Dr. Donald Rush

Dr. Donald Rush, a change agent in education, specifically as an elementary school teacher and administrator, was born and raised in Elizabethtown, NC. Upon graduating from East Bladen High School, Rush matriculated to Bladen Community College where he pursued and completed an Associate of Arts in College Transfer degree. During this time, Dr. Rush obtained employment with the Bladen County Schools system as a school bus driver, substitute teacher, and teacher assistant. During 2009-2010, Rush was selected as Dublin Primary School’s Teacher Assistant of the Year and was a finalist for District Teacher Assistant of the Year. 

Dr. Rush continued his education at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education, a Master of Arts in Elementary Education, as well as graduated level certifications in School Administration and English as a Second Language. In April 2021, Rush also earned a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership. 

Dr. Rush’s certified teaching career started with Hoke County Schools at JW McLauchlin Elementary School where he was voted Beginning Teacher of the Year (2011) and eventually transitioned back to Bladen County Schools where he taught 1st Grade at Dublin Primary School. While at DPS, Dr. Rush was selected as Bladen Journal’s “Best Teacher” for two consecutive years and recognized by Suntex International Incorporated as the first place First Grade Class in North Carolina and in the top 5% nationwide for mathematics excellence through the First in Math program. During this time, Dr. Rush was also selected as the Fayetteville Observer’s 40 Under Forty recipient for his impact in education and community involvement. 
Dr. Rush transitioned into federal education service in Aug 2014 as an elementary teacher at Johnson Primary School at Camp Lejeune North Carolina and eventually to Shughart Elementary School at Fort Liberty, NC. During his tenure as a classroom teacher with the Department of Defense Activity, Dr. Rush served as grade-level chair, mentor teacher, and Continuous School Improvement member. 

In May 2020, Dr. Rush was named Assistant Principal of AFNORTH Elementary School in the Netherlands and Kleine Brogel Elementary in Belgium. As an international school leader, collaborative with British, Canadian, and German school administrators to enhance international learning experiences and programming for DoDEA students. In addition, Dr. Rush’s transformative approach supported the facilitation of the multiage program at Kleine Brogel Elementary School. Dr. Rush also actively participated in the Europe West District accreditation process and as a result, the district received the System of Distinction Award from Cognia Accreditation Organization.

Currently, Dr. Rush serves as an administrator at Shughart Elementary School in Fort Liberty, North Carolina. Aside from his career as a school administrator, Dr. Rush can be found making memories with his family, especially his pride and joy, three beautiful children, traveling, and conducting genealogical research.