Students at Crayton enjoy Tacky Day in John Rushman’s math class: (back row)Amelia Baxley, Rachel Ridgill, Jane Hearn, Zack McFadden, John Rushman, (front row) Wynne Thomas, Andrew Fritz, and Morgan Martinez. The Edyth May Sliffe Awards for Distinguished Middle School Mathematics Teaching were established “to recognize how a single person can have a substantial positive influence nationwide by taking a decisive action to further a cause he or she strongly believes in.”

By Tammie Maddock

One of John Rushman’s heroes, Albert Einstein, is ever present in The Math World Each year, five Edyth May Sliffe Awards are bestowed to teachers in each of the 11 regions associated with the American Mathematics Competition (AMC). A teacher can only win the award once. Crayton Middle School mathematics teacher John Rushman was recently named SC’s first recipient of the prestigious award.

According to Rushman, this honor is a reflection of Richland One’s strong tradition of excellence in mathematics. Over the course of his 29 years at Crayton Middle School, Rushman and his students have accumulated 59 plaques in MATHCOUNTS competitions and countless other accolades. This year, Crayton ranked 40th out of over 2,400 public and private schools nationwide placing them in the top 2% nationally. Rushman attributes this consistent success to students’ hard work, and the continued support and dedication from parents, the district, and the community.

Rushman is honored to be the state’s first recipient of the Sliffe Award but is most proud of his students and their accomplishments. He is quick to note his gratitude for 30 years of learning with his students, fellow teachers, principals, superintendents, and wonderful community of parents.

Rushman says he is indebted to his mentor, Dr. James A. Kuhlman, a USC professor who instilled in him the desire to instruct. Rushman’s passion for his profession is obvious in everything he does. His classroom is known as “The Math World” and all who enter become engulfed in an educational environment that opens the doors of discovery and fosters a love of learning – not just math.

Motivational sayings like, “Who I am makes a difference” adorn the walls alongside all students’ written assignments. There are also inspirational references to individuals of great accomplishment like Albert Einstein, Rushman’s own math hero, and President John F. Kennedy. Each student knows he is expected to ask for more, not less.

Rushman’s enthusiasm for teaching and learning mathematics is contagious. His firm belief in the importance of education is based on a strong educational foundation established early in life by his parents, both of whom were teachers. His decision to teach math was because of his fascination with the subject, which he considers a beloved hobby and personal challenge for the mind.