2021 Class of Teachers Who Rock includes TJMS' Dr. Bush
Dr. Antoinette Bush, science teacher at Thomas Jefferson Middle School, was chosen into the WMTR's 2021 Class of Teachers Who Rock! On January 22, her story was read on-air on the WDHA Morning Jolt and on WMTR’s Morning Show. Dr. Bush’s “Teachers Who Rock” story can be found here:
https://wmtram.com/winners_twr21/ (see their write up below)
DR. ANTOINETTE BUSH
Science Teacher
Thomas Jefferson Middle School, Teaneck
Nominated by: Janice Dowd, Retired Administrator
Dr. Antoinette Bush is a science teacher at Thomas Jefferson Middle School in Teaneck, NJ. Dr. Bush did not take a traditional route to her teaching career. After college, she pursued a degree in veterinary medicine and became a licensed veterinarian. However, she had always wanted to teach and more than 20 years ago, she returned to Teaneck to enter the Alternate Route and become a science teacher.
As a dedicated science teacher with expertise in dealing with animals, Dr. Bush brings science to life for her students. Her knowledge of animal physiology has served her well as she explained the interdependence of the plant and animal kingdoms. Not only did she explain her craft so clearly, but because of her background, she also showed her students what it meant to take care of the world and its inhabitants. With permission from the school, she would bring in animals to class so that her students saw first-hand how to care for them and make their lives better. She also advised her students on how to handle their pet problems and helped them find an appropriate solution when there were difficulties. Long after students left her class, they would talk about Dr. Bush and the lasting impression that she made on them about the importance of studying science.
Dr. Bush is also a leader in the community. This past June when everyone was at home, sitting at computers too much, she formed a “Get Up and Dance” group with other teachers in the district. They organized Zoom dance classes where different teachers or community members taught how to do dances from all over the world. The audience consisted of students from her classes, their parents, and interested community members. The classes were open to all including retired teachers and interested friends. It was Dr. Bush who wanted to ensure that people were moving around despite the pandemic. Dr. Bush explained and demonstrated how to do various African dances that she had learned many years ago as a student in the Terpsichorean Troupe at Teaneck High School. To this day, she volunteers her time as a choreographer for the productions that the troupe puts on at Teaneck High School every year.
Her colleagues have always been impressed with Dr. Bush’s work ethic and dedication to her students, school, and community. She works tirelessly to help all her students master difficult material while showing them a great deal of love and caring. She is actively involved in making sure that they learn how to make a lasting contribution to society.
Dr. Bush gives generously of her time after school to make science education a reality for all students. She is an incredibly creative and deserving teacher and most definitely is a Teacher Who Rocks.