Michael Butts, candidate for AZ Supe of Public Instruction at DGT
September 15 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm MST
by Carolyn Classen, blogger
“Dr. Butts will join us to speak about his campaign for Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction and to answer your questions.
You Must Register in Advance for this Event:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/6g8lBhz2QXOsmszVegeC_g
Michael Butts was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. Michael took on the responsibility of being a community leader by becoming a Cincinnati Police Officer. Michael enjoyed working with the families in his community within the jurisdiction that he was assigned prior to relocating with his family to Arizona in 2016. While pursuing his undergraduate education at Arizona State University and as a working father of two young sons at the time, Michael joined Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Incorporated in 2011. This membership allowed him to further serve the community of Phoenix residents through several key initiatives of the organization. Those included mentoring high school students, registering citizens to vote, and leading networking programs. In 2017, Michael was approached with the opportunity to lead as an educator. He taught high school seniors for two years using a Cambridge Advanced Curriculum class elective called Global Perspectives.
During the next three years, he was tapped to teach Social Studies to fifth grade students. Building and developing the next generation of leaders resonated with Michael in such a way that he enrolled in and completed his Masters’ in Educational Leadership through Northern Arizona University online program while continuing to teach. As a certified PreK-12 administrator, Michael serves as an Assistant Principal for the Agua Fria Union High School District community.
Michael is currently completing his doctoral degree through Northern Arizona University Educational Leadership program with an expected graduation in May, 2025. His dissertation focuses on looking at the relationships between gifted education programs and Superintendents’ perceptions about gifted education. Michael is the proud father of two boys (Micaiah and Matthew) and two girls (Lauren and Viergela). His hobbies include local community politics, cycling and traveling.”
Carolyn’s note: Butts has not completed his doctorate as yet from NAU. He faces Dem challenger Dr. Teresa Leyba Ruiz for this nomination, to face off with long term incumbent Republican Superintendent Tom Horne in 2026.