Defending Public Education Rights 

Andrew Sternke is the Executive Director of the Texas Public Education Defense Fund (TPEDF), where he leads efforts to defend and strengthen public education across Texas through legal advocacy, policy leadership, and community engagement. A strong believer in the foundational role of public schools in American society, Andrew brings a diverse background in law, data privacy, and military service to his work with TPEDF.

Andrew earned his Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from American Military University and his Juris Doctor from the University of St. Thomas School of Law (MN). His professional experience includes advising on legal compliance, data privacy protections, and risk management for organizations in both the public and private sectors.

A combat veteran of both the U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Army, Andrew served in the infantry, earning many awards, including the Presidential Unit Citation, Ranger Tab, Expert and Combat Infantryman badges, and Parachutist badge, developing the leadership, strategic thinking, and resilience he now applies to his advocacy work. Since settling in Keller, Texas, Andrew has remained deeply engaged in community and education issues, working to ensure that public schools remain accountable, transparent, and accessible to all students and parents. His blend of legal expertise, data privacy knowledge, and dedication to civic service make him uniquely qualified to lead TPEDF’s mission.