We are #AISDProud this week as LBJ Early College High School Principal Jon Bailey and Social Emotional Learning Mindfulness Specialist James Butler were nominated for an Austin Under 40 finalist award.

The Award is given out annually and is usually a black-tie event honoring Austin's outstanding professionals and their impact on our community. This year, the awards will be given out virtually.

Jon Bailey has worked in the field of education for fourteen years. He began as a teacher at Manor ISD. He then served as Assistant Principal at Gus Garcia Young Men’s Leadership Academy. He became principal at Decker Middle School in Manor ISD in 2015 then principal of Manor High School in 2017 before coming back to Austin ISD to lead LBJ ECHS.

“I just thought to myself, ‘Wow!’” Bailey said of the nomination. “This inspires me now more than ever to do more and to create a positive impact on our campus and the community I am serving. It is a true honor and I am thrilled to be recognized.”

James Butler is the founder of Mindful Classrooms, an organization that travels to educate students on how to be mindful in their daily routines. Butler served as a Pre-K teacher for 14 years at AISD. He was named Austin ISD’s Teacher of the year in 2014 and has gone on to publish a book on Social and Emotional Learning. James also tries to maintain a close relationship with his former students as they move forward in life.

“It's extremely humbling and such an honor to be nominated and to represent AISD,” said Butler. “I was a classroom teacher for 14 years and have kept in contact with so many of my students and their families. I consider myself a mentor and a person that they can lean on so this means a lot."

The Austin Under 40 awards are categorized in 16 different areas including energy, transportation, medicine and healthcare, journalism, nonprofits, and more. An award for the Austinite of the year is also given out. Candidates are judged not only on their career achievements but also their impact in the community.
 

For more information on Austin Under 40 finalists you can visit austinunder40.org.