Specialized Instruction

I grew up in Fresno, California.  Shortly after getting married, I moved to Utah and it has been my home for the last 30 years.  I have 4 daughters, 2 sons-in-law, and 2 grandsons. My daughters and 1 of my sons-in-law attended Odyssey, and 2 of those daughters now work here with me. I came to Odyssey as a parent in 2006 and started working here in 2010. I have had many roles here at Odyssey. I started as the parent volunteer coordinator and have helped the front office, working as a full-time instructor, and teacher. I now head up our advanced learner program. In addition to helping our advanced learners reach new heights, I am also the Literacy Director. I had always wanted to be a teacher but took a break from school to become a mom.  When my girls were all in school, I took the opportunity to go back to college to finish my teaching degree.  I graduated from WGU, Kappa Delta Pi. In addition to my teaching degree, I also have an endorsement in gifted and talented education.  I was a 2022 Utah Teacher of the Year nominee, which has brought me some amazing learning opportunities.  I have taught kindergarten, 1st/2nd-grade combo online, 2nd grade, and COMPASS. I have always been an advocate for student learning, as I am a lifelong learner myself and thoroughly enjoy instilling a love for learning in my students. One of my passions is literacy, so I am also grateful for my role as our Literacy Director. When I’m not at school, I enjoy vacationing at Disney Parks, traveling, cruising, and spending time with my family, especially with my grandsons.

I love being a part of Odyssey Charter School!  I have enjoyed Odyssey, both as a parent and as a teacher, since the doors opened in 2005.  My family found Odyssey when we were looking for a school that was a good fit for our kindergartner.  All four of my children have attended Odyssey since then.  It has become my second home as well.  While at Odyssey I have taught reading and math groups, kindergarten, reading intervention, and for the last few years-Self Regulation skills that will help students be the best they can be. I love the positive atmosphere and dedicated staff here at the school, along with the well-rounded and challenging curriculum.

I grew up here in American Fork only two miles from the school.  I graduated from American Fork High School before earning my Associates Degree at Snow College.  I then attended Utah State University where I attained my Bachelor Degree in Special Education with a Minor in Music.  While at Utah State, I met my sweet husband of 21 years.  Together we have four children-Jerek, Landon, Ellie, and Brooklyn.  We are currently living in Saratoga Springs.  I love spending time with my family whether it is camping, vacationing, or playing games around the kitchen table.  I enjoy photography, traveling, spending time outdoors, and trying new things.  Some of my favorite travel destinations include England, Italy, France, Czech, Austria, Hungary, New York, and Washington D.C.  I love pasta, Chinese food, bread and ICE CREAM!!

I am excited to be back at Odyssey for another year.  I enjoy being with the students everyday and cannot help but smile when I see their smiling faces.  Before getting into education I spent over 30 years in retail and Retail Management.  When not working I enjoy sewing, working in the yard and spending time with my family.  I have 5 amazing kids, 22 grandkids, two great-grandsons, and a great-granddaughter.

Hi!  My name is Sandra Butts and I grew up in Twin Falls, Idaho with three brothers and no sisters and I was the youngest.  It was survival of the fittest!   I graduated from Twin Falls High and continued my education and graduated from BYU with a Bachelor of Science.

I have had a lot of work experience throughout the years.  I was a Recreation Therapist Technician for seven years, taught preschool, substituted in all grades, taught Special Education in different capacities,  and now I have been working at Odyssey Charter School going on fourteen years. I have also served as a paraprofessional in many positions at Odyssey, anywhere from instructor to Special Education, Reading Club and Math Club! At this time I am working with Reading Club and I love it.  I love teaching these young children and want them to succeed in school as well as life.  They are so talented and creative.   I also love our staff.  We have amazing teachers and I love working with them.

I wanted to end by talking about my greatest accomplishment.  I am a mother of four children, two boys and two girls.  They are all married now and have given me eight grandchildren (so far). They are such a blessing to me in my life.

I love working at Odyssey Charter School and I have a passion for early childhood development and special education services. This is now my 8th year working in education and I have had experiences in Kindergarten, 3rd grade, K-8 Special Education, and K-6 Math Interventions. I have also taught large group summer camps for 4 years to preschool and elementary aged students. I went to school at both Utah State University and Western Governors University and have a dual bachelor’s degree in Elementary and Special Education.
I attended Odyssey Charter School when I was a child, so I feel a deep connection to the students I teach and want to provide them with a fun and welcoming learning environment. I met my husband here at Odyssey when I was in 4th grade. We were good friends throughout elementary and high school and we started dating when I started college. I have been married to him for 5 years now and we have two little boys.
In my spare time, I love spending time with my family and taking my boys to fun places. My favorite place to go is Disneyland! I also enjoy cross stitching, making wreaths, and any other crafting or DIY projects.

My family and I are relatively new to Utah- 3 years ago we moved from Sacramento, California. We appreciate beautiful Utah and continue to enjoy exploring the outdoors and finding places to eat delicious food!

Outside of work, I love walking and fitness, cooking, music, finding new places to hike or visit, learning languages, and whenever possible- being at the beach. I’m a big beach bum!

My passion for Special Education began right after high school. I earned my BA in Liberal Studies with a concentration in Child Development, followed by a teaching credential in Special Education – Mild/Moderate Disabilities from CSU Sacramento. After moving to Utah, I also obtained a Utah Special Education teaching license.

My career has largely been spent in charter schools, including a Montessori school and an independent/home school setting. I love teaching in charter schools because the smaller student population allows me to connect with each student and teach to their strengths. Watching my students progress, no matter how big or small the steps, is incredibly rewarding.

I’m excited to welcome my students back in the fall and can’t wait to see their faces as they embark on another school year filled with new learning opportunities.