Dartmouth native Thea Andrade has been named the interim superintendent of the Phoenix Union, a district in Phoenix, Ariz, that features 11 comprehensive high schools, six small specialty schools, three micro schools, three support schools and a digital academy.

She will begin serving June 2 and will be the first female superintendent in the nearly 130-year history of the Phoenix Union. 

Andrade currently serves the District as Chief Achievement Officer. She brings 30 years of experience in education and over two decades of school administrator experience to the position. 

A former mathematics teacher, Andrade taught high school and middle school algebra and holds degrees from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and Northern Arizona University.

She has served students as a high school principal, Director of Quality Schools, Director of Assessment & Accountability, Executive Director of Technology & Innovation, and Chief Achievement Officer. Ms. Andrade joined the Phoenix Union in 2011 and oversees the Teaching & Learning, Student & Family Services, and Safety Divisions in her current role.

“It is an honor to serve our incredible students, staff, and families,”  Andrade said following the announcement. “I look forward to working with the Governing Board, our educators, students, and families to continue moving the district forward.”

Andrade “has a proven track record of successfully reaching young people,” said Phoenix Union Governing Board President Naketa Ross. “Her experience, compassion, and love for our students and families gives the Board full confidence in her ability to succeed. We are excited to work alongside her in this role.”

Andrade was born in Dartmouth, attended Dartmouth schools, and graduated from Dartmouth High School in 1987. Her mother, Joanne Bosworth Andrade, and brother, District 1 Fire Chief Peter Andrade, live in Dartmouth.