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Andre Thomas

I support aspiring and new school building leaders through powerful coaching that helps them lead with confidence and build strong, effective school cultures.

About

Andre Thomas is an executive leadership consultant, leadership coach, and founder of True Vine Consulting (TVC), bringing more than 20 years of experience as a teacher, Assistant Principal, Principal, and Head of School in both public and private school settings. Having served at multiple levels of leadership, he understands the challenges, pressures, and responsibilities that come with leading schools and developing people.

Andre specializes in coaching aspiring and new school leaders who are ready to lead with confidence, clarity, and purpose. Through personalized, results-driven coaching, he helps leaders overcome self-doubt, strengthen decision-making, navigate difficult conversations, and develop the leadership presence needed to build trust and inspire others.

His coaching is built around the VINE Framework™, a transformational leadership model focused on four essential areas of growth:

Vision – Lead with confidence, clarity, and purpose.
Influence – Build trust, communicate effectively, and strengthen leadership presence.
Navigate – Make sound decisions and lead through challenges with confidence.
Empower – Develop teams, build positive school cultures, and sustain leadership growth.

More than a framework, VINE provides leaders with a practical roadmap for navigating the realities of school leadership while staying grounded in their values and vision.

Clients who work with Andre gain more than strategies—they experience transformation. They become more confident leaders, stronger communicators, and more intentional decision-makers who can build thriving school cultures and lead sustainably without burning out.

Whether preparing for a first leadership role or navigating the demands of a new position, Andre equips leaders to lead with impact and create schools where both students and staff thrive.

Because strong leaders don't grow alone—they grow through the VINE. 

Packages

Connection Call

Connection Calls are an opportunity to explore your goals, leadership priorities, and the support that will best position you for success. During our conversation, I’ll learn more about your journey, current challenges, and how I can help you move forward with greater clarity, confidence, and purpose. I look forward to connecting with you. 
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1:1 Leadership Coaching (3 Months)

Designed for aspiring and new school leaders, this personalized one-to-one coaching experience helps you lead with greater confidence, clarity, and purpose through the VINE Framework™. Together, we'll strengthen your vision, expand your influence, navigate challenges with confidence, and empower others through intentional leadership.

You'll develop stronger decision-making, communication, and leadership presence while building a positive school culture and sustainable leadership practices. The result is a more confident, impactful leader equipped to create lasting change. 


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1:1 Leadership Coaching (6 Months)

Designed for aspiring and new school leaders, this personalized one-to-one coaching experience helps you lead with greater confidence, clarity, and purpose through the VINE Framework™. Together, we'll strengthen your vision, expand your influence, navigate challenges with confidence, and empower others through intentional leadership.

You'll develop stronger decision-making, communication, and leadership presence while building a positive school culture and sustainable leadership practices. The result is a more confident, impactful leader equipped to create lasting change. 
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1:1 Leadership Coaching (12 Month)

Designed for aspiring and new school leaders, this personalized one-to-one coaching experience helps you lead with greater confidence, clarity, and purpose through the VINE Framework™. Together, we'll strengthen your vision, expand your influence, navigate challenges with confidence, and empower others through intentional leadership.

You'll develop stronger decision-making, communication, and leadership presence while building a positive school culture and sustainable leadership practices. The result is a more confident, impactful leader equipped to create lasting change. 
View details

Testimonials

Working with Mr. Thomas was a delight. He pushed me out of my comfort zone to be a principal that was confident and successful. He made me a better leader with my teachers and students through all of his intentions and suggestions. His leadership was kind, clear, and effective.

- Danielle Phillips | Middle & High School Principal

Andre Thomas was a pleasure to work with. He took the time to really understand the issues challenging our school. He offered practical solutions for difficult problems. With his guidance and support, our school was able to get out of crisis mode and attain stability and growth.

- Alison Grams | Elementary Principal

Andre Thomas is one of the most positive, professional, and compassionate leaders I know. As a mentor, he was patient and kind, he was willing to answer questions, and he provided thoughtful feedback. His greatest quality is that he is a genuinely good person who cares, and puts 100% into everything he does.

- Christi Carroll | Director of English Language Arts & Reading

In 2018, I worked as an interim Assistant Principal when Mr. Thomas was the Principal at Williamsville North High School in Williamsville, NY. This was my first experience as an educational leader, and because of Mr. Thomas I walked away with a wealth of knowledge and experience. He demonstrated the importance of building relationships, working as a team and the significance of being a clear and consistent communicator. Mr. Thomas was a swift thinker in challenging situations, he always made decisions based on what was best for students. I will forever be grateful of my time working with Mr. Thomas!

- Katherine Wendling | Principal

Andre Thomas is a perceptive leader with valuable and well articulated insights. He is an active listener and very approachable. Mr. Thomas asks discerning questions which help effectively guide those he is mentoring. His leadership style is both gentle and empowering. I highly recommend Mr. Thomas's business coaching services to anyone who wishes to elevate their purpose and the significance of their business.

- Debra Aase-Farnum | Art Teacher

Free Connection Call

Let's have a friendly chat and discover if we're a fit.

Book Now

Frequently Asked Questions

What is True Vine Consulting, and who do you serve?
 
True Vine Consulting (TVC) is an educational leadership coaching firm dedicated to supporting aspiring and new school leaders. I work with educators who are ready to step into leadership—or who are already in leadership and want to lead with greater clarity, confidence, and effectiveness. My goal is to help you grow into the leader your school community needs. 
Who is coaching for?
Coaching is for educators who know they are capable of more but feel stuck, uncertain, or overwhelmed about their next step. Many of my clients are teachers preparing for leadership roles, assistant principals adjusting to new responsibilities, or principals navigating the early years of leadership. 
What makes True Vine Consulting different from other coaching services?
 
TVC is built on real-world leadership experience across multiple school settings—public and private. I don’t offer generic advice. I bring practical insight, strategic thinking, and a coaching process that helps you identify the root of what’s holding you back—not just the surface-level challenges. This work is both reflective and action-driven, ensuring you don’t just think differently—you lead differently. 
What results can I expect from coaching?
 Clients typically experience: 
  •  Increased confidence in their leadership identity 
  •  Clarity around their next career step 
  •  Stronger decision-making and communication skills 
  •  The ability to navigate difficult conversations and staff dynamics 
  •  A more strategic and less reactive approach to leadership 

Most importantly, clients begin to move forward in areas where they’ve felt stuck—often for years.
 
How does the coaching process work?
We begin with a Connection Call to understand your goals and current challenges. From there, we establish a clear focus for your coaching journey. Sessions are typically held biweekly and are tailored to your real-time experiences as a leader. Each session builds on the last, creating momentum and measurable growth over time. 
What happens during a coaching session?
Each session is a structured, focused conversation. We unpack current challenges, identify underlying barriers, and clarify your thinking. I’ll ask questions that push your perspective, challenge limiting beliefs, and guide you toward practical next steps. You’ll leave every session with clarity and a plan of action. 
How long does coaching last?
Most coaching engagements range from 3 to 12 months, providing the time needed not only to gain insight, but to apply what you’ve learned, reflect on your growth, and develop sustainable leadership habits. True Vine Consulting offers flexible 1:1 coaching options, allowing clients to engage in 3, 6, or 12-month partnerships based on their goals. 
Can coaching help me move into a school leadership role?
Yes. Coaching can support you in clarifying your readiness, strengthening your leadership voice, preparing for interviews, and positioning yourself for opportunities. We also work through the internal barriers—such as self-doubt or fear—that often prevent strong candidates from taking the next step. 
I’m already a school leader. How will coaching help me?
Early leadership can feel isolating and overwhelming. Coaching gives you a confidential space to think, reflect, and problem-solve. Whether you're managing staff, building culture, or making high-stakes decisions, coaching helps you lead more strategically and with greater confidence. 
Is coaching confidential?
Absolutely. Confidentiality is essential to creating a safe and honest coaching environment. What you share in our sessions remains private. 
How is progress measured?
At the start of coaching, we define what success looks like for you. Progress is measured through your ability to take action, navigate challenges more effectively, and demonstrate growth in your leadership practice. You’ll be able to see and feel the difference in how you lead. 
How do I get started?
The first step is to schedule a Connection Call. During this conversation, we’ll explore your goals, your current challenges, and whether coaching is the right fit for you. From there, we’ll determine the best next step. 

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