School District Partnerships: Teachers College collaborates with the NYC Department of Education and public school districts on research, teacher preparation, and instructional initiatives that strengthen New York City's public education system.
Get Involved
Community organizations, elected officials, and prospective partners interested in working with Teachers College are invited to contact the Office of Government Relations and Community Engagement.