President Joe Biden has named six Delaware teachers recipients of the 2021 – 2023 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST).

The PAEMST is the highest recognition that a kindergarten through 12th grade science, technology, engineering, or mathematics teacher may receive for outstanding teaching in the United States. Up to 112 teachers are recognized each year.

Presidential Awardees receive a certificate signed by the President of the United States, a trip to Washington D.C. to attend a series of recognition events and professional development opportunities, and a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation.

Awardees also join an active network of outstanding educators from throughout the nation. Since 1983, more than 5,500 teachers have been recognized for their contributions in the classroom and to their profession. Awardees reflect the expertise and dedication of the Nation’s teaching corps, and they demonstrate the positive impact of excellent teachers on student achievement.

Delaware PAEMST Awardees announced this week

 

2021

Michael Reitemeyer, Mount Pleasant High School, Brandywine School District (mathematics)

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 (mathematics)

Maria Cobb, Mount Pleasant Elementary School, Brandywine School District (science)

 

2023

Brittney Stewart, Caesar Rodney High School, Caesar Rodney School District (mathematics)

Michael Doody, formerly of William Penn High School, Colonial School District (science)

 

“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. “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, which the national program will decide upon at a future date. 

The goal of the PAEMST program is to exemplify the highest standards of mathematics and science teaching (including technology, engineering and computer science) in addition to honoring individual achievement. Awardees serve as models for their colleagues, inspiration to their communities, and leaders in the improvement of mathematics and science education.  The award alternates between teachers of kindergarten through 6th grade and those teaching 7th through 12th grades.  Every year each state selects up to three mathematics teachers and three science teachers as state finalists. A national selection committee reviews state finalist applications and selects one awardee in each content area for every state. Teachers are recognized for their contributions to teaching and learning and their ability to help students make progress in mathematics and science.

For more information about PAEMST and to see nomination forms and application instructions, visit paemst.nsf.gov

Seventeen schools across the state are being recognized either nationally or by the state for the academic progress of their students last year.

“I congratulate all of these school communities – the educators, families, district leadership, community supporters and, most of all, the students for their hard work,” Secretary of Education Mark Holodick said. “Progress like this takes the commitment of everyone, and all should celebrate this success.”

 

Delaware schools nationally recognized as ESEA Distinguished Schools

Rehoboth Elementary School and Lake Forest South Elementary School are among a host of U.S. schools that have been named as 2024 National ESEA Distinguished Schools for the extraordinary success of their students. The National Association of ESEA State Program Administrators (NAESPA), formerly the National Title I Association, has been selecting examples of superior, federally funded school programs for national recognition through the National ESEA Distinguished Schools program (formerly the National Title I Distinguished Schools program) since 1996.

Lake Forest South Elementary School, in the Lake Forest School District, is being recognized as a National ESEA Distinguished School for Closing the Achievement Gap between student groups and for the academic progress that the students made during the 2023-2024 school year on standardized achievement tests.  Kevin Truitt is the school’s principal.

Rehoboth Elementary School, in the Cape Henlopen School District, is being recognized as a National ESEA Distinguished School for Excellence in Serving Special Populations and for the growth and progress towards English language proficiency that the multilanguage learners made during the 2023-2024 school year.  Doris Person is the school’s principal.

The 2024 National ESEA Distinguished Schools will be honored February 18-21, 2025, at the 2024 National ESEA Conference in Austin, Texas.  More information about all National ESEA Distinguished Schools is available on the NAESPA website: www.ESEAnetwork.org/awards.

 

15 additional schools named Delaware Recognition or Continued Excellence Schools

Delaware Secretary of Education Mark Holodick is pleased to commend and recognize 15 additional schools from across the state for their students’ growth and progress in three categories.  Awards are given for Exceptional Student Performance and Growth on the state’s English language arts and mathematics assessment for grades 3-8, Academic Growth and Closing the Achievement GAP between student groups on the 3-8 assessment as well as the SAT taken in 11^th grade, or Excellence in Serving Special Populations where multiple language learners showed exceptional growth toward meeting proficiency on the state’s English proficiency test.

Twelve schools that are named 2024 Recognition Schools will receive an $8,000 award, a certificate, and a banner to hang in their building.  Three schools are also being recognized as Schools of Continued Excellence and will also receive a certificate and a banner. Schools of Continued Excellence are schools that have qualified as a Recognition School for the second consecutive year so are ineligible for the Recognition award this year.

 

2024 Recognition School Award Winners for Exceptional Student Performance:

• Frederick Douglass Elementary School, Seaford School District

• • Principal Carol Leveillee

• North Smyrna Elementary School, Smyrna School District

• • Principal Amber Augustus

• Seaford Central Elementary School, Seaford School District

• • Principal Chandra Phillips

 

2024 Recognition School Award Winners for Closing the Achievement Gap:

• Hartly Elementary School, Capital School District

• • Principal Jennifer Christman

• Hodgson Vo-Tech High School, New Castle County Vocational Technical School District

• • Principal Christine Colihan

 

2024 Recognition School Award Winners for Excellence in Serving Special Populations:

• Brookside Elementary School, Christina School District

• • Principal Eric Stephens

• Claymont Elementary School, Brandywine School District

• • Principal Eryn Smith

• Marbrook Elementary School, Red Clay Consolidated School District

• • Principal Maya Aldas

• North Georgetown Elementary School, Indian River School District

• • Principal Carolyn Fries

• Kathleen Wilbur Elementary School, Colonial School District

• • Principal Lindsay DiEmidio

• Long Neck Elementary School, Indian River School District

• • Principal Kathleen Wilson

• Marshall Elementary School, Christina School District

• • Principal Krystal Greenfield

 

2024 School of Continued Excellence:

• Blades Elementary School, Seaford School District

• • Principal Christy Parsons

• West Seaford Elementary School, Seaford School District

• • Principal Becky Neubert

• Woodbridge Early Childhood Education Center, Woodbridge School District

• • Principal Dane Sears

 

Media contact: Alison May, alison.may@doe.k12.de.us, 302-735-4006

Smyrna High School was named the national champion at this year’s Educators Rising conference – the second consecutive national win and the first time any team has won two years in a row.

Also for the second year in a row, 36 percent of the individuals/teams from Delaware placed in the Top 10.

Educators Rising is a career and technical education student organization for future educators.

“Congratulations to these students on their exemplary performance at the conference and, even more importantly, their passion for education careers. Our schools and their future students need their leadership, and I look forward to their talents one day supporting student learning in Delaware schools,” Secretary of Education Mark Holodick said.

Additional Highlights:

• Taylor Jenkins (University of Delaware/Seaford High School  Class of 2023) finished her term as the National Vice-President of Community Service
• Kylie Hill-Shaner of Smyrna Middle School was recognized as the first middle school student across the nation to serve as an Educators Rising state officer.
• Maddox Battaglia & Kylie Hopp of Smyrna Middle School are the first middle school students from Delaware to place at the national level at Educators Rising.
• Kaylea Patterson was the first collegiate student in Delaware to win in Public Speaking

Here is a quick snapshot of finalists:

Middle School Division: 

• Maddox Battaglia & Kylie Hopp (Smyrna Middle School)  – 5^th Place Children’s Literature K-3

Junior Varsity Division:

• Georgina Dixon & Katherine Hernan (Smyrna High School) – 2^nd Place Children’s Literature K-3
• India Motley (St. George’s Technical High School) – 6^th Place Children’s Literature K-3
• Ciara Martinez (Smyrna High School) – 10^th Place Creative Lecture
• Madison Lomax (Smyrna High School) – 3^rd Place Educators Rising Moment
• Nora Kelly (Smyrna High School) – 1^st Place Exploring Education Administration Careers
• Anaya Pascascio (Smyrna High School) – 8^th Place Exploring Non-Core Teaching Subjects
• Adison Weisenberger (Smyrna High School) – 5^th Place Exploring Support Services Careers
• Cameron Estrada (Smyrna High School) – 6^th Place Impromptu Speaking
• Emily Dulop & Olivia Natarcola (Smyrna High School) – 5^th Place Public Service Announcement: Teacher Recruitment

Varsity Division: 

• Zaniyah Massenburg & Demia Moon (St. George’s Technical High School) – 5^th Place Children’s Literature Pre-K
• Maria Chirino (Smyrna High School) – 3^rd Place Children’s Literature K-3 Spanish
• Helen Ramos (Sussex Central High School) – 5^th Place Educators Rising Moment: Spanish
• Lizbeth Tovar-Lemus (Thomas McKean High School) – 9^th Place Educators Rising Moment: Spanish
• Kibwe Harris, Michai Hernandez, Shania Caulk, & Tyson Kelley (Smyrna High School) – 5^th Place Ethical Dilemma
• Emory Womack (St. George’s Technical High School) – 1^st Place Exploring Education Administration Careers
• Hailey Ennis (Smyrna High School) – 4^th Place Exploring Non-Core Teaching Subjects
• Olivia Marzullo (Sussex Central High School) Top 10 Exploring Support Services Careers
• Austin Colazzo (Middletown High School) – 4^th Place Impromptu Speaking
• Hanna Brock, Talaney Pierce, & Bella Carroll (Smyrna High School) – 7^th Place Inside Our Schools
• Jah’Siah Fyffe (St. George’s Technical High School) – 10^th Place Job Interview
• Abigail McConologue & Devan Watkins (St. George’s Technical High School) – 10^th Place Public Service Announcement: Teacher Recruitment
• Breehanna Campbell & Brianna Kalb (Smyrna High School) – White Ribbon Teacher Created Materials

Collegiate Division:

• Kaylea Patterson (University of Delaware) – 1^st Place Public Speaking

 

Media contact: Alison May, alison.may@doe.k12.de.us, 302-735-4006

More than 180 students brought home medals from this month’s Delaware Educators Rising State Leadership Conference — with more than 80 students qualifying for the national conference this summer.

Winners in the children’s literature competitive events were awarded scholarships from University of Delaware and winners in the Educators Rising Moment, a speech event, were awarded scholarships from Wilmington University.

Rising education professionals engaged in multiple professional learning sessions hosted by University of Maryland Eastern Shore, University of Delaware, and Wilmington University, as well as keynote sessions with Sinead Ronan (2024 Delaware Educational Support Professional of the Year), Representative Sherae’a Moore, Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long, and Cory Hafer, 2024 Delaware Teacher of the Year.

The Delaware Department of Education (DDOE) partnered with University of Delaware to host the event in Newark.

Delaware Educators Rising is a career and technical student organization (CTSO) affiliated with the Delaware Teacher Academy. The organization integrates learning opportunities into existing education and training programs to prepare Delaware youth for future education careers.

Educators Rising students participate in professional and personal development events, engage in state and national educational competitions, and expand their experiences as rising educational professionals. The program is also engaged in Delaware Grow Your Own, which allows school districts and charter schools throughout the state to recruit future teachers early from within their own teacher academies.

For a list of awardees and more photos, visit Educators Rising results.

 

Media contact: Alison May, alison.may@doe.k12.de.us, 302-735-4006

Future educators from Smyrna High School were named national champions at the Educators Rising National Conference.

 

In total, 18 individual or teams from Delaware were recognized with Top 10 honors.  Smyrna High School had 11 individuals or teams place in the Top 10 and was crowned 2023 National Champion.

 

Delaware Teacher Academy students and advisors from across the state attended the 2023 Educators Rising National Conference in Orlando.  Delaware was represented by students from Appoquinimink School District’s Appoquinimink High School, Brandywine School District’s Concord High School, Cape Henlopen School District’s Cape Henlopen High School, Indian River School District’s Sussex Central High School, Laurel School District’s Laurel High School, New Castle County Vocational Technical School District’s Howard High School of Technology, Red Clay Consolidated School District’s McKean High School, Seaford School District’s Seaford High School, Smyrna School District’s Smyrna High School and Delaware Technical Community College.

 

Throughout the conference students were able to engage in professional and personal development opportunities, networking and competitive events.  Educators Rising competitions are performance-based competitive events in which aspiring educators demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and leadership in education.

 

Seaford High School’s Taylor Jenkins was elected as the national vice president of service.  Jenkins is only the third student in Delaware to be elected as a national officer with Educators Rising.

 

To learn more about the Delaware Educators Rising visit www.delawareedrising.org  or contact Michael Hill-Shaner at michael.hill-shaner@doe.k12.de.us.

 

JV Division
Student	School	Competition	Place
Brianna Kalb	Smyrna High School	Exploring Student Support Services	4th
Malika Opelogo	Concord High School	Creative Lecture (TEDTalk)	4th
Alexandra Passero	Smyrna High School	Exploring Non-Core Teaching Careers	1st
Mekenzie Square-Ward	Smyrna High School	Job Interview	1st

 

Varsity Division
Student	School	Competition	Place
Faith Givens, Caroline Ricketts, & Jessica Marie Price	Laurel High School	Ethical Dilemma	8th
Madison Williams, Elizabeth Nix, & Madison Retzlaff	Smyrna High School	Inside Our Schools	6th
Leah Bonsignore	Smyrna High School	Public Speaking	6th
Abigail Long	Smyrna High School	Impromptu Speaking	6th
Marlayna Pennington	Smyrna High School	Job Interview	5th
Olivia Marzullo	Sussex Central High School	Job Interview	4th
Zachary Naar	Cape Henlopen High School	Exploring Non-Core Teaching Careers	4th
Taylor Colman	Smyrna High School	Educators Rising Moment	3rd
Allexi Steele	Smyrna High School	Creative Lecture (TEDTalk)	3rd
Emma Kate Reist	Cape Henlopen High School	Exploring Student Support Service Careers	3rd
Hailey Ennis	Smyrna High School	Exploring Student Support Service Careers	2nd
Madison Retzlaff	Smyrna High School	Exploring Education Administration Careers	2nd
Gala Meseguer-Molina	Laurel High School	Children’s Literature – Spanish	1st

 

Collegiate Division
Student	School	Competition	Place
Victoria Henry & Celina Lombardi	Delaware Technical Community College	Children’s Literature	1st

 

Media contact: Alison May, alison.may@doe.k12.de.us, 302-735-4006