Rex Putnam (June 7, 1890 – May 17, 1967) was an American educator from the state of Oregon.

Born in Buffalo Gap, South Dakota, Putnam received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Oregon in 1915 and began teaching in Springfield, Oregon that year.

He received a master's degree from the University of Oregon in 1929, and in 1932, he was named superintendent of schools in Albany.

[2] In his nearly 25 years as state school superintendent, Putnam was an active contributor to academic articles about education and an influential voice for Oregon schools among nationwide educational organizations.

[2] He and his wife Elinor had two sons, one of whom was killed in action during World War II.