Bud Bryant

Cahn Fellow 2018

Principal, Countee Cullen Elementary School

Chicago, Illinois

Bud Bryant is the Principal of Countee Cullen Elementary School. During his 7 year tenure, Bud has been recognized for closing achievement gaps and obtaining Chicago Public Schools’ highest school quality rating. Following his passion to transform lives of at-risk youth, he began his education career as a classroom teacher after operating as an infantry officer in the United States Army. Bud has served as a mentor principal, assistant principal, lead teacher and head football and basketball coach. A graduate of Jackson State University, Bud earned a B.S. in Political Science and M.A. in School Administration and Supervision from Northeastern Illinois University. His philosophy of meeting the academic exigency of children and creating a safe and orderly environment, conducive to both teaching and learning, is directly aligned to Bud’s relentless pursuit for students to succeed in a nurturing environment. Leading from the “front” has become his mantra.