New Prescott Jr. High Principal talks about “small wins”

PRESCOTT – While Jeffery Burton is new to Prescott Schools, he isn’t new to the area as he grew up in Blevins and graduated from Blevins High School in 2008. His first two years of college were spent at UAACH (now UAHT) graduating with an Associate of Arts and General Studies. Burton transferred to SAU and majored in physical education, health and wellness. He also had a minor in History. He graduated with a bachelor’s afterwards returning home and teaching PE, health and wellness at Blevins from 2015-19.

During his time teaching at Blevins Burton obtained his master’s in education leadership. In 2017 Burton was given the opportunity to help revise the curriculum standards for PE, health and wellness for the state of Arkansas.

In 2019 Burton moved to Little Rock to work at eSTEM Charter School. He spent his first year at Middle School teaching PE and Health. The principal recommended Burton for an administrative position as the Dean of Students for the Elementary School in the same district. Burton spent three years in this position (2020-2023).

An opportunity came up for Burton to be the Hope High School Assistant Principal and he held the position for two years.

In an interview, Burton talked about his vision for Prescott, sharing his love of books and desire to build a community of reading. Burton believes every student can succeed with the right tools and support. He stressed no exceptions and that any student can thrive. Burton talked about the importance of a staff and community culture that is committed to getting students where they need to be. He thinks it’s important to celebrate the small wins. Burton said he has seen from the outside how committed the staff is.

Burton is in his second year of his doctoral program at SAU in Education Leadership with a focus on rural and diverse communities.

Burton expressed his intention to be in the community for a long time.