DeAndre Henderson has emerged as a transformative force in education as the director of alternative programs for the Rantoul City Schools District. His leadership has garnered recognition, including a spot on the Central Illinois Business Magazine’s esteemed Forty Under 40 list, which celebrates rising stars in the region. Henderson’s commitment to educational equity and student respect has made a significant impact within the community.
Henderson, inspired by his mother’s dedication to education, has adopted her values in his professional life. “One of our values is ‘every student every day.’ This means we show up the best we can for every student all of the time,” he said. His philosophy underscores the importance of treating students with the utmost respect, regardless of their individual circumstances.
Born in Charleston, South Carolina, and raised in Macomb, Henderson’s journey in education began at Knox College. Before joining Rantoul City Schools, he worked in Bloomington-Normal schools, where he honed his skills and developed his vision for inclusive education. According to RCS Superintendent Scott Woods, Henderson is not merely leading change; he is “redefining what is possible in public education.”
Henderson will be honored on October 30 as part of the 18th Forty Under 40 class. In a recent interview, he shared insights about his leadership style and the challenges of his role. He emphasized the emotional weight that comes with being responsible for the well-being of those he serves. “The hardest thing about being a leader is the emotional toll you can feel from the weight of showing up for the people that rely on you,” he explained.
A hallmark of Henderson’s leadership is the establishment of the RISE Academy, which he describes as a realization of his vision for supporting students. He reflects on this achievement as one of his favorite moments in his career. The academy aims to provide a nurturing environment that promotes growth and resilience among students.
In his role, Henderson values sincerity and connection. He believes that the best candidates for educational roles are those who share their personal stories and motivations for wanting to support young people. “Most job candidates have stories about why they like kids, but the best candidates are the ones who tell stories about their own life and why they want to be the person in someone’s life that could have helped them when they were young,” he noted.
Henderson’s office reflects his dedication to education and organization. He surrounds himself with photographs of students and a flag from his alma mater, along with a whiteboard filled with ideas, to-do lists, and goals. His approach to meetings is straightforward: “If it could have been an email, it should be an email,” he quipped.
His daily routine begins early, rising at 5:45 a.m. to prepare for the day ahead. While he often works through lunch, he finds time to unwind in the evenings by watching television, riding his motorcycle, or exercising.
Henderson’s journey in education was not always a direct path; he initially aspired to become a lawyer. It was during a college course on culturally responsive teaching that he found his true calling. The class allowed him to engage with the surrounding community, helping him understand how local experiences should inform educational practices.
As he continues to lead in Rantoul, Henderson remains focused on creating an environment where every student feels valued and respected. His work exemplifies the profound impact that dedicated educators can have on their communities.
