Seaford educator named Delaware’s 2019 Teacher of the Year
Department of Education | News | Date Posted: Tuesday, October 16, 2018
First State Food System Program Opens Third Grant Application Cycle
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Cynthia Karnai Confirmed As Director Of Delaware State Housing Authority
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Governor’s Outstanding Volunteer Service Award Honorees to Be Recognized at April 4 Ceremony
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DNREC’s DuPont Nature Center to Reopen April 3
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Nominations Open for State of Delaware Compassionate Champion Awards
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DOJ secures over seven life sentences, habitual offender status for Keith Gibson after violent killing spree
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Delaware Department of Agriculture Opens Request for Applications for Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program
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The Office of the Marijuana Commissioner released additional sections of the informal draft regulations for review.
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Severe Weather Awareness Week March 11-15, 2024
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DPH Reports High Levels of Lead in Certain Cinnamon Products
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Governor Carney Orders Lowering of Flags
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Maiss Hussein to Represent Delaware in 2024 Poetry Out Loud National Finals
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DNREC’s Mosquito Control Section Set to Spray Woodland Pools
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Parks Plans Wind Transmission Line Informational Event
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Celebrating Delaware’s Trailblazers: Women’s Hall of Fame Art Exhibition in Partnership with the University of Delaware
Date Posted: March 1, 2024
DNREC Announces Changes to 2024 Summer Flounder and Scup Recreational Fishing Regs
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Mary and Charles Vinson sentenced to over 150 years in serial child abuse case
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The Office of the Marijuana Commissioner (OMC) has released additional sections of the informal draft regulations.
Date Posted: February 29, 2024
Delaware Division of the Arts Encourages Arts Philanthropy Through Do More 24 Delaware
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The Mezzanine Gallery to Exhibit “Unspoken Trajectories” by Aaron Keith Hoffer
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Major Cybersecurity Event Impacting Health Care, Pharmacy Operations
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Newark Fire
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Controlled Burn at Brandywine Creek State Park Aims to Boost Native Wildlife and Plant Growth
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Four-Legged Assistant Helps Change Lives Canine Companions Facility Dog Joins Delaware State Fire Commission
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DNREC to Close Mulberry Landing Boat Ramp in Sussex County Temporarily for Expansion and Paving of Parking Lot
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DOJ secures guilty pleas, prison time in fatal shooting case
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Children’s pastor arrested on child pornography charges
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DNREC to Offer Feb. 28 Webinar on Living Shoreline Cost Share Program for Home and Property Owners
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Delaware State Fire Commission K9 Ajax To Get Donation of Body Armor.
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DOJ secures felony conviction in first of several cases related to abuses of the 2022 Delaware Relief Rebate Program
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Delaware, New Jersey, Illinois lead multistate coalition supporting PA gun safety law
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Delaware State Fire Commission Updates Fire Regulations.
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Governor Carney Announces Delaware State Housing Authority Nomination
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Treasurer Davis Honored for Delaware EARNS
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Lt. Gov. Hall-Long Outlines Recommendations to Protect State Retiree Healthcare, Foster Fiscal Sustainability
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Secretary of State Presents 2023 John Lewis Youth Leadership Award
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Governor Carney Announces Judicial Nominations
Date Posted: February 19, 2024
Terra Taylor Sworn in as Department of Correction Commissioner
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Brian Emig Named Warden of James T. Vaughn Correctional Center
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Office of the Marijuana Commissioner (OMC) is accepting public comment for Informal Regulation Review until March 29
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Department of Correction Announces Senior Leadership Promotion
Date Posted: February 14, 2024
DNREC to Assume Management of Deauville Beach
Date Posted: February 14, 2024
Spring Pond Trout Season to Open With Youth-Only Day March 2, Followed by Regular Downstate Opener March 3
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DHSS and DHCC Launch Benchmark Trend Report Dashboard
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Quality Education Requires School Referenda
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Governor Carney Releases Statement on Delaware State Housing Authority Director Young’s resignation
Date Posted: February 9, 2024
Get a look inside Delaware’s correctional system through the DOC Citizens Academy
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More Than 91,000 Bags of Trash Collected from Delaware Roads in 2023
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DOL Reissues Unemployment Insurance Tax Rate Letters
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Delaware Public Archives Celebrates African American History
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Sponsors and Meal Sites Sought for 2024 Summer Food Service Program
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Delaware Department of Human Resources Sets Consecutive Hiring Records
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Rep. Kimberly Williams and Sen. Jack Walsh Honor the Office of Animal Welfare with a Tribute for 10 Years of Service
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Div. of Small Business – Announces Fall 2023 EDGE Grant Winners
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Delaware Receives $120K Grant for American Kestrel Conservation Project
Date Posted: February 5, 2024
Delaware 250: Grants for Museums, Heritage Groups, and Non-Profits
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DSHA Launches Expanded Homeownership Programs For First-Time And Repeat Homebuyers
Date Posted: February 2, 2024
Governor Carney Orders Lowering of Flags
Date Posted: February 2, 2024
Probation and Parole’s Operation ZiPP Up collects 1,400 winter clothes items to warm local residents in need
Date Posted: February 2, 2024
AG Jennings announces $350 million multistate settlement with marketing firm Publicis over role in opioid epidemic
Date Posted: February 1, 2024
Downtown Dover Revitalization to Get Boost With $25 Million in State Funding
Date Posted: February 1, 2024
Delaware Division of the Arts Presents “The Knowing” by Cony Madariaga – Opens February 2
Date Posted: February 1, 2024
Delaware Office of Animal Welfare Rescues 76 Animals from Felton Home
Date Posted: February 1, 2024
State Employees’ Charitable Campaign Opens 2024 Application Opportunity
Date Posted: February 1, 2024
National Unclaimed Property Day 2024
Date Posted: February 1, 2024
2024 Arbor Day Poster Contest Now Open
Date Posted: February 1, 2024
Delaware Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Presents Gold Award to High 5 Hospitality
Date Posted: January 30, 2024
Woman Arrested for Vehicular Assault on a Natural Resources Police Officer
Date Posted: January 30, 2024
DPH Confirms Flu-Related Deaths During 2023-2024 Flu Season, Urges Public to Get Vaccinated
Date Posted: January 30, 2024
DOJ secures lengthy sentence for Wilmington man in fatal shooting incident
Date Posted: January 30, 2024
AG Jennings, law enforcement leaders announce record low violent crime rates
Date Posted: January 29, 2024
Statement from Delaware State Treasurer Colleen Davis
Date Posted: January 29, 2024
The Delaware Tenant Rent Reporting Program Pilot To Close March 2024
Date Posted: January 29, 2024
Department of Insurance Releases 2023 Data
Date Posted: January 29, 2024
Georgetown Fire
Date Posted: January 28, 2024
Millsboro Fire
Date Posted: January 26, 2024
Governor Carney Presents Fiscal Year 2025 Recommended Budget
Date Posted: January 25, 2024
Governor Carney’s Statement on Senate Confirmation of Terra Taylor as DOC Commissioner
Date Posted: January 24, 2024
First State Food System Program Opens Third Grant Application Cycle
Date Posted: March 18, 2024
Cynthia Karnai Confirmed As Director Of Delaware State Housing Authority
Date Posted: March 18, 2024
Governor’s Outstanding Volunteer Service Award Honorees to Be Recognized at April 4 Ceremony
Date Posted: March 18, 2024
DNREC’s DuPont Nature Center to Reopen April 3
Date Posted: March 18, 2024
Georgetown Fire
Date Posted: March 17, 2024
AG Jennings’ statement on Senate passage of Senate Bill 2
Date Posted: March 14, 2024
Lt. Gov. Hall-Long Applauds Passage of Senate Bill 2(S) Gun Safety Legislation
Date Posted: March 14, 2024
Governor Carney’s Statement on the Passage of Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 2
Date Posted: March 14, 2024
Volunteers Sought to Join Concord Pond Cleanup April 13
Date Posted: March 14, 2024
Prosecutors secure conviction against Jordan Ellerbe’s murderer
Date Posted: March 14, 2024
Governor Carney’s Statement on Senate Confirmation of Cynthia Karnai as Director of State Housing Authority
Date Posted: March 13, 2024
State of Delaware Seeking Third Consecutive Year of Record Hiring: Job Fair for Students and Skilled Workers
Date Posted: March 13, 2024
Nominations Open for State of Delaware Compassionate Champion Awards
Date Posted: March 13, 2024
DOJ secures over seven life sentences, habitual offender status for Keith Gibson after violent killing spree
Date Posted: March 13, 2024
Delaware Department of Agriculture Opens Request for Applications for Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program
Date Posted: March 12, 2024
With gun safety in Court, Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania AGs stand for common sense
Date Posted: March 11, 2024
The Office of the Marijuana Commissioner released additional sections of the informal draft regulations for review.
Date Posted: March 11, 2024
Severe Weather Awareness Week March 11-15, 2024
Date Posted: March 9, 2024
DPH Reports High Levels of Lead in Certain Cinnamon Products
Date Posted: March 8, 2024
Governor Carney Orders Lowering of Flags
Date Posted: March 8, 2024
Maiss Hussein to Represent Delaware in 2024 Poetry Out Loud National Finals
Date Posted: March 7, 2024
DNREC’s Mosquito Control Section Set to Spray Woodland Pools
Date Posted: March 7, 2024
Governor Carney’s Statement on Senate Confirmations
Date Posted: March 6, 2024
Get Involved in Earth Month: Register Now for the April 13 Christina River Watershed Cleanup
Date Posted: March 6, 2024
Governor Carney Delivers 2024 State of the State Address
Date Posted: March 6, 2024
Change Your Clocks, Check Your Batteries
Date Posted: March 6, 2024
Parks Plans Wind Transmission Line Informational Event
Date Posted: March 4, 2024
Celebrating Delaware’s Trailblazers: Women’s Hall of Fame Art Exhibition in Partnership with the University of Delaware
Date Posted: March 1, 2024
DNREC Announces Changes to 2024 Summer Flounder and Scup Recreational Fishing Regs
Date Posted: March 1, 2024
Mary and Charles Vinson sentenced to over 150 years in serial child abuse case
Date Posted: February 29, 2024
The Office of the Marijuana Commissioner (OMC) has released additional sections of the informal draft regulations.
Date Posted: February 29, 2024
Delaware Division of the Arts Encourages Arts Philanthropy Through Do More 24 Delaware
Date Posted: February 29, 2024
The Mezzanine Gallery to Exhibit “Unspoken Trajectories” by Aaron Keith Hoffer
Date Posted: February 29, 2024
DNREC Opens Youth Environmental Summit
Date Posted: February 29, 2024
Major Cybersecurity Event Impacting Health Care, Pharmacy Operations
Date Posted: February 29, 2024
Delaware State Parks Fee Season Begins March 1
Date Posted: February 29, 2024
DOJ secures over a dozen convictions for violent gun offender following nine-month manhunt
Date Posted: February 28, 2024
Students Win Big at State Educators Rising Event
Date Posted: February 28, 2024
DNREC to Close The Point at Cape Henlopen for Beach-nesting Season
Date Posted: February 28, 2024
Claymont Fire
Date Posted: February 27, 2024
Newark Fire
Date Posted: February 27, 2024
AG Jennings Announces Appeal Of Superior Court Voting Ruling, Vows Support For Constitutional Amendment
Date Posted: February 27, 2024
Delaware Division of the Arts Announces 12 Finalists for Delaware’s 2024 Poetry Out Loud State Finals
Date Posted: February 27, 2024
Controlled Burn at Brandywine Creek State Park Aims to Boost Native Wildlife and Plant Growth
Date Posted: February 27, 2024
Four-Legged Assistant Helps Change Lives Canine Companions Facility Dog Joins Delaware State Fire Commission
Date Posted: February 26, 2024
DNREC to Close Mulberry Landing Boat Ramp in Sussex County Temporarily for Expansion and Paving of Parking Lot
Date Posted: February 26, 2024
DOJ secures guilty pleas, prison time in fatal shooting case
Date Posted: February 23, 2024
Children’s pastor arrested on child pornography charges
Date Posted: February 23, 2024
DNREC to Offer Feb. 28 Webinar on Living Shoreline Cost Share Program for Home and Property Owners
Date Posted: February 23, 2024
Delaware State Fire Commission K9 Ajax To Get Donation of Body Armor.
Date Posted: February 23, 2024
DOJ secures felony conviction in first of several cases related to abuses of the 2022 Delaware Relief Rebate Program
Date Posted: February 22, 2024
Delaware, New Jersey, Illinois lead multistate coalition supporting PA gun safety law
Date Posted: February 22, 2024
Delaware State Fire Commission Updates Fire Regulations.
Date Posted: February 20, 2024
GACEC Hosts Celebration for Disability History and Awareness Month Poster Contest
Date Posted: February 20, 2024
Governor Carney Announces Delaware State Housing Authority Nomination
Date Posted: February 20, 2024
Treasurer Davis Honored for Delaware EARNS
Date Posted: February 20, 2024
Lt. Gov. Hall-Long Outlines Recommendations to Protect State Retiree Healthcare, Foster Fiscal Sustainability
Date Posted: February 19, 2024
Secretary of State Presents 2023 John Lewis Youth Leadership Award
Date Posted: February 19, 2024
Governor Carney Announces Judicial Nominations
Date Posted: February 19, 2024
Terra Taylor Sworn in as Department of Correction Commissioner
Date Posted: February 16, 2024
Brian Emig Named Warden of James T. Vaughn Correctional Center
Date Posted: February 15, 2024
Office of the Marijuana Commissioner (OMC) is accepting public comment for Informal Regulation Review until March 29
Date Posted: February 15, 2024
Department of Correction Announces Senior Leadership Promotion
Date Posted: February 14, 2024
DNREC to Assume Management of Deauville Beach
Date Posted: February 14, 2024
Spring Pond Trout Season to Open With Youth-Only Day March 2, Followed by Regular Downstate Opener March 3
Date Posted: February 13, 2024
DHSS and DHCC Launch Benchmark Trend Report Dashboard
Date Posted: February 12, 2024
Quality Education Requires School Referenda
Date Posted: February 9, 2024
Governor Carney Releases Statement on Delaware State Housing Authority Director Young’s resignation
Date Posted: February 9, 2024
Get a look inside Delaware’s correctional system through the DOC Citizens Academy
Date Posted: February 9, 2024
More Than 91,000 Bags of Trash Collected from Delaware Roads in 2023
Date Posted: February 8, 2024
DOL Reissues Unemployment Insurance Tax Rate Letters
Date Posted: February 8, 2024
Delaware Public Archives Celebrates African American History
Date Posted: February 7, 2024
Sponsors and Meal Sites Sought for 2024 Summer Food Service Program
Date Posted: February 7, 2024
Delaware Department of Human Resources Sets Consecutive Hiring Records
Date Posted: February 6, 2024
Rep. Kimberly Williams and Sen. Jack Walsh Honor the Office of Animal Welfare with a Tribute for 10 Years of Service
Date Posted: February 6, 2024
Div. of Small Business – Announces Fall 2023 EDGE Grant Winners
Date Posted: February 6, 2024
Delaware Receives $120K Grant for American Kestrel Conservation Project
Date Posted: February 5, 2024
Delaware 250: Grants for Museums, Heritage Groups, and Non-Profits
Date Posted: February 2, 2024
DSHA Launches Expanded Homeownership Programs For First-Time And Repeat Homebuyers
Date Posted: February 2, 2024
Governor Carney Orders Lowering of Flags
Date Posted: February 2, 2024
Probation and Parole’s Operation ZiPP Up collects 1,400 winter clothes items to warm local residents in need
Date Posted: February 2, 2024
AG Jennings announces $350 million multistate settlement with marketing firm Publicis over role in opioid epidemic
Date Posted: February 1, 2024
Downtown Dover Revitalization to Get Boost With $25 Million in State Funding
Date Posted: February 1, 2024
Delaware Division of the Arts Presents “The Knowing” by Cony Madariaga – Opens February 2
Date Posted: February 1, 2024
Delaware Office of Animal Welfare Rescues 76 Animals from Felton Home
Date Posted: February 1, 2024
State Employees’ Charitable Campaign Opens 2024 Application Opportunity
Date Posted: February 1, 2024
National Unclaimed Property Day 2024
Date Posted: February 1, 2024
2024 Arbor Day Poster Contest Now Open
Date Posted: February 1, 2024
Delaware Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Presents Gold Award to High 5 Hospitality
Date Posted: January 30, 2024
Woman Arrested for Vehicular Assault on a Natural Resources Police Officer
Date Posted: January 30, 2024
DPH Confirms Flu-Related Deaths During 2023-2024 Flu Season, Urges Public to Get Vaccinated
Date Posted: January 30, 2024
DOJ secures lengthy sentence for Wilmington man in fatal shooting incident
Date Posted: January 30, 2024
AG Jennings, law enforcement leaders announce record low violent crime rates
Date Posted: January 29, 2024
Statement from Delaware State Treasurer Colleen Davis
Date Posted: January 29, 2024
The Delaware Tenant Rent Reporting Program Pilot To Close March 2024
Date Posted: January 29, 2024
Department of Insurance Releases 2023 Data
Date Posted: January 29, 2024
Georgetown Fire
Date Posted: January 28, 2024
Millsboro Fire
Date Posted: January 26, 2024
Governor Carney Presents Fiscal Year 2025 Recommended Budget
Date Posted: January 25, 2024
Governor Carney’s Statement on Senate Confirmation of Terra Taylor as DOC Commissioner
Date Posted: January 24, 2024
Department of Education | News | Date Posted: Tuesday, October 16, 2018
Dana Bowe becomes Delaware’s nominee in national competition
An elementary special education teacher from the Seaford School District is Delaware’s 2019 State Teacher of the Year.
Governor John Carney made the announcement tonight at the annual banquet honoring the 20 district and charter teachers of the year at Dover Downs Hotel and Conference Center in Dover.
Dana Bowe, who teaches kindergarten through second grade for the Sussex County Orthopedic Program at West Seaford Elementary School, now is Delaware’s nominee for National Teacher of the Year, a title she hopes will allow her to share her message about all children’s abilities.
One in six children in the United States has a developmental disability, ranging from speech or language impairments to intellectual disabilities, cerebral palsy or autism.
“But all of these children have capabilities. Their value and worth are beyond measure. Each student has a different story, different journey, and different abilities,” Bowe said.
After the Sussex Orthopedic Program moved to West Seaford Elementary School, Bowe helped start a “Spread the Word-Respect” campaign at her school, part of a national effort to discourage the use of the derogatory word “retard” and to promote acceptance, compassion, understanding, and inclusion of people with disabilities. This was important for the culture of the school, where some students had not before seen children walking in orthopedic braces, communicating with speech generated devices, or using assistive technologies, she said.
“Sometimes it is difficult to see the initial impact of an initiative. Other times, although it is not blatantly obvious, there is a quiet victory: Students holding hands walking down the hallway; a child in a wheelchair tutoring other children in class; or a regular education student asking a child to be his partner even though they can communicate only through gestures, signs, or the use of a ‘talker,’ ” Bowe said.
Bowe said she also had the chance to witness “a big, loud victory.
“One of my students with Trisomy 18 ran into the middle of a heated basketball game against many of the boys who were much larger and tougher,” Bowe said. “She put her arms up to catch a rebound and was pushed aside by some of the bigger boys. The leader of the group, CJ, shouted, ‘Pass her to ball. She is in the game.’ They did. She didn’t make the shot, not even close. But she was open, and the boys kept her in the game. CJ stood up for her and changed lives that day; not just for my little basketball player but for many students. He became a leader by modeling acceptance and respect of others.”
Bowe, who has been teaching for 17 years including five in her current position, shared stories in her application about students who made significant progress in her class.
“Children with special needs are capable of love, friendship, and academic achievement. We must encourage true inclusion with acceptance and kindness. We must see our children without labels and limitations,” she said. “We must discover the greatness that is already inside them and share their greatness with others. We must teach all students.”
Bowe can be so effective because she also builds strong relationships with her students’ families.
Sometimes that means efforts that go beyond the work day – delivering a forgotten tooth that fell out at lunch to a child’s rural home so the Tooth Fairy can visit that night or sitting in the dunk tank at a local carnival to raise money for a student’s drug trial.
“We are partners,” Bowe said. “We become so close through text messages, phone calls, and home visits.”
Joni Smith, whose son is now in his third year in Bowe’s class, said Bowe cares about all her students and finds ways to engage each of them as well as their families in their learning.
“Mrs. Bowe always includes us in his progress and his struggles and is always right on board to help in any way,” Smith said. “She always makes us feel like family and friends — we are a team to work together to help our child progress.”
Bowe earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from East Carolina University and a master’s degree in special education from Wilmington University. She also was named the Down Syndrome Association of Delaware 2017 Teacher of the Year.
Bowe inherits from outgoing Teacher of the Year Jinni Forcucci the responsibility of representing all teachers in Delaware. She will address community groups, business leaders, legislators, and educational organizations to inform the public about the status of Delaware schools. She also will become Delaware’s candidate in the National Teacher of the Year Program, a project of the Council of Chief State School Officers sponsored by the Voya Foundation.
By action of the General Assembly, she will receive a $5,000 grant to use for the educational benefit of her students, as well two personal grants totaling an additional $5,000. The remaining 19 school district/charter candidates each will receive a personal grant of $2,000. All 20 teachers also receive a gift from Advantech Incorporated.
Bowe also will receive: a $1,000 grant for educational/classroom use from American Institutes for Research; grants from the Delaware Association of School Administrators, Delaware State Education Association and the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce; a State of Delaware Teacher of the Year commemorative plate from the Division of Motor Vehicles; a full doctorate program from University of Delaware and Wilmington University; a gold watch from the Delaware State Teachers of the Year Association; a 10-karat gold ring from Jostens; and lunch in Washington D.C. with U.S. Sen. Tom Carper.
Other organizations that honored the newly-selected Teacher of the Year include: the Delaware Chief School Officers Association, Delaware School Boards Association and Educators Rising.
This year’s celebration was sponsored in part by Voya Financial.
Find last night’s press release here.
Find photos from last night’s celebration here.
Find the video presentation on all 20 teachers shared last night here.
Find the classroom photos of all 20 nominees shared last night as well as portrait shots of each teacher here.
For media interviews with Dana Bowe, please contact Duncan.Smith@seaford.k12.de.us.
Media Contact: Alison May, alison.may@doe.k12.de.us, 302-735-4006
Related Topics: Delaware, education, Teacher, TOY, year
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Department of Education | News | Date Posted: Tuesday, October 16, 2018
Dana Bowe becomes Delaware’s nominee in national competition
An elementary special education teacher from the Seaford School District is Delaware’s 2019 State Teacher of the Year.
Governor John Carney made the announcement tonight at the annual banquet honoring the 20 district and charter teachers of the year at Dover Downs Hotel and Conference Center in Dover.
Dana Bowe, who teaches kindergarten through second grade for the Sussex County Orthopedic Program at West Seaford Elementary School, now is Delaware’s nominee for National Teacher of the Year, a title she hopes will allow her to share her message about all children’s abilities.
One in six children in the United States has a developmental disability, ranging from speech or language impairments to intellectual disabilities, cerebral palsy or autism.
“But all of these children have capabilities. Their value and worth are beyond measure. Each student has a different story, different journey, and different abilities,” Bowe said.
After the Sussex Orthopedic Program moved to West Seaford Elementary School, Bowe helped start a “Spread the Word-Respect” campaign at her school, part of a national effort to discourage the use of the derogatory word “retard” and to promote acceptance, compassion, understanding, and inclusion of people with disabilities. This was important for the culture of the school, where some students had not before seen children walking in orthopedic braces, communicating with speech generated devices, or using assistive technologies, she said.
“Sometimes it is difficult to see the initial impact of an initiative. Other times, although it is not blatantly obvious, there is a quiet victory: Students holding hands walking down the hallway; a child in a wheelchair tutoring other children in class; or a regular education student asking a child to be his partner even though they can communicate only through gestures, signs, or the use of a ‘talker,’ ” Bowe said.
Bowe said she also had the chance to witness “a big, loud victory.
“One of my students with Trisomy 18 ran into the middle of a heated basketball game against many of the boys who were much larger and tougher,” Bowe said. “She put her arms up to catch a rebound and was pushed aside by some of the bigger boys. The leader of the group, CJ, shouted, ‘Pass her to ball. She is in the game.’ They did. She didn’t make the shot, not even close. But she was open, and the boys kept her in the game. CJ stood up for her and changed lives that day; not just for my little basketball player but for many students. He became a leader by modeling acceptance and respect of others.”
Bowe, who has been teaching for 17 years including five in her current position, shared stories in her application about students who made significant progress in her class.
“Children with special needs are capable of love, friendship, and academic achievement. We must encourage true inclusion with acceptance and kindness. We must see our children without labels and limitations,” she said. “We must discover the greatness that is already inside them and share their greatness with others. We must teach all students.”
Bowe can be so effective because she also builds strong relationships with her students’ families.
Sometimes that means efforts that go beyond the work day – delivering a forgotten tooth that fell out at lunch to a child’s rural home so the Tooth Fairy can visit that night or sitting in the dunk tank at a local carnival to raise money for a student’s drug trial.
“We are partners,” Bowe said. “We become so close through text messages, phone calls, and home visits.”
Joni Smith, whose son is now in his third year in Bowe’s class, said Bowe cares about all her students and finds ways to engage each of them as well as their families in their learning.
“Mrs. Bowe always includes us in his progress and his struggles and is always right on board to help in any way,” Smith said. “She always makes us feel like family and friends — we are a team to work together to help our child progress.”
Bowe earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from East Carolina University and a master’s degree in special education from Wilmington University. She also was named the Down Syndrome Association of Delaware 2017 Teacher of the Year.
Bowe inherits from outgoing Teacher of the Year Jinni Forcucci the responsibility of representing all teachers in Delaware. She will address community groups, business leaders, legislators, and educational organizations to inform the public about the status of Delaware schools. She also will become Delaware’s candidate in the National Teacher of the Year Program, a project of the Council of Chief State School Officers sponsored by the Voya Foundation.
By action of the General Assembly, she will receive a $5,000 grant to use for the educational benefit of her students, as well two personal grants totaling an additional $5,000. The remaining 19 school district/charter candidates each will receive a personal grant of $2,000. All 20 teachers also receive a gift from Advantech Incorporated.
Bowe also will receive: a $1,000 grant for educational/classroom use from American Institutes for Research; grants from the Delaware Association of School Administrators, Delaware State Education Association and the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce; a State of Delaware Teacher of the Year commemorative plate from the Division of Motor Vehicles; a full doctorate program from University of Delaware and Wilmington University; a gold watch from the Delaware State Teachers of the Year Association; a 10-karat gold ring from Jostens; and lunch in Washington D.C. with U.S. Sen. Tom Carper.
Other organizations that honored the newly-selected Teacher of the Year include: the Delaware Chief School Officers Association, Delaware School Boards Association and Educators Rising.
This year’s celebration was sponsored in part by Voya Financial.
Find last night’s press release here.
Find photos from last night’s celebration here.
Find the video presentation on all 20 teachers shared last night here.
Find the classroom photos of all 20 nominees shared last night as well as portrait shots of each teacher here.
For media interviews with Dana Bowe, please contact Duncan.Smith@seaford.k12.de.us.
Media Contact: Alison May, alison.may@doe.k12.de.us, 302-735-4006
Related Topics: Delaware, education, Teacher, TOY, year
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