Shawn Bullard earned an Associate Degree at Carl Albert State College in Poteau, OK. From there he received a Bachelor's Degree from Arkansas Tech University through what was then Westark Community College.

After two years of teaching, he started on his master of education degree and principal certification through the University of Central Arkansas. In December of 2015, he completed his Specialist Degree through Arkansas State University.

He began his career in education in 1993 in the Fort Smith School District. He taught sixth grade for four years, a fifth and sixth split class for two years, and third grade for two years.

He came to Alma as the assistant principal at Alma Primary School in 2001 under Mrs. Marsha Woolly. Upon her retirement in 2008, he became principal of the Alma Primary School.