Our QDR Gold Star Teacher of the Month for June is Nell “Nellie” Rushton, head teacher for special education and assistant coach for the soccer team at Rolesville Middle School. Nell “Nellie” Rushton was nominated by all of the following people:

Christine Tassitino: “Nellie cares endlessly for her students and their diverse needs. She goes above and beyond to help them have the best education and school experience. She helped to create a garden experience for outdoor classroom learning and trying takes each of their individual needs into consideration.”

Holly Potts: “I’m thrilled to nominate my friend Nell for the Gold Star Teacher of the Month! Nell goes above and beyond every day, working tirelessly as the lead teacher for our highest-need special education students. She is not only their teacher but also their voice and advocate, pouring her heart and soul into creating opportunities for them. Nell has written grants to build a classroom garden and has even organized plant sales to raise additional funds, always looking for ways to enrich her students’ experiences. Her journey is truly inspiring—she worked as an instructional assistant for years, then went back to school part-time to earn her degree in special education so she could serve her students as their lead teacher. On top of it all, she’s also the assistant coach for the middle school soccer team! Nell’s dedication and commitment are truly unmatched.”

Mrs. Rushton received a commemorative plaque from Creative Images in Cary, $100 from Crabtree to shop at Auntie Anne’s, and an additional $100 to shop anywhere at Crabtree, a community staple for more than 50 years!