A multilingual learner teacher from the Christina School District is Delaware’s 2027 State Teacher of the Year.
Dr. Jessica Liu of Etta J. Wilson Elementary School now is Delaware’s nominee for National Teacher of the Year. Secretary of Education Cindy Marten made the announcement tonight during a Dover ceremony to honor the 20 district/charter teachers of the year.
Liu’s teaching philosophy centers on high expectations, meaningful relationships and a strong sense of belonging. A 10-year classroom veteran, she believes students’ languages, cultures, interests and experiences should shape instruction, helping them see their identities as strengths.
“My students’ backgrounds enrich every lesson, while their connections, questions, and misconceptions continually refine my practice. Over the past decade, they’ve taught me that responsiveness isn’t about changing the destination; it’s about creating new pathways to help every learner reach their goal,” Liu said.
Her principal, Mabel Boutte, said Liu creates a classroom with “a dynamic, inclusive, and student-centered environment where all learners feel valued, challenged, and supported.”
Boutte said 100 percent of Liu’s multilingual learners met or exceeded their growth goals on their English language proficiency state testing: “This success is a direct result of her skillful differentiation, culturally responsive teaching practices, and consistent use of data to inform and adjust instruction, ensuring high levels of achievement for every student.”
Liu earned her Bachelor of Science in elementary education and Master of Arts in education in curriculum and instruction from the University of Connecticut. She also earned a Master of Arts in English language learning from Western Governors University and a Doctor of Education in educational leadership from American College of Education.
She inherits from outgoing State Teacher of the Year Jenna DiEleuterio 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 as two personal grants totaling an additional $5,000. The remaining 19 school district/charter honorees each will receive a personal grant of $2,000. All 20 teachers also received gifts from Wilmington University, Advantech Incorporated and their district superintendents or the Delaware Charter Network.
Liu also received gifts from the Delaware School Boards Association, Delaware State Education Association and Delaware State Teachers of the Year Association; 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; and a 10-karat gold ring from Jostens.
This year’s celebration was sponsored by Voya Financial.
NOTE TO MEDIA: Those interested in arranging interviews with Liu on Wednesday should contact Christina School District’s public information officer at Latasha.Johnson@christina.k12.de.us.
Media contact: Alison May, alison.may@doe.k12.de.us, 302-735-4006