Get to Know Nadya Bush, Special Programs Assistant Director

Nadya Bush is the new Assistant Director of Special Programs for the Wenatchee School District. Nadya comes to the WSD from the North Central Educational Service District where she served as the Regional Migrant Services Specialist, leading the Language Acquisition Network, a group that provides schools with English language learning support. Before that Nadya spent her career working for Eastmont School District and state migrant programs. We sat down with Nadya to learn more about her and her new role.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Nadya: I’m a transplant from Russia. I was born and raised in a small town in Siberia. I studied education and moved to the United States.  I began my career in education about 20 years ago teaching English as a foreign language at the college in Russia and Wenatchee Valley College. I continued teaching throughout my career, mostly at the secondary level. I still teach at the WVC in the evening in the adult Transitional Program. Teaching in that program keeps my skills as an educator fresh, connects me with our community, reminds me of how hard it is to teach and also how rewarding it is. I love that.

What’s your family like?

Nadya: My husband Andrew is also a teacher and a football coach. He works for the Yakima School District. I have two teenage stepdaughters and a son. All of them are in high school now.

Let's dig into your job. Can you tell us more about your role as Assistant Director of Special Programs?

Nadya: Ideally, if I had a magic wand, I would create opportunities for all kids who are mobile, whose parents move for work in agriculture and for kids and their families who are learning English as a new language to inspire them and to create opportunities in school and after school to be successful in life later on. On a daily basis, that means working with the Migrant PAC and meeting with parents, training teachers how to teach better, training para-pros who work students in the small group setting, providing materials, curricula, educational supplies, technology, whatever they need to support kids and families.

What attracted you to the Wenatchee School District? What about this job got you excited?

Nadya: Wenatchee School District is an excellent district. So, to work for such a strong district that has produced a lot of outstanding citizens piqued my interest. I’m excited to put a little piece of my experience and expertise into producing future doctors, teachers and professionals will take care of us. I am proud that Wenatchee Valley is a desirable place to live largely because of high-quality schools.

What are the most critical career lessons you’ve learned so far?

Nadya: I learned that it’s a good idea to listen to people’s thoughts because no one is smarter than all of us. I learned that you have to stay current with what neuroscience, language development, and linguistics say. So, I strive to incorporate all the knowledge that is out there into practice. Learning is part of what it takes to be professional. You’re always growing.

What's your motto or personal mantra, words that you live by?

Nadya: Live and learn. Learning is part of life, exploration, curiosity, and problem-solving make my life action-packed, so to be successful, you have to see other people's perspectives, to adapt, to be flexible, to learn to listen, and not afraid of challenges.

What did you want to be when you were growing up?

Nadya: You know, my dream was to be a flight attendant. Because it was the only outlet back then. It was a Cold War time and we had difficulty seeing the world. I almost transferred to a civil aviation university to pursue that.

What do you like to do in your free time?

Nadya: Of course I would say travel, after all, I was going to be a flight attendant. I like to do anything outside. Skiing in the winter time, hiking when it's warmer, swimming when it's summer and gardening.

TV show or movie that you're ashamed to admit that you love?

Nadya: I love to watch Bravo channel and shows like House Hunters, Beachfront Bargain Hunt, Fixer Upper. I love real estate shows. I also love Housewives of Orange County.

Complete this sentence. 'I'm happiest when….'

Nadya: I'm happiest when my family's around me, when it's warm and sunny and when everybody's healthy.