Mark D. Butler
Before joining the College of Education, Dr. Mark Butler was a faculty member at Indiana University-Bloomington, in the School of Education’s Department of Curriculum Studies. He assumed that position in January 2016 after spending five years on the faculty at Asbury University. At Asbury, Dr. Butler served as Associate Dean of the School of Education, as well as the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education/Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation coordinator. He completed his PhD at the University of Kentucky in the Department of Early Childhood, Rehabilitation Counseling, and Special Education.
Dr. Butler’s areas of research focus on serving individuals diagnosed with high-incidence disabilities in inclusive settings, including curriculum development in mathematics and examining high-leverage practices to support all students. In addition to being involved with the state and national level of the Council of Exceptional Children (CEC), he is currently a board member elect for the American Council for Rural Special Education (ACRES) and with the Higher Education Consortium for Special Education (HECSE). Dr. Butler is married to Dr. Krissie Butler and together they have one daughter, Avery Elizabeth.
What classes do you teach at Anderson?
Special Education
When did you start teaching at AU?
2017
Why teach at AU?
I am most passionate about preparing thoughtful educators who feel a deep calling to serve children in the schools. I believe this happens best in settings like Anderson University, where candidates are exposed to the liberal arts curriculum, have meaningful interactions with faculty, and are able to incorporate their full system of beliefs. For these reasons and more, Anderson University represents an ideal fit, and I am glad to be working to fulfill the mission of Anderson University.
Hobbies
Reading classic literature, history, travel, running, and college sports
Notable achievements outside of discipline
Board Member Elect, American Council of Rural Special Education (ACRES)
People might be interested to know I...
began my career in education as a youth counselor for displaced and in-crisis adolescents at the Kentucky United Methodist Homes for Children and Youth.
Places you've lived
Wilmore, Kentucky; Santa Cruz, Bolivia; Valladolid, Spain, Bloomington, Indian, and Anderson, South Carolina
What do you find most enjoyable about working at Anderson University?
I enjoy working with the dedicated, professional, and enjoyable faculty and staff in the College of Education.
What I wish prospectives students knew about my discipline or careers in my discipline.
I hope that all prospective students understand the joy and fulfillment that is possible when they pursue their calling to the field of education. There is nothing quite like it!
How would you describe your classes to someone who has never attended one?
I attempt to design my courses to be a blend of case-study, conversation, and storytelling.