We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Andrew Mcgee a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Andrew, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about the early days of establishing your own firm. What can you share?
I began my professional journey as a teacher in a Title I school, working with underserved students eager for an opportunity to learn. My passion for education and desire to make a difference led me to realize a significant gap in support for these students and their schools. It became clear what could be done to help Title I schools better serve their students, and that’s when I decided to start my own business.
The goal of my business was simple: to provide professional support for Title I schools, helping them learn how to serve underserved students. I also saw the need to inspire students attending these schools to stay the course, so I began writing books on motivation and resilience. Through my writing and business, I aimed to encourage those students, pushing them to believe in their potential.
The main steps to getting my business off the ground were centered around understanding the needs of the schools I wanted to serve and crafting services that would address those needs. One of my first challenges was getting Title I schools on board and partnering with my organization. Many of these schools had limited resources, and convincing them of the value my business could bring took time and persistence. Building trust and showing results were essential.
Another significant challenge in setting up my practice was promoting my business. Getting my name out there was crucial, and I quickly learned that visibility is key. Without the right marketing and outreach, I wouldn’t have been able to build the relationships needed to expand my reach. It was a learning curve, especially for understanding the most effective ways to market services in the education sector.
Looking back, I would have explored my options more thoroughly before starting my business if I could do anything differently. While I knew I wanted to help, there were aspects of running a business that I had to learn along the way, such as understanding the financial side of things, effective client communication, and scaling operations. I advise newcomers to start small and expand gradually. You don’t have to have everything figured out at once. Building a solid foundation increases your impact and is a smart way to grow a business without overwhelming yourself.
For young professionals considering starting their firm, my advice is simple: take the time to explore your options and conduct your research before diving in. Identify a clear need in your community or field, and start with a plan that can evolve. Build relationships, be patient, and remember that success doesn’t happen overnight. Starting small and expanding at a manageable pace gives flexibility to adjust and improve as needed.
Becoming a change agent in schools has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I’ve seen firsthand the difference a dedicated business can make in the lives of students and educators. And while the journey hasn’t always been easy, it has certainly been worthwhile.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
My journey is one of resilience, determination, and the transformative power of education. Growing up in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, I was an at-risk student attending Title I schools. Despite facing numerous challenges, I dared to dream big and was committed to excelling academically and personally. The environment I grew up in shaped who I am today, and it’s why I dedicate my life to helping underserved students overcome the barriers they face in education.
My professional path began as a teacher in urban public schools, focusing on inter-city education and the unique needs of marginalized students of color. I went on to serve as a Title I teacher, assistant principal, school improvement specialist, and eventually the Director of Federal Programs. Along the way, I became deeply committed to closing the achievement gaps for underserved students, increasing graduation rates, and decreasing incarceration rates.
What sets me apart is my focus on holistic, sustainable change. I don’t just teach students or lead schools; I work to inspire lasting change. I believe that education goes beyond academics. It’s about empowering students to dream without limits and equipping them with the tools to achieve those dreams. My experience as a mentor, role model, and motivator has shaped my approach to education. I’ve seen firsthand the impact of high expectations, support, and encouragement on students who often feel voiceless.
The core of my work revolves around equity and opportunity. Whether I’m mentoring teachers, coaching school leaders, or presenting at Title I state and national conferences, my goal is to inspire others to believe in every student’s potential. I also focus heavily on parent engagement, understanding that families must be part of the educational journey to create lasting change.
As an author, speaker, and education consultant, my mission now extends to helping educators and leaders navigate the complex landscape of education today. I provide professional development, leadership coaching, and motivational speaking to schools and organizations that aim to improve academic achievement for marginalized students. Through MACCAP Consulting, I support schools, parents, and students by creating opportunities for all students to succeed. My work is grounded in the belief that every student can be a champion if given the right tools, resources, and support.
What I’m most proud of is my ability to transform Title I programs into sustainable models of support. Under my leadership, Title I schools have seen a shift toward more inclusive, empowering practices that address students’ diverse needs. I’ve had the honor of serving as the president of the Georgia Compensatory Education Conference, advocating for the removal of barriers to learning, and working with leaders across the country to create better outcomes for at-risk students.
To anyone considering a career in education or thinking about starting their own venture, start small, focus on what you can control, and build from there. Education is a long game. It requires patience, persistence, and a deep belief in the power of every child to succeed. As I continue my work, I’m driven by the conviction that when we uplift students and give them the opportunities they deserve, we change the trajectory of entire communities.
What I want people to know about me is that my work is not just a job. It’s my calling. Every student I help, educator I mentor, and leader I coach is a step closer to creating a more equitable, inclusive, and empowering educational system. My passion for transforming education is unwavering, and I’m committed to ensuring that every student has the chance to thrive.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
My story of resilience and determination comes from growing up in Mississippi, attending Title I schools as an At-Risk male of color. I experienced the struggles students now face related to the playing field not being level enough to achieve goals and dreams. I understand the feeling of being counted out prior to being counted for and hearing that my circumstances would limit my ability to be successful.
After becoming a teacher, I returned to the same education community where I had attended. It felt like a full circle for me. I was determined to be more than just a teacher; I wanted to be a mentor, a motivator, and a role model for students often written off. It wasn’t easy. I faced skepticism from some colleagues who doubted whether a young, Black teacher from the same type of community could make an impact. They wondered whether a teacher like me could bring about real change in such a challenging environment.
I poured myself into my work, building relationships with students and letting them know I believed in their potential no matter where they came from or what they had been through. Despite the lack of resources, I set high expectations and found creative ways to engage all students. My transformation began to become visible: students who once struggled to stay motivated were becoming alert and interested in how to rise above the challenges that seemed to hold them down.
One particular moment stands out: I had a student who seemed disinterested and disengaged at the beginning of the year. His behavior was challenging, and he wasn’t doing his work. I knew he had potential, but he didn’t believe in himself. After several weeks of encouragement, conversations, and extra tutoring sessions, he began to turn things around. By the end of the year, he not only improved his grades but also shared with me that he had started thinking about college, something he had never considered before, and that moment I shared my dream reminded me why I kept pushing through the tough days. It wasn’t just about the lesson plans or the curriculum it was about becoming a change agent.
The resilience I had while teaching continued to be the same drive and determination when I transitioned into leadership roles. I faced new challenges like fighting for resources, advocating for policy changes, and pushing for more equitable opportunities for marginalized students. Still, I never lost sight of the goal: to create lasting, positive change in the lives of the students who needed it the most.
What sets me apart is that I’ve walked the same path as many of the students I now serve. As a male of color, I understand the barriers many Title I students face. I, too, have walked in their shoes. My commitment to fostering a culture of high expectations drives me to support educators, leaders, and communities in creating environments where all students can learn.
Now, through my work with MACCAP Consulting, I’m focused on empowering schools, parents, and students to rise above barriers to reach their potential. My mission is to help marginalized students see that their circumstances don’t define them and that they have the ability to overcome anything life throws at them. I’m proud to say that through my work, whether coaching leaders, mentoring teachers, or speaking at conferences, I see a ripple effect of change in communities.
The main thing I want people to know about me is that a deep passion for equity, inclusion, and empowerment drives my work. Although my vision has remained the same since leaving the classroom as a teacher, my mission has changed. My mission is to help marginalized students from all walks of life realize that no matter where they come from or their challenges, they have the power to rise and succeed. I am determined to see that every student and teacher has the tools needed to become successful.
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
The books that have significantly impacted my management and process of thinking are deeply rooted in resilience and perseverance. One of the most influential books in my journey has been A Champion Within. This book delves into inner strength, helping readers, especially students, uncover their true potential. It’s not just about dreaming but about developing a vision. In operating my business, I found that the principles in this book resonated with my approach to leadership and professional development. My key takeaway was the importance of self-belief and maintaining a resilient mindset, even in the face of challenges.
The book Forever A Champion became an essential read for reinforcing the idea that growth is a lifelong process. It encouraged me to embrace failure as part of the journey and stay committed to constant self-improvement. As an entrepreneur, adapting, learning from setbacks, and pushing forward is critical. Forever A Champion reminded me that success doesn’t happen overnight but is achievable with consistent effort and an unshakeable mindset.
These books also serve as a foundation for the resources I create, like the accompanying workbooks that go with them. Just as the books encourage students to reflect and engage with their inner champion, the workbooks provide practical exercises to reinforce the lessons and track progress. In my business, I’ve used similar strategies to help students, teachers, and leaders focus on both internal growth and external achievement. As I work with Title I schools and marginalized communities, I see firsthand how empowering individuals with the tools to track their progress and celebrate their wins can fuel a more significant commitment to success.
These resources intersect with my philosophy: success in business, education, or life begins with resilience, goal setting, and continuous learning. These books have shaped my management approach and informed my work today, helping others discover their champions within. Whether through motivational speaking, consulting, or writing, the principles I’ve learned from these texts continue to guide my efforts to create change and empower others.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.maccapconsulting.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maccapconsulting/
Image Credits
MACCAP CONSULTING, LLC