Rate My Professor Tim Buttles

Dr. Tim Buttles serves as Director of the School of Education and Professor of Agricultural Education at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. He earned his Ph.D. in Education from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, M.S. in Agricultural Education from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, and B.S. in Agricultural Education and Science Education from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Growing up on a family dairy farm in southeast Wisconsin and graduating from a rural high school, Buttles brings authentic rural perspectives to his educational leadership. He began his professional career as a high school teacher at North High School in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, instructing agriscience and biology classes, advising the FFA chapter, and coaching the Science Olympiad team.

In 2001, Buttles joined the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, progressing through the ranks from assistant professor to associate professor and full professor within the Agricultural Education Department, which he co-chaired since 2005. During his tenure there, he held several administrative roles, including graduate program coordinator, campus learning effectiveness coordinator, and interim assistant dean of the College of Education and Professional Studies starting in January 2022. Buttles has extensive experience in both undergraduate and graduate teacher preparation programs, collaborating with the UW System and Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction to support teacher education and placement, with a particular emphasis on rural contexts. Appointed Director of the School of Education at UW-Platteville in July 2023, he was selected for his proven leadership and expertise in rural education. In recognition of his long-term commitment to advancing agricultural education and FFA, Buttles received the Honorary American FFA Degree in 2023. He also serves as the Driftless Region Hub Contact for the Rural Schools Collaborative, contributing to initiatives that enhance rural teacher recruitment and retention.