Jessica Butler

Jessica (Jes) Butler is a doctoral candidate in Higher Education Administration at the George Washington University and a Research Specialist contributing to the Forum on Democracy and Education, a Hewlett Foundation–funded initiative. Her work focuses on the intersection of special education, equity, and civil rights, with particular attention to how students with disabilities are positioned within democratic education systems.

She is a full-time special education teacher at Ron Brown College Preparatory High School in Washington, D.C., where she supports students with diverse learning needs and advances access to rigorous, college-preparatory pathways. Jessica also serves as the head coach for Track and Field and Cross Country, using athletics to foster leadership, discipline, and community among young men of color.

Jes is the founder of Butler Equity & Compliance Group (BECG), where she works with schools and organizations to strengthen equitable practices through policy analysis, compliance support, and strategic consulting. Her research and professional work center on expanding access, support, and opportunity for students at the intersection of race, disability, and socioeconomic status.