CASE Conf 2025

Jatata Hutton
Principal
Harris County Department of Education


Jatata Hutton is a veteran educator with more than 20 years of experience. He earned a master’s degree in educational management from the University of Houston-Clear Lake and holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and correctional services from Jackson State University. “I was drawn to HCDE because I know its impact on the community,” said Hutton. “Throughout my career, I’ve been committed to improving student outcomes. Being principal of ABS West is the next step for me where I can grow other professionals to serve students and families.” Before joining HCDE, he was the principal of the Cambridge School in the Humble Independent School District, which serves special needs students in grades K-12. “It’s a passion of mine to serve students with disabilities who have exceptional needs,” said Hutton. “This population of students is dear to me because I’m a foster child. I don’t know my biological parents, and I was adopted at birth. Kids in special ed and who come from my kind of background are not given a chance. They are seen as those kids—kids that won’t be successful. So, I’m a champion for the underdog.” Hutton began his career as a corrections officer with the Hinds County Sheriff’s Department, where he worked with adjudicated youth. To make extra money, he also worked as a substitute teacher on the side. The experience led him to find his calling. “I saw a lot of kids getting into the system, a lot of whom had some unfortunate circumstances,” said Hutton. “When I got into education, I wanted to know why.” In addition to his most recent role, the Mississippi native has worked as a teacher, basketball coach, and assistant principal in the Houston and Pasadena independent school districts. Jatata Hutton is a father to two daughters, one of whom is a teacher at Katy ISD.

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