Her Story
About Erica
Dr. Erica Butler, Ed.D., is an accomplished education leader with more than 25 years of experience serving students, educators, and school communities across Alabama. As an Education Specialist II with the Alabama State Department of Education, she provides leadership in compliance monitoring, school safety, and professional development for school districts and charter schools. Throughout her career, she has held diverse roles as an educator, psychology instructor, counselor, assistant administrator, and retail department manager building expertise in counseling psychology, school safety, crisis response, student support services, and educational leadership. Her commitment to excellence has established her as a trusted resource for advancing educational quality and supporting student success. Dr. Butler's career reflects a steadfast dedication to lifelong learning and professional growth. After earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Management from Auburn University, she pursued a Master's Degree in Counseling Psychology from Troy University while working full time. She later earned a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Organizational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University, further strengthening her leadership and organizational expertise. Before joining the Alabama State Department of Education in 2013, she taught psychology, and human growth and development at the collegiate level, served as a public school history teacher, and worked as a guidance counselor in both correctional and private school settings. These diverse experiences have provided her with a comprehensive understanding of education from multiple perspectives. In addition to her professional responsibilities, Dr. Butler is actively involved in educational leadership through her work with the Alabama State Department of Education's Suicide Prevention Advisory Committee,and Alabama Bullying Prevention Committee. She is also an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, (Montgomery, AL) where she serves on the Economic Development and Founders Day Committees. Guided by faith, perseverance, and a passion for helping others, Dr. Butler believes in embracing opportunities, remaining prepared for success, and inspiring the next generation of educators to pursue their dreams with purpose and determination.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Erica
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to embracing opportunities throughout my career, even when they required me to relocate or step outside of my comfort zone. Every position I have held—from retail management to teaching and counseling to corrections and educational leadership—has contributed to my professional growth and prepared me for the opportunity to serve at the Alabama State Department of Education. Remaining open to new experiences and continuously building my knowledge has allowed me to grow throughout my career. On a personal note, my success would have been impossible without having a strong family support system. My mother, Ms. Beatrice F. Butler continues to provide unwavering support, guidance and encouragement. Furthermore, my brother, Timothy L. Butler, Sr. motivated me to succeed, and I was inspired by his strength, resilience, faith and always willing to assist everyone. Although he is no longer here with us, his legacy of compassion, humanitarianism, and life lessons remain within me.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have received is, "If you have a dream, don't sleep on it. Wake up and make it happen." That message has encouraged me to pursue my goals with purpose, remain proactive, and take deliberate action toward achieving my aspirations rather than waiting for opportunities to come to me.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I encourage young women to pursue their dreams with determination and confidence. If you have a dream, don't sleep on it—wake up and make it happen. Success requires preparation, consistency, and a willingness to put in the work every day. Stay committed to your goals, continue learning, and always be ready when opportunities arise.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Some of the greatest challenges facing education today are student attendance, and unrestrained mental health issues. Students cannot fully benefit from educational opportunities if they are not consistently present in school. Improving attendance is essential to supporting academic achievement, student engagement, and long-term success. Some students who exhibit anxiety, confused emotions, rage, aggression, and lack self-regulation can be experiencing the effects of mental distress. This can be the result of stress, bullying, lack of sleep, drugs, alcohol, assault, or abuse. That is why interventions such as School Based Mental Health services are important. This allows students to be seen by a counselor without missing a day or hours away from school.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide my life are faith, compassion, perseverance, and balance. As the mother of an adult child with special needs, I understand the importance of dedicating time and care to my family while remaining passionate about my career in education. Maintaining this balance requires prayer, self-reflection, and extending grace to myself. These values enable me to serve others with empathy while continuing to grow personally and professionally.
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