Administrator Spotlight

Carla Curtis, Director of Special Services, Fayetteville School District

Carla Curtis, Director of Special Services for Fayetteville Public Schools, says she knew from the time she was in high school that she wanted to be a teacher. She says, "I always valued my teachers and wanted to please them. I always loved school and enjoyed going and loved playing basketball. I had teachers that I thought were amazing and those that I thought should do things differently." Now, she has just completed her 31st year in education, having spent six years as a classroom teacher and 25 years as an administrator overseeing special education in Arkansas schools. She states, "I started my career as a first grade teacher at Pine Forest Elementary within Pulaski County Special School District and moved into special education the following year and have been there ever since." The last eleven years have been with the Fayetteville Public Schools as the Director of Special Services.

Carla says others might describe her as supportive, approachable, positive, and having a calm demeanor. Dr. Colbert, FPS superintendent, says of Carla, “Mrs. Curtis has gone above and beyond during the time I have known her as our Director of Special Education in the FPS District. She is a true advocate of students with special needs. No one fights as hard as Mrs. Curtis when it comes to protecting the rights of our students and providing the appropriate services for them.”

Dr. Tucker, FPS Associate Superintendent for Administrative Service says, “Carla is the consummate professional. She works diligently with parents and staff to ensure the provision of appropriate services for our students with special needs. Carla is an integral part of the Office of Teaching and Learning, as she deeply understands the role that ALL staff have in supporting our students with disabilities. She manages a large department with grace, fidelity, and always with a smile! She is truly an integral part of the FPS family and an asset to our profession.” Because of her efforts, Carla recently received an Equity Champion award in recognition of the equitable services that were provided to students with disabilities during the pandemic.

Carla says that when it comes to her favorite part about her job, it is hands-down the relationships she has with those she works alongside. She says, "I love my bosses and upper leadership, and the special educators on my team are what makes our program successful. They are the most creative, loving, fun and empathetic group of people I have ever met. They are simply AMAZING!" The most challenging aspect of her job is that "the nature of educating students with the most complex needs can be a challenge in general, but it is also the most rewarding." She also says time management is always a challenge, and that it can be difficult to balance the need to complete so many tasks both big and small with family and leisure time. The biggest change she's seen in education over her career is the current shift in the provision of special education services in Arkansas - "The focus is on creating inclusive classroom environments and educational opportunities that ALL students can access, be included in and gain meaningful learning experiences."

The best advice Carla says she has received includes “If you don’t tell your own story, someone else will” and “If someone does something that is hurtful or upsetting to you, give it some careful thought before responding or reacting….24 to 48 hours is a good rule of thumb.” She says to those considering a similar career: "Go for it!!! If you are passionate about promoting the growth and success of others, then this would be a good career choice. If you do choose this field, find a good mentor and value the advice from those with mature experience."

? Q&A ! with Carla Curtis

What is the most daring thing you’ve done?

As a teenager, I used to jump from “Little Cedar” on the Buffalo at the 65 bridge. It always took some careful thought and concentration to actually jump.

What do you enjoy doing during your time off?

I love waking up without an alarm and not having an agenda. In the summer, I enjoy laying by the pool and swimming and vacationing at the beach. I grew up in the small town of St. Joe near the Buffalo River and floating and being on the Buffalo is still one of my favorite places to be. I also love to snow ski and spend time with my family in any capacity. 


What is one of the things on your “Bucket List?”

I want to vacation with my husband on the west coast and drive in a convertible along the pacific coast. I also want to visit D.C. again with my husband and go back to NYC.

What are the goals you are still working toward?

Continuing to focus on professional relationships, being a good listener and always looking for ways to manage time more efficiently

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Very, very near retirement!

When people look back at your life, how do you want to be remembered?

I would hope to be remembered as being compassionate and caring and a good friend to all. I would also want to be remembered as being a devoted wife and mother and a good caretaker and provider for my family.

What do you see as the biggest benefit of AAEA membership?

The advocacy that the AAEA provides is a great benefit. A sense of peace is given knowing that our organization has a voice in legislative policy and decision making. I value the support and relationships of meeting other educational leaders across the state at professional conferences.