Butler College Prep

Jarrell Turner is a lifelong Chicago resident called into the realm of education. He is a first-generation high school graduate of George Henry Corliss and a first-generation college graduate from Governors State University, where he majored in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus on sociology and community development. He is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Special Education as a member of Teach For America and remains a dedicated advocate for equity, justice, and diversity.

Jarrell currently serves as the Dean of Specialized Services at Gary Comer College Prep. He previously worked as a Learning Specialist at Butler College Prep in the Roseland community—the same neighborhood that shaped him. As a Butler Teacher of the Year recipient, he helped students grow through meaningful experiences in and beyond the classroom. In collaboration with CPS ODLSS staff, he led community-based instruction trips, empowering Diverse Learners through hands-on activities like securing State IDs, dining in Chinatown, and practicing budgeting at local grocery stores.

Jarrell recently completed the rigorous New Leaders principal program and has begun his doctoral studies in Educational Policy, aiming to drive systemic change for marginalized communities through leadership, innovation, and advocacy.