Tracey Rush, Ed.D. Email & Phone Number

Media, Pa

I am responsible for directing and overseeing logistical operations and the staff of the school program. As Principal, I am an instructional leader who enforces a growth mindset with high expectations for continuous improvement of the school academic and behavioral programs, while also establishing a student-oriented, accountable, and motivated environment for all staff members who serve our students and families. I am responsible for navigating a fast-paced, changing environment with the ability to manage and direct a large number of school staff and students with excellent judgement.

Wilmington, Delaware, United States

As Director of School Support Services, I oversee a team of educational specialists such as teachers, occupational therapists, speech therapists, psychologists and behavior specialists who provide support services to schools in Philadelphia and surrounding communities. We commit ourselves to providing high quality support tailored to the needs of the students which enhance the education experience they are receiving while remaining in their current school placement.

Media, Pa

As Director of Special Programs, I am responsible for the improvement and expansion of the professional programs and supports we offer to students with disabilities in the surrounding school communities. As supervisor of the Training and Technical Assistance program, I oversee the team as we work collaboratively with customers to design programs and services that meet the needs of their specific programs and the special needs of their students.

In my position as Principal, I serve as the chief administrator of the school in developing and implementing policies, programs, curriculum, activities, and budgets in a manner that promotes the educational development of each student and the professional development of each staff member. As a one-to-one technology school, the use of iPads in instruction, instructional support and course management is expected of all teachers and administrators. With a central focus on Catholic Identity, I have encouraged student input and action in the area of ministry and community service. The teen-centered approach has resulted in increased participation in liturgies and other religious activities.

In my position as Director of Field Placement and Certification at Widener University, I worked extensively with faculty and administrators at the university level as well as in local schools and school districts to create and sustain positive partnerships to enhance the reputation of our new School of Education, Innovation and Continuing Studies. I collaborated regularly with faculty and the Dean of the school to ensure that our courses and the coordinating field component offer a rich learning experience for our students while simultaneously providing a positive educational experience for the schools in the community. This delicate balancing act is essential for establishing a solid reputation in the community and resulted in an increased interest in the program.

At Swarthmore College, I was charged with building an Office of Student Disabilities Services and Learning Resources from scratch. I designed a program to support students with disabilities by creating policies and procedures that aligned with federal regulations while still remaining true to the unique nature of Swarthmore's campus. As the Director of Learning Resources, I oversaw all aspects of a residential peer mentoring program. My expertise in academic resources and skills combined with my frugal nature with regards to budgeting allowed me to grow the membership and reputation of this organization.Throughout my tenure, I showcased my ability to juggle a variety of responsibilities and maintain positive relationships with students, faculty and staff. As a "one woman" office, my organizational skills were crucial to its success.

Working individually with students having diagnosed disabilities afforded me the opportunity to delve into how their disability affected their ability to learn both in and out of the classroom. I established strong and lasting relationships with the students throughout their academic career as I guided them towards independent use of the strategies and plans we created.

Developed and implemented lesson plans on successful reading and study strategies aimed at college level students who did not pass the admissions test in this area.

Doctorate, Education; Higher Education Management

Dissertation: "She's Too Smart to Have ADHD: Faculty Willingness to Accommodate Students with ADHD at Elite Postsecondary Institutions"

Master Of Science, Education; Reading Specialist

Bachelor Of Science, Elementary Education