Now in his fourth year as Principal of Academic and Behavior School (ABS) West, Jatata Hutton starts every day the same way. He puts on a smile, greets his students upon arrival and encourages his staff members to do their part in changing Harris County lives for the better.  

“Every morning, my approach is positivity,” he said. “No matter what I walk into, I see positivity and no limit for my students or staff. I don’t shy away from difficult assignments. I want the job no one else wants because I believe in investing in the lives of children, because I feel like, if I don’t, who will?” 

The Mississippi native began his career as a corrections officer with the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department, working with adjudicated youth, but found his calling for education while working as a substitute teacher to earn extra money.

Throughout his nearly 25-year career, Hutton has drawn on his experience as a former athlete and self-dubbed “class clown” to gain insight into what students need from educators while retaining his ability to command respect from students through relatable and engaging interactions.   

In honor of National Principals Month, the Communications and Creative Services team sat down with Hutton to learn more about his childhood adoption, academic challenges and unexpected life events that led him to Harris County Department of Education.