DeAndre Henderson ’10 started his Knox education as a major in political science, who was determined to start law school after his four years. However, he reached a turning point during his third year at Knox, when he took a School and Society class, which sparked his interest in human rights issues and his double major in secondary education. Post-graduation, Henderson took on several roles outside the education realm, including a juvenile facility and the Illinois Student Assistance Commission.
Through these roles, he began to truly understand the value of education. “I began to see that inside the education system is where all of the issues start and end,” Henderson said. “You have access to kids at an age where you can really start to have an impact on some of these issues I was passionate about, and that is when I transitioned to education.”
Starting at Galesburg High School North, Henderson began an expansive career as a social studies teacher, transitioning into special education when he moved to Champaign and developed his career through administrative roles across cities in Illinois. He currently serves as the director of alternative programs for Rantoul City Schools. “My vision was to redo the program, expand the program, and house it in a different building,” Henderson said.
In his role, Henderson works with at-risk students and those who struggle in a traditional learning environment to create a safe space that is focused on behavioral learning. For his work, Henderson was recognized by the Central Illinois Business’ 40 Under 40 Awards. “It was a little surreal,” he said. “I was very surprised when I was told I was nominated and chosen for the 40 under 40, because I've always been one who just kind of does the work and not look for accolades, so I was very thankful to have done it, and been a part of it.”
Henderson credits his Knox experience as a driving factor in who he is today. “My Knox experience is probably the biggest experience of my life in terms of what I do,” he explained. “I work with alternative, at-risk youth, and systemic issues—the social justice aspect of what I do has always stuck with me, and I definitely got a lot of that from Knox.”
Learning crucial skills such as problem-solving and keeping an open mind, Henderson reflected on his time at graduate school at Western Illinois University, where one of his professors knew of Knox and would call on him when he needed a “Knox answer.”
“Your reputation precedes you,” Henderson said. “It does mean something when you graduate with a degree from Knox . . . people will recognize the type of thinker you are because of it.”