We sat down with Dexter Butler, a Key West native and current teacher at Horace O’Bryant Middle School, to ask him about why he has chosen to live and teach in the Keys.

What do you enjoy about working in MCSD?

There are so many things I love about MCSD our teachers and staff have been incredibly supportive of me in being a newer teacher.  What I love most is the relationship I have been able to build with my students and our youth. I live a busy life outside of school and I believe the more I run into and get to know my students outside of the classroom I have built a foundation of trust with so many of them.

What do you love about living in the Florida Keys?

What I love about the Florida Keys is obviously the weather, and our waters but I truly believe it is the people living day to day on this island that make it so special. I have a huge family presence in Key West, but I also have a huge extended family of people that may not be blood relatives, but I certainly look at them as if they are. These are my people, and I love sharing this beautiful island with my large Key West family.

Also with these being my people I cannot help but mention the way we all support one another from local sports, times of tragedy, and even how we celebrate good times and holidays this community supports one another

What would you say to a Black Educator that is considering teaching in the Keys?

If I were to say one thing to a young black educator I would say that our students are amazing, to say the least. We have a diverse group of youth from all types of backgrounds that appreciate different personalities and perspectives. Nothing or no one is perfect, but our kids are easy to get behind.