Two Newman University education alumnae make a positive difference every day as leaders of Unified School District 381 in Spearville, Kansas.
Daina Butler ‘23 is in her second year as the superintendent and Amy Hollingsworth ‘10, ‘17 was hired as the Spearville middle school and high school principal in August.
Putting the ‘super’ in superintendent
Butler grew up in a small town in Oklahoma but spent much of her educational career in Texas, Colorado and Kansas.
Her passion for education stems from her desire to be “a voice for children.”
“As a child, I was often in trouble for talking and being squirrely,” Butler explained. “I often felt misunderstood and mislabeled and that drew me (to a career in education).”
Like Hollingsworth, Butler was amazed at the quality of Newman University’s educational programs. She earned her district licensure from Newman in 2023.
“Newman worked well for me because it is tailored for working professionals,” she said. “I would recommend Newman because of the convenience of the scheduling and the program’s use of real-world situations.”
As superintendent for USD 381, she applies her Newman education to her work “daily.”
“The most rewarding aspect of my job is the ability to impact our students’ education,” she added.
A principal with strong principles
Hollingsworth started her journey into education as a community college student. Her conviction to be a leader in education stems from an experience she had while volunteering in an elementary school in Mississippi.
“I was volunteering with Americorps, and while walking down the halls I heard students getting screamed at,” she said. “I knew we could do better. So I did.”
As a newlywed, Hollingsworth worked full time in 2000 in Montezuma, Kansas, and needed a nontraditional option to complete her teaching degree. She earned her undergraduate degree in elementary education at Newman in 2002. She was so impressed with the university’s accelerated program that she went on to earn her master’s degree in curriculum and instruction with an emphasis on English as a second language in 2010, followed by a leadership endorsement in 2017.
Newman makes it possible for working parents to earn degrees.
Amy Hollingsworth, middle and high school principal of Spearville schools
“Newman is amazing at working with students with families,” Hollingsworth said. “Newman makes it possible for working parents to earn degrees.”
Educators with an impact
Hollingsworth vividly remembers the impact of John Burke, Newman assistant professor of education and retired 18-year superintendent of Haysville Unified School District 261.
“He brought in staff from his district to share what they were doing in Haysville,” Hollingsworth said. “It was very practical and applicable … not just textbook knowledge. I still remember the time he took to show how valuable a teacher is and why it’s so important to invest in our teachers and retain them.”
Hollingsworth relied on her Newman knowledge in her previous role as an elementary principal in Garden City and still uses those skills weekly.
“Before taking (one of Burke’s courses), I knew it was important to be gentle with people and tough on issues. But this course explained why and how. I think of it often. Dr. Burke is still on my phone-a-friend list and always responds when I have a question. I’m very thankful for the time he takes to mentor,” Hollingsworth said.
The “Coaching Conversations” book from another Newman instructor still sits on Hollingsworth’s desk as a visual reminder of her goals as middle and high school principal of Spearville schools.
“It’s been a blessing to join the team at Spearville schools,” she said. “The leadership team has a vision I can believe in and the staff, students and community strive for more than what we are already doing. They strive for what’s possible, which is limitless.”
Earn an education degree from Newman University
Our education program trains more teachers than any other private college or university in Kansas.
