The Saline Reporter
A Heritage Newspaper
Weekly Publication
Bush hits stride with teaching
Saline High School technology teacher finds niche in career he hadn't initially considered
By Majida Rashid, Special Writer
PUBLISHED: January 4, 2007
Nathan Bush has come a long way –– from deciding to pursue a teaching career just because he could have his summers off to being nominated for his dedication to the field in the Michigan Teacher-of-the-Year program.
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Bush says he never realized teaching was his calling until a college roommate suggested it because of the perks. Today Bush teaches technology, graphic communications and video production at Saline High School.
Though Bush had an interest in technology while in college, he says he didn't know exactly what he wanted to do for a living until his roommate declared why he was pursuing a teaching career.
"It's a funny story," Bush said. "My college roommate said that he was going to be a teacher because they have the summers off and I said, 'Hey, he is right. I should look into it. And here I am."
He also credits his high school technology teacher, who set an excellent example.
Bush said when he was recognized as a nominee for the Teacher-of-the-Year award, he was pleasantly surprised.
"I was ecstatic to be recognized by my peers for the hard work that goes into teaching," he said. "It really means a lot to know that people are seeing the hard work I am doing to establish programs at the high school. The nomination has been the highlight of my career."
The award recognizes the contributions teachers make to the state. The program is sponsored by the Michigan Department of Education, the State Board of Education, the Council of Chief State School Officers, the ING Foundation and Scholastic Inc. The winner earns a year off from school to work with the MDE and SBE as a spokesperson for Michigan teachers.
Bush has a bachelor's degree from Eastern Michigan University and a master's in the art of teaching from Marygrove College in Detroit. As a part of his undergraduate studies, he applied for a student-teaching position at Saline High School about six years ago.
"My high school technology teacher recommended Saline High School. He put me in touch with Bruce Ross for my student teaching, and I was lucky enough that they hired me right out of college," he said.
Bush likes his students to pay full attention to him when he is speaking to them. He also greets his students every morning and expects them to do the same.
"I start every class by saying, 'Good morning, class' and I wait for them to say 'Good morning' back to me, which is often a challenge."
Teaching is a tough job, he said, but satisfying.
"This is a hard profession. There is never an easy day when you are dealing with kids," he said. "Teaching can also provide you a chance to learn and grow. I have realized that every day I learn something about myself or my profession that makes me a better teacher."
Bush says he has high expectation of his students and he hopes they respect him for it.
"The kids know where I stand in class," he said. "They know I expect a lot out of them. I expect nothing but 100 percent effort in my classes. I also try to keep the atmosphere light and make learning as real as possible."
Bush hopes that the students perceive him as a teacher who loves the subjects he teaches and gives everything he has to becoming the best teacher possible.
"I hope they see that I model the behaviors that are important to being successful in this technology-driven society," he said.
Bush is particularly passionate about teaching the video and graphics class because he is interested in the communications industry. Also, the subjects are closely related to photography, which he pursues as a hobby.
Bush said he has appreciated the opportunity to teach in Saline. He said the high school offers students many opportunities to explore their interests.
"I think it's a unique school. Not many schools in the area have the facilities that our students do," he said. "The unfortunate thing is that many of the students don't realize how special their school really is."
A native of Utah, Bush grew up in Southeast Michigan and is married to Meagan Bush, vice president of operations at an insurance agency in Ann Arbor. Just recently, they bought a home in Pittsfield Township.
In his spare time, he enjoys racing mountain bikes. He also likes photography and is trying to pursue a secondary career in the field.
"Something to fall back on in the future," he said.
Majida Rashid is a freelance writer. She can be reached at majdar2000@yahoo.com.
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