The report is the result of a cooperative inquiry between the State Auditor’s Office and the Delaware Department of Education

Dover, DE – The Delaware Office of Auditor of Accounts (AOA) issued a special report today examining certification and licensure gaps among a group of 62 special education teachers. The report, which outlines preliminary observations and questions requiring further study, is the result of a cooperative inquiry by AOA and the Delaware Department of Education (DOE). The teachers examined in the report were previously named as part of a larger group of educators lacking proper credentials in an April 22 article published by the Delaware News Journal.

“Ensuring educators are properly certified and licensed is about more than just compliance with the law. It is an essential guardrail to protect Delaware students,” said State Auditor Lydia E. York. “This initial report focused on special education, but our observations may indicate a larger issue. I want to thank Secretary Marten and DOE for their collaboration in this inquiry, and for taking proactive steps to address gaps in licensing and certification among Delaware educators.”

This legislative session The Delaware General Assembly worked with DOE to pass HB 97, a bill that strengthens licensure and permitting requirements for educators. Critically, the legislation also allows DOE to claw back State funds paid to improperly credentialed educators.

“Recent events have made it crystal clear: Delaware’s educator licensing processes are long overdue for reform,” said Delaware Secretary of Education Cynthia “Cindy” Marten. That’s why the Department of Education and the Professional Standards Board partnered closely with Representative Kim Williams and the General Assembly this year to pass House Bill 97—legislation that empowers the state to impose financial penalties when licensure requirements are ignored or not followed.

“I commend the Auditor for lending the full weight of her office to our efforts. The speed and professionalism with which her report was issued today sends a strong message: Delaware can no longer delay getting its licensing processes in order.

“In tandem, my department also launched its own investigation into compliance with IDEA and will require corrective action for districts/charters as necessary—because every student receiving special education services deserves full access to the supports they are entitled to under the law.”

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