About Us

Dr. Michael Rush, a distinguished figure in the education sector, is renowned for his profound impact on educational leadership and innovation. He serves as the Co-Executive Director of the Black Educators Hall of Fame, a role that underscores his enduring commitment and significant contributions to the field of education. 

A defining moment in Dr. Rush’s life occurred at the age of 17, when he attended the historic “March on Washington”. There, he witnessed Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s iconic “I Have a Dream” speech and heard the inspiring words of Congressman John Lewis. This pivotal experience ignited his passion for education and social justice, leading him to pursue higher education at Fayetteville State University in North Carolina.

Dr. Rush’s career began in 1969 as a fifth-grade teacher. He continued his impact on the field of education as a special education mainstreaming coordinator, a Supervisor of Special Education, an elementary school principal, a school superintendent, an assistant commissioner of education, all in the state of New Jersey. Dr. Rush continues to make a difference in the lives of children.

Dr Rush’s commitment to education extends beyond administrative roles. He is a mentor, a coach, and a leader who has consistently advocated positive change in education systems. He is most proud of the personal connections and impactful influences cultivated over the 20+ years he served in the mentoring program for black young men that he founded. His influence is evident in the numerous educators and students who have benefited from his wisdom, experience, and dedication to the noble cause of education. 

  Elaine Harold-Robinson is the Co-Executive Director of the Black Educators Hall of Fame. She is a retired 7th and 8th grade mathematics teacher who taught for over 30 years specializing in the educational practices of cooperative learning with the inclusion of special education students, scaffolding and discovery. Elaine is dedicated to ensuring that all students receive a quality education, gain confidence in their abilities through perseverance and discourse and become lifelong learners. 

After receiving her BS in computer science at Spelman College and MAT at Fairleigh Dickinson University, she founded Compukids, LLC where she cultivated the advancement of student acheivement in reading, mathematics and computer skills for children and seniors. Her experiences in the classroom led to the creation of the Geo-Meter Graph Reader learning system, a set of processes and tools that facilitate the ease of graph construction and interpretation as well as the discovery of algebraic, geometric and trigonometric relationships.

Elaine serves as the Chair of the Board of Directors of the International Black Women’s Congress and the Treasurer of the New Jersey Association of Black School Educators. She remains dedicated to advancing student success, closing the achievement gap and ensuring that all students have equal opportunities to reach their educational potential.