Faculty Spotlight

1. How long have you taught at Bush, and what drew you to work here?
   
   I have been at The Bush School for one year. I was drawn to Bush because of the school’s deep commitment to its Library program and the thoughtful, intentional integration of Library and Information Literacy skills in the K-12 curriculum. These skills are invaluable, equipping students with the ability to think critically, navigate information effectively, and engage with the world as informed and responsible learners. I was excited to join a school that recognizes the School Library as a necessary and dynamic learning space, fostering curiosity, research skills, and a lifelong love of reading. It’s been incredibly rewarding to collaborate with faculty to support students in developing these essential skills that will serve them well beyond their time at Bush.  

2. What do you like most about teaching students?
   
   
   What I love most about teaching students is witnessing their deep curiosity about the world and their desire to make a meaningful impact. I am constantly inspired by the way they ask big questions, challenge assumptions, and seek out knowledge not just for the sake of learning, but to better understand their place in the world. Whether they’re exploring different perspectives through literature, researching complex issues, or discussing ethical dilemmas, I love seeing students wrestle with ideas and develop their own sense of justice. It’s a privilege to support them on their journey as they discover how they can use their voices, knowledge, and skills to contribute to a better world

3. What makes you most proud as a teacher? 
   
   What I love most about teaching students is witnessing their deep curiosity about the world and their desire to make a meaningful impact. I am constantly inspired by the way they ask big questions, challenge assumptions, and seek out knowledge not just for the sake of learning, but to better understand their place in the world. Whether they’re exploring different perspectives through literature, researching complex issues, or discussing ethical dilemmas, I love seeing students wrestle with ideas and develop their own sense of justice. It’s a privilege to support them on their journey as they discover how they can use their voices, knowledge, and skills to contribute to a better world. 

4. What is something you never leave home without?
   
   A book (of course) and a tumbler of strong black tea. 

5. What surprised you about Bush? 
   
   What surprised me most about Bush was the depth of its commitment to community, equity, and inclusion, and how these values are truly woven into every aspect of the school. It’s not just something that is talked about—it’s something that is actively lived through curriculum choices, student engagement, faculty collaboration, and school-wide initiatives. I’ve been inspired by how intentionally these values shape conversations, relationships, and the learning environment, creating a space where all voices are heard and students are empowered to think critically and compassionately about the world around them. 

1. How long have you taught at Bush and what drew you to working here?
   
   I've worked at Bush for seven years. First as coach, then as a First Grade Assistant and now for the past four years I have been the Manager of Lower SchoolExtended Day. 

2. What do you like most about being part of a K-12 Community?
   
   Being witness to older students taking on leadership roles, being a good example for the younger students, and seeing younger students be courageous and jump into activities with older students.  There are a few things I find more joy in my role than when seeing students across grades and divisions paddling in the same direction together. 

3. What is something you have learned from working with students?
   
   Stay curious! When you go into any moment with an open mind, you leave yourself available to have an infinite range of experiences and learning moments.

4. What is something you never leave home without?
   
   My rain jacket and a full thermos of coffee! 

5. What is your go-to Commons lunch?
   
   I love coming in early for a breakfast of eggs, potatoes, and a cup of oatmeal with the full array of toppings! For Lunch, I’ll say I love the butter masala chicken, rice, and naan bread! 

Bea Chang - Upper School English Teacher

1. How long have you taught at Bush, and what drew you to work here?
   
   This is my first-year teaching here at Bush. I was overseas, and I was drawn here by the incessant rain, the wintry gray, and the Upper School's views over a forever cloudy lake.  But, really, I was excited about the idea of experiential education, the facilities, and the warmth of the Bush community.  

2. What do you like most about teaching US students?
   
   I appreciate the engagement in the classroom and the energy that students bring to the subject. Students at Bush are creative, passionate, and have an incredible zest for success. 

3. What makes you most proud as a teacher? 
   
   When my students nail a thesis statement after revising it 20 times and when their writing is better than mediocre. 

4. What is something you never leave home without?
   
   Stitch Anderson.  

5. What surprised you about Bush? 
   
   Wissner faculty lounge is very loud and full of the buzz of learning. 

Juliana Cantarelli Vita - Lower School School Music Teacher

1. How long have you taught at Bush, and what drew you to work here?
   
   I have taught at Bush since Fall 2023. What drew me to work here was the explicit focus on racial and social equity, and the emphasis on progressive, hands-on education. The school seemed like a safe place to develop the kinds of social justice projects through music that I have been involved with over the last decade. This was also a return to the elementary world for me; after many years as an K-5 music teacher, my career shifted to teaching higher education and preparing future K-5 music teachers. Bush brought me back to my roots. 

2. What do you like most about teaching Lower School students?
   
   What I like most about teaching Lower School students is that I get to see students becoming themselves, musically. Be in exploration of their own identity in and through music, or in projects where they get to “visit” different places in the world and different ways of understanding and making music, or in the songwriting projects where they write their own songs. It is always a gift to be a witness to their growth, musical sensibilities, and artistic development. 

3. What is something you have learned from your students? 
   
   I have learned that we “can do things even when we they are hard.” I have learned that “it don’t mean a thing, if it ain’t got that swing,” that “greatness is our destiny,” and that we gotta let our light shine! 

4. If you weren’t a teacher, what would you be? 
   
   I am a musician, a writer, a community organizer, an activist. In terms of career, if I weren’t a teacher, I would be a performer.

5. What is your go-to Commons lunch? 
   
   Whatever they have as hot lunch! I’m from Brazil, and there we eat our big, hot meal in the middle of the day (and our dinners are lighter). So I try to maintain this cultural aspect for my health—in body and mind. 

Jinn Lee - Middle School Math Teacher

1. How long have you taught at Bush, and what drew you to work here?
   
   This is my first year teaching at Bush and what initially drew me here was the school’s commitment to progressive, student-centered learning. I was excited by the idea of working in a community that values curiosity, exploration, and authentic connection, and that encourages students and teachers alike to grow through experience. 

2. What do you like most about teaching Middle School students?
   
   I love Middle Schoolers’ blend of energy, humor, and honesty. They’re at an incredible developmental stage where they’re beginning to form their identities and opinions. They’re willing to take intellectual risks when they feel supported. Their enthusiasm, sometimes chaotic, but always genuine, makes every day interesting.  

3. What is something you have learned from your students? 
   
   My students constantly remind me to stay flexible and open-minded. They approach problems from angles I wouldn’t expect, and they’re not afraid to question assumptions. They’ve taught me the importance of listening deeply and adapting quickly.

4. What Was Your Favorite School Subject? 
   
   My favorite school subject growing up was math. It sparked my curiosity early on and shaped a lot of how I think and teach today.

5. What is your go-to Commons lunch? 
   
   My go-to Commons lunch are burgers! It’s the thing I look forward to when the day gets busy and I need something comforting and reliable.

Rachel Houtman - Middle School Counselor

1. How long have you taught at Bush, and what drew you to work here?
   
   I have worked at Bush since the beginning of this school year.  What drew me to Bush was the mission statement, the vision of the school, and the diverse student population.  I also really like the concept of experiential learning; the more things we experience, the more we can learn about ourselves, others, and the world. 

2. What do you like most about being part of a K-12 Community? 
   
   
   I like that, even though each division is different, we're able to lean on and learn from each other.  
   
   

3. What is something you have learned from your students? 
   
   Always have some type of snack on hand! 

4. What is something you never leave home without? 
   
   A water bottle.

5. What is your go-to Commons lunch?
   Yogurt Parfait.