Justin Brandon
Each month RG175 does a "deeper dive" to get to know one of our Independent School colleagues. This month we are spotlighting Justin Brandon. Justin was born and raised in the Bronx, NY. Justin is a proud independent school alumnus of Riverdale Country School. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and African-American Studies from Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota and earned his Master of Arts in Educational Policy and Administration from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.
Justin’s early career includes stints as the Director of Diversity and Community Relations, history teacher and coach at The Episcopal School of Dallas; Diversity Coordinator, teacher, and coach at Mounds Park Academy; Form Dean at The Episcopal Academy in Newtown Square, PA, before serving as the Head of Upper School at Moorestown Friends School (MFS) in Moorestown, NJ, and at Francis W. Parker in Chicago, IL.
Currently the Associate Head of School at Ravenscroft School in Raleigh, NC, Justin also serves on the Board of Trustees of One Schoolhouse and is a member and past-President of the Macalester College Alumni Board. He has facilitated workshops on leadership, cultural competency, student well-being, equitable hiring practices, and diversity, equity, and inclusion at regional and national conferences around the country. Justin also participated in the Friends Council Institute for Engaging Leadership and was a recipient of an NAIS E. Ford Aspiring Heads of School Fellowship.
Justin loves to read, travel, and spend time with his family and friends.
What’s your connection to RG175?
A mentor suggested that I work with RG175 because of the support and feedback they have a reputation for providing candidates. I worked with RG175 for the George School Head of School search process in the fall of 2023.
Can you summarize your experience working with RG175?
I met with John Green and Marcia Spiller to learn about the George School (beyond what was provided in the statement), to determine how my experiences match for the qualifications listed in the position statement and to learn more about the interview process. Because of the agreement between George School and RG175, I continue to have periodic check-ins to discuss the transition process and will receive support during my first year.
If you had one thing to recommend to other candidates, what would it be?
Ask multiple people to review your materials. The lessons I have learned from the feedback received from colleagues in independent schools and people outside of the field of education challenged me to create a more comprehensive representation of my work.
What do you enjoy most about your job as it pertains to Independent Schools?
I enjoy connecting with people who are committed to creating a student-centered experience. I have held a variety of roles throughout my career that have always focused on an inclusive and collaborative approach in order to support, challenge and grow students.