Pauletha Butts

Alvaton Elementary’s principal, Pauletha Butts, represents the stories of many educators who worked in Community Education programs early in their careers. Her success underscores the valuable foundation and experience gained from Community Education, highlighting the lasting impact of such programs on professional growth and leadership development.

Prior to working for Community Education, Butts worked as a substitute teacher and an Instructional assistant. Asked how working at Community Education prepared her for the rest of her career, she had this to say. “Working at Community Education provided me with valuable experiences and skills that have greatly influenced my career trajectory. Supervising and tutoring a diverse group of students exposed me to various learning styles, behavioral challenges, and individual student needs. This experience helped me in differentiating instruction to meet the needs of students. Moreover, the relationships I have are fostering a positive and supportive environment.”

Butts completed a master’s degree in education-special education, a Rank 1 in School Administration with principal certification, and is currently pursuing a doctorate in Educational Leadership.

“After leaving Community Education, I embarked on a career as a special education teacher, focusing on students with Learning and Behavioral Disabilities (LBD). I dedicated several years to honing my skills in this field, working closely with students who required specialized support and individualized instruction.”

“While working for Community Education, I am proudest of the relationships I built with the kids and the positive impact I had on their learning experiences,” Butts said. “I dedicated myself to supervising and tutoring the students in the after-school program, ensuring they received the support they needed to succeed academically. Additionally, during the summer camps, I made it a priority to create engaging and enjoyable learning activities that kept the students motivated and excited about learning.”