Andrew Bishop
Each month RG175 does a "deeper dive" to get to know one of our Independent School colleagues. This month we are spotlighting Andrew Bishop. Andrew is currently the Head of School at Davidson Day School, a Pre-K-to-12 day school of 520 students in Davidson, NC. Prior to NC, Andrew spent six years in Las Vegas, NV as Assistant Head of School at the Alexander Dawson School at Rainbow Mountain. During his time in Independent Schools, Andrew has worked as English Teacher, Director of Admissions, Development, and Advancement. He knew he wanted to work in schools ever since his time as a student at the Groton School.
What’s your connection to RG175?
I have been connected to RG175 ever since my time in graduate school when I started to read their blog to learn more about school governance, strategic planning, and management. I really appreciated Molly King’s post about the importance of humor in relationships. My connection with RG175 matured last year when they helped to facilitate the Head of School Search at Davidson Day School. During the process, I was able to get to know both John Farber and Tom Olverson. To that end, I still have the good fortune of working with John as my executive coach.
Can you summarize your experience working with RG175?
John Farber was with me throughout the entire Head of School Search process. From our initial conversation, John was honest and direct about the school, its needs, and opportunities. I appreciated his candor and his deep desire to find the right candidates for the school, but also for me (as a candidate) to find the school that would fit my skill sets and hopes. During the entirety of the process, I was deeply appreciative of John’s feedback and the countless phone calls and texts that we exchanged as I moved from candidate to semi-finalist and then finalist to incoming Head of School. This year, I have the pleasure of having John on speed dial as my coach–what I have come to truly appreciate is his humor, wisdom, deep experience, and the gift of both time and connections that he has extended.
If you had one thing to recommend to other candidates, what would it be?
Just be you and trust the process. Show up as your authentic self, be vulnerable, and ensure that you are being true to core principles as an educator and leader.
What do you enjoy most about your job as it pertains to Independent Schools?
I love being able to tell stories about how the mission of our school comes to life and manifests itself in the experiences of our students, faculty, staff, and alumni. At Davidson Day School, our mission is Academic Excellence via character, creativity, and collaboration. I love telling a parent a story about their child who has gone out of their way to advocate for a classmate; writing a note to a faculty member who has creatively solved a problem or devised a new lesson; collaborating with our Board of Trustees on a new strategic initiative. At each independent school, the mission has been different and the best work has always been about creating experiences that enhanced our mission and values.