Teacher inspires through belief in herself and others
Netallia Rush began her journey in education after becoming a mother because she wanted a career where the skills she developed professionally could support her in her parenting.
“I knew that being a parent was going to be a new responsibility,” she said. “My daughter activated my desire to be a teacher.”
Years later, Rush stepped onto the stage of the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House to the applause of her peers to accept the Dallas ISD Elementary Teacher of the Year award at the State of the District.
“When I heard my name, I was in awe,” Rush said. “Throughout the interview process last year, I continued to remind myself to be confident in my abilities and to show up as the best version of myself. I’m proud of myself because I was able to achieve something that in my heart, I knew I could do.”
Rush is a fifth-grade teacher at Ronald Erwin McNair Elementary School and has plans to leave a legacy of optimism for teachers and students in the district. She also hopes to encourage others to pursue their passions.
“I would tell someone to never let anything stand in the way of going after what they love to do. That is the biggest reminder that I’ve had from this experience,” she said. “I love teaching, and I love learning. If I am able, I want to spread that self-belief to others.”
During her first year of teaching, Rush was motivated by the ways her presence had a positive impact on the students and the way they learned.
This year, when her students faced moments of doubt, Rush reminded them of Thomas the Tank Engine. Inspired by the lesson in the children’s book The Little Engine that Could, she encouraged her students to approach daily challenges with an “I think I can” mindset.
“My students get to have a teacher who exemplifies what it means to think big,” she said. “I’m able to show them through my actions that they don’t have to be afraid to try new things or put themselves out there.”
Rush attended college in Mississippi, completing a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Jackson State University and a master’s in reading and literacy from Belhaven University. She is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in educational leadership at The University of Texas at Dallas.
Rush said she is a scholar at heart and loves to serve the communities she is part of. She carries out this passion as a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., and by serving as the fifth-grade team lead at her school, coordinating events and programs.
“I like to make sure that every teacher’s voice is heard. My leadership style is to make sure that I’m fair and collaborative when working with other teachers,” Rush said.
As a teacher, Rush has created a classroom environment where students can feel comfortable confiding in her about the obstacles they face while learning.
She closed out the school year with a project inspired by the reality show Shark Tank. The students built social, reading, and persuasive skills while learning about entrepreneurship.
“I love to create enriching experiences for my students,” she said. “I believe that great teachers recognize the potential of their students from the beginning. No matter where they are academically, we work to help them improve.”
With the school year ending and the energy of an evening at the Winspear Opera House giving way to the excitement of summer break, Rush was already looking ahead.
As she prepared for another year at McNair Elementary, she carried with her not just memories of that special night, but also the distinction of the award
“This award has opened up a lot of doors. It’s a big achievement to represent the district in this way,” she said. “This is just the beginning for me. There’s so much more I still hope to achieve. I would encourage teachers to remember that there are many paths to your goals, and that it’s important to stay open-minded to the possibilities that come your way.”
