Delaware has started the year off strong.
Half a dozen teachers from across the state just landed the highest recognition K-12 teachers in STEM can earn in the U.S. And that’s while the state’s Education Department is touting boosted teacher recruitment and retention in the state compared with last year.
And, in case you missed it, Gov.-elect Matt Meyer officially nominated his next secretary of education in Cynthia “Cindy” Marten. Since 2021, she has served as deputy secretary in the U.S. Department of Education under President Joe Biden.
In this weekly roundup, we’ll catch you up on these and other updates you may have missed.
(Did we miss another good education story? Let me know: kepowers@gannett.com)
Delaware teachers land Presidential Awards for Excellence in Math and Science
Six Delaware teachers just landed 2021-2023 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching last week.
It’s the highest recognition that a K-12 grade science, technology, engineering or mathematics teacher may receive for “outstanding teaching” in the United States, according to the National Science Foundation.
These educators can expect a certificate on its way, signed by President Biden ahead of his own Delaware return. Awardees will also land a $10,000 award from the foundation, with an award ceremony to expect in Washington, D.C.
“This is one of the highest recognitions a teacher can receive. Congratulations to these educators whose students know first-hand the power of great instruction,” Secretary of Education Mark Holodick said in a statement. “These teachers make science, technology, engineering and mathematics engaging and relevant to our students, and I am proud they are representing Delaware.”
In March, Delaware also named four finalists for the 2024 award. The most recent awardees, by year of recognition:
2021:
- Michael Reitemeyer, Mount Pleasant High School, Brandywine School District – math
- Brian Heeney, Delcastle Technical High School, New Castle County Vocational Technical School District – science
2022:
- Jason Orlen, East Millsboro Elementary School, Indian River School District – math
- Maria Cobb, Mount Pleasant Elementary School, Brandywine School District – science
2023:
- Brittney Stewart, Caesar Rodney High School, Caesar Rodney School District – math
- Michael Doody, formerly of William Penn High School, Colonial School District – science
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Delaware schools celebrate 52% drop in open positions year-over-year
Delaware’s Department of Education pointed to survey data showing recent success in combating the ongoing educator shortage.
A 2024 statewide survey showed a 52% decrease in open positions – that’s instructional and non-instructional – compared with last year. That leaves 259 open spots across public school districts, according to DDOE, or 2.5% of the total workforce. About 189 of those are instructional positions.
The hardest to staff? High school math, secondary special education and autism teacher certification areas. DDOE said the hardest non-instructional spots to fill came among psychologists, occupational therapists and speech therapists.
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The state highlighted certain strategies at work: yearlong teacher residencies, registered apprenticeships for teachers and “Grow Your Own” grants to fund preparation programs. The report also outlines a need to better track this data moving forward, continue to invest in the reimbursement programs for tuition payments for those seeking higher certifications and strengthen diversity in the pipeline.
Some school districts are already seeing strong results.
“The Indian River School District has placed a strong emphasis on teacher recruitment and retention in recent years,” the district’s Superintendent Jay Owens said. “We have found the yearlong teacher residency program to be an especially valuable asset, and we are employing 14 yearlong residents during the current school year.”
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Got a story? Kelly Powers covers race, culture and equity for Delaware Online/The News Journal and USA TODAY Network Northeast, with a focus on education. Contact her at kepowers@gannett.com or (231) 622-2191, and follow her on X @kpowers01.