Thea Andrade

Thea Andrade is the Chief Achievement Officer for the Phoenix Union High School District, an innovative portfolio district, located in the urban core of Phoenix. PXU proudly serves over 28,000 students in grades 9-12 at 20 various high schools across the city. In PXU, diversity is a hallmark with 95% minority representation, including 81% Latino, and the students, including a large refugee population, represent over 95 languages. More than half of the students come from a home where English is not the primary language spoken.

Thea Andrade has served in public education for over 25 years and as an administrator for over 20 years. As a former mathematics teacher, Thea has taught both high school and middle school Algebra. Thea earned a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University and has served as a high school Principal, Director of Quality Schools, Director of Assessment and Accountability, and Executive Director of Technology and Innovation. In her current role as the Chief Achievement Officer, Thea oversees the Teaching & Learning, Student & Family Services, and the Leadership Divisions for the District. Thea is passionate about ensuring equitable opportunities and access to quality seats for all students. Additionally, she is dedicated to systems improvement through empowering others to use data to inform practice and effective decisions in education.

While a Boston native, she has made Phoenix her home for over 26 years with her son and daughter. She is passionate about having the privilege and opportunity to shape the future of Arizona, the city of Phoenix, and her local community.