Sara Sutton
Sara Sutton is an accomplished educational leader with over 22 years of experience dedicated to supporting students and educators in alternative and behavior-focused school settings. Since 2022, she has served as Principal within Jefferson County Public Schools, where she leads programs designed for over-age, under-credited, and highly traumatized students. Sara’s approach emphasizes personalized learning, real-world internships, and data-driven systems to ensure that every student has a path to success, regardless of past challenges.
Sara specializes in alternative education and brings a wealth of experience across multiple roles, including classroom teacher, resource teacher, assessment coordinator, assistant principal, and Educational Recovery Leader for the State of Kentucky. She has a proven record of improving school performance through innovative strategies, including the application of Carnegie Improvement Science principles, and thoughtfully alternates between classroom and leadership roles to manage burnout while sustaining professional growth. Her professional philosophy is guided by authenticity, continual learning, and intentionality — values she applies consistently in both her career and personal life.
Sara holds a Master of Arts in Secondary Education and Teaching from Bellarmine University and a Master of Science in Human Resources and Organization Development from the University of Louisville. She is recognized for her strategic vision, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to fostering environments where students and educators can thrive. Through her leadership, Sara continues to create meaningful educational experiences, implement systemic improvements, and inspire colleagues and students alike to reach their highest potential.
• Certificate in education leadership - principal certification, Educational Leadership and Administration, General
• Certification for Instructional Leadership - Principal, ALL Grades, Level 2
• Professional Certificate For Teaching Social Studies, Grades 8 Through 12
• Program Consultant
• Phase II Instructor Aikido Control Training
• Safe Crisis Management Trainer
• Bellarmine University - BA
• Bellarmine University - MA
• University of Louisville - MS
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to perseverance and the unwavering support of my family. Their encouragement has been a constant source of strength, allowing me to overcome challenges and stay focused on my goals. This foundation has empowered me to remain dedicated, resilient, and committed to achieving excellence in every endeavor.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to get as close to the work as possible. By immersing yourself directly in the day-to-day tasks and understanding the processes firsthand, you gain a deeper insight, build credibility, and develop the practical skills that truly drive success.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to stay aware and informed. While education may be female-dominated at certain levels, leadership and upper-level positions often become male-dominated. By staying educated, building your skills, and understanding the landscape, you can navigate challenges effectively and position yourself for growth and leadership opportunities.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field right now is navigating the ongoing staffing and teaching crises. At the same time, these challenges present opportunities to innovate, mentor, and develop new strategies that strengthen the workforce, improve educational outcomes, and create more sustainable systems for both educators and students.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are authenticity, continuous learning, and intentionality. I strive to be genuine in my interactions, committed to growing and expanding my knowledge, and deliberate in my actions to ensure they align with my goals and principles. These values guide how I lead, collaborate, and make decisions every day.