I’m André and this is ind.depth
Maybe you want to prepare for career advancement. Maybe you want to turn modest success into transformative success. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, ind.depth can be an asset in launching your vision.
With over 25 years in independent school leadership and Executive Coach training, I’ve come to know the rigors or leadership, the keys to organizational change and the power of a committed/focused self. If you’re looking to do something transcendent, let’s work together.
My Approach
“Set the intention...Intentionally pursue the intention”
Originally from Indiana, André has been in independent schools for over 25 years. The initial foray into the world of independent schools was The Orchard School in Indianapolis, IN. He found an immediate home as a Middle School teacher and Advisor. As the School grew and as opportunities arose, André was able to also find that his gifts and talents were aligned with an additional role of Director of Diversity. Those roles brought tremendous growth and preparation for the role of Director of Middle School that he assumed in 2001. While teaching and running the division, there were significant additions introduced as part of his tenure. Some of those included enhancements in Advising, Student-led conferencing and technology standards. Concurrent to the work at those two schools, André was invited to serve on the board of ISACS (Independent Schools Association of the Central States) where he chaired the Equity Committee and was a member of two accreditation teams. That valuable work also led to additional service with NAIS. André was a faculty member of the Summer Diversity Institute and subsequently worked as the director of that professional development opportunity for three years.
In 2004 André was named Assistant Head of School at The Lowell School in Washington, DC. That term was also coupled with leadership and service opportunities. While at Lowell André served a term on the Board of AIMS (Association of Independent Maryland Schools) while also being a regular presenter at PoCC and NAIS’ Annual Conference. Upon completing five years at Lowell, André was hired as the Director of Madeira’s signature experiential program, Co-Curriculum. With immediate success in that role André was named Assistant Head of School. That role came with a portfolio that included Athletics, Summer Programs, Technology, continued oversight of Co-Curriculum and a host of special projects, most notably, point person for the implementation of the Strategic Plan.
André joined Educators Collaborative in 2022. Having become a Certified Executive Coach, he will be active in not only leadership searches for schools but also supporting schools and their leaders evolve in ways that can ensure institutional success.
Leadership can be a lonely enterprise. As well, it is an ever-present challenge to be retain objectivity in the face of institutional challenges. Having the aide of an Executive Coach helps to retain perspective, keep a growth-mindset and accomplish all that one desires in their leadership endeavor.
Testimonial
Andre Withers has become an important and influential partner for me, along my professional journey, as I navigate the challenges and opportunities that prevail in the work of equity, inclusion, justice and belonging. As a result of our working together, I have been able to discover and hone new purpose and skills in my leadership role, prioritize mission and vision oriented initiatives and plan more strategically for greater success as a diversity practitioner and leader. His experience and expertise as a school leader and equity practitioner have been invaluable to my professional growth and development. Andre’s approach to mentorship and coaching around the work of equity and inclusion moves the work from being transactional to being transformational; he understands, at a profound level, that the work of equity and inclusion is rooted in relationships and responds accordingly. As a result of my working with him, I have been able to guide my community towards re-imagining the strength and importance of equity, justice, love and belonging in our institution.