Dr. Donald Rush

Dr. Donald Rush, a change agent in education with a distinguished record as an elementary 
teacher and administrator, was born and raised in Elizabethtown, NC. After graduating from 
East Bladen High School, he attended Bladen Community College, earning an Associate of 
Arts in College Transfer. During this time, he began his career in education with Bladen 
County Schools as a school bus driver, substitute teacher, and teacher assistant. In 2009–
2010, he was named Dublin Primary School’s Teacher Assistant of the Year and was a 
finalist for District Teacher Assistant of the Year.

Dr. Rush continued his academic journey at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, 
earning a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in Elementary Education, along with graduate 
certifications in School Administration and English as a Second Language. He later 
completed an Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) degree in December 2017 and earned his 
Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership in April 2021.

His certified teaching career began with Hoke County Schools at JW McLauchlin 
Elementary, where he was voted Beginning Teacher of the Year (2011). He later returned to 
Bladen County Schools as a 1st Grade teacher at Dublin Primary School, where he was 
twice named Bladen Journal’s “Best Teacher.” His class earned first place in North Carolina 
and ranked in the top 5% nationally for mathematics achievement through the First in Math 
program. Dr. Rush was also honored as a Fayetteville Observer 40 Under Forty recipient for 
his impact in education and community engagement.

In 2014, Dr. Rush transitioned into federal service with the Department of War Education 
Activity (DoWEA), teaching at Johnson Primary School at Camp Lejeune and later at 
Shughart Elementary School at Fort Bragg, NC. He served as grade-level chair, mentor 
teacher, and a member of the Continuous School Improvement team.

In May 2020, Dr. Rush was appointed Assistant Principal of AFNORTH Elementary School in 
the Netherlands and Kleine Brogel Elementary School in Belgium. As an international 
school leader, he collaborated with British, Canadian, and German administrators to 
expand global learning opportunities for DoWEA students. His leadership supported the 
development of the multiage program at Kleine Brogel and contributed to the Europe West 
District earning the Cognia System of Distinction Award.

Dr. Rush returned to Shughart Elementary School in September 2022 as Assistant 
Principal, where he collaborated with Penn State and the Schools Empowering At-Risk 
Students (SEAS) Pilot Program to expand targeted Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) 
for learners. During this time, he developed the Intervention Partners initiative and 
implemented a range of data-driven practices designed to increase student achievement 
and strengthen instructional outcomes.

In October 2025, Dr. Rush was named Interim Principal at Kimberly Hampton Primary 
School, where he provided steady leadership, strengthened instructional systems, and 
supported schoolwide culture during a transition period. His leadership during this time 
earned recognition from the DoWEA Director for exemplary service and impact.

Dr. Rush currently serves as an administrator at Shughart Elementary School at Fort Bragg, 
North Carolina. Beyond his professional work, he enjoys making memories with his family, 
especially his three children, traveling, and conducting genealogical research. His personal 
passions also include ministry and community outreach, where he continues to uplift and 
empower others.