Last month, Head of School André Del Valle was invited to participate in a panel discussion with other Brooklyn Heads of Color at the School Professionals of Color Summit, hosted by the NYSAIS Equitable Practices and Inclusion Committee (EPIC). The event was moderated by our own MMFS Assistant Head of School for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Tatesha Clark. Along with fellow Heads of Color Dr. Lisa Yvette Waller of the Berkeley Carroll School, Crissy Cáceres of Brooklyn Friends School, and Kenyatte Reid of St. Ann’s School, André shared his perspective on the unique opportunities and challenges associated with school leadership.
The evening began with Tatesha – who serves as a member of EPIC – moderating a conversation with André and Dr. Waller about leadership. Here are some edited excerpts from the exchange between André and Tatesha.
Tatesha: What makes being a Head of Color, leading a school in Brooklyn, a unique and special experience?
André: I was born and raised in Brooklyn, and now I’m raising my children in Brooklyn. Brooklyn is the borough of trendsetters; the rest of the city follows us. The fact that we have so many heads of color in Brooklyn already makes it a unique and special experience. To be a leader here in Brooklyn—in my backyard—is a great joy for me. It’s the dream.
Tatesha: What drew you to the leadership of MMFS?
André: It’s all about the mission and impact. Leading a Quaker school for students with language-based learning disabilities means that the work I do every day has a clear impact on the lives of students and families. And I truly enjoy my job.
Tatesha: How has your view of education evolved over the years? Has your trajectory and approach to leadership been influenced by this evolution?
André: My view of education has evolved because the view of education in this country has evolved. An attack on education itself has ramped up: Banning books. Scrutinizing what is taught. My approach to leadership means that even in the current climate, I have to stay true to myself as a leader. I understand the importance of going into this environment with eyes wide open.
I am constantly inspired by my fellow Heads of Color. When I was Head of School at George Jackson Academy in the early 2000s, I think you could count the number of Heads of Color on one hand. Now, in Brooklyn alone, there’s me, Lisa Waller at Berkeley Carroll School, Crissy Cáceres at Brooklyn Friends School, Kenyatte Reid of St. Ann’s School, and Noni Thomas Lopez at Poly Prep, and Joe Santos at International School of Brooklyn.
Tatesha: What would you offer as advice to school professionals of color in independent schools?
André: Here are three good tips:
The event was a phenomenal success, with many people commenting afterwards on how lucky MMFS is to have André as Head. Congratulations to him and to Tatesha on a fantastic evening!
