Carly Andrews, the new head of Baker Demonstration School, 201 Sheridan Road in Wilmette, had been on the job six days when she spoke to the Pioneer Press. The Evanston resident, whose last post was as assistant head of a New Mexico school, talked about her path in education, independent schools, and what she’s looking forward to learning about the Chicago area.
Q: Where are you from, and how did you get into education?
A: I grew up first in California and moved to Ohio in middle school. My grandfather was my elementary school principal and my grandmother was a professor of poetry. I grew up with education and social justice as topics of conversation at the dinner table … education was thought of as important work because children are the most sacred community members.
Q: What do you like about independent schools?
A: I love being in innovative schools. I’ve taught in and led progressive independent schools that believe children learn best when their curiosity is valued, and when the child’s experience matters … Independent schools allow for a lot of innovation and flexibility, where you can look at education research and implement it quickly. It also allows for a vibrant environment for teachers.
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Q: Do you have a cause or charity you’d like people to know about?
A: I am particularly passionate about early access to education for young children.
Q: What are you looking forward to in the Chicago area?
A: I’m looking forward to exploring Chicago neighborhoods. I can’t wait to take the L downtown to see the Art Institute.
Q: Chicago’s a pizza town – what’s your favorite type?
A: I like a crisp, thin crust, piled high with onions, peppers and lots of veggies!
Q: Can you recommend a good book?
A: I just finished ‘Just Mercy’ by Bryan Stevenson. He’s an attorney who’s been looking at the prison system and the racial bias within it. I’m also reading Colson Whitehead’s ‘The Underground Railroad,’ which is amazing.
– Kathy Routliffe, Pioneer Press
Shout Out is a weekly feature in which we get to know and introduce our readers to their fellow community members and local visitors throughout suburban Chicago. Check out more online at ChicagoTribune.com/ShoutOut.