With nearly 20 years in education, Dr. Andrews possesses extensive background in academia, public service and has dedicated her career to serving the needs of all students. A strong operational professional and collaborative leader, Dr. Andrews’ priorities include development and support of the whole child, social and emotional wellness and achievement, all hallmarks in Union School District. Currently, Dr. Andrews is superintendent of San Jose’s Cambrian School District, where she has worked since 2013.
“I’m eager to continue the work in the Union School District, which has such an outstanding reputation in the community for its support of student development and academic excellence,” Dr. Andrews said. “While grateful for the over eight years of opportunities presented in Cambrian School District, I look forward to developing new partnerships and carrying on the exceptional legacy of the Union School District.”
Over the course of her professional career, she has also held leadership roles as an assistant superintendent of personnel, elementary school principal, teacher, and University of California Santa Barbara (UCSB) graduate teacher. For the past 17 years, Dr. Andrews’ public work in education has been centralized to the Santa Clara area. Prior to this, she served in school communities from New Zealand, Minneapolis suburbs, southern California and the Central Valley of California.
Dr. Andrews received a Bachelor of Applied Science from the University of Minnesota, Duluth, and earned both her Masters and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Educational Leadership and Organization from UCSB. In her family, she is a first generation college graduate. While pursuing her Doctorate degree, she continued working in schools and supporting future educators by serving in the Teacher Education Department. There, she worked as a student teacher supervisor, overseeing graduate students pursuing teaching credentials.
Originally from Minnesota, Dr. Andrews has lived in the Bay Area for over 17 years and California for over two decades. She is mother to three boys, ages 12, 14 and 16. As a parent and educator, Dr. Andrews is able to understand firsthand the varying ways children need support today in conjunction with social emotional health, physical wellness and academic progress/achievement.
Dr. Andrews credits her achievements to a shared vision for holistic student wellness and learning with dedicated stakeholders, open communication, mutual trust, and unwavering commitment to all students. She is honored to continue to build upon Union School District’s foundation of excellence, in collaboration with the staff, students, parents and larger community.
As a means to get to know Dr. Andrews, the District will hold ‘meet and greet’ opportunities for students, staff and community prior to the 2021-22 school year.