Andy Hanson lives with his wife and two children in Belleville, Ontario. As a member of the consolidated committee of five teachers' unions, he organized marches and rallies, coordinated picket lines, and allied with community organizations. After the men's and women's elementary teachers' unions amalgamated, he was elected ETFO local vice-president and held that position for 12 years. Hanson received his PhD in Canadian Studies from Trent University in 2013.