General Assembly honors Teachers of the Year
Delaware’s 2013 State Teacher of the Year John Sell, joined by Delaware’s 2013 District Teachers of the Year, addressed legislators in both chambers today on education issues in Delaware after lawmakers passed a concurrent resolution honoring the educators.
Sell thanked legislators for their leadership in making Delaware a global leader in education reform and urged them to continue to investigate innovative ways to improve Delaware’s schools, particularly as related to improving teacher preparation programs, mentoring and teacher leadership opportunities. Governor Markell also outlined this as a priority for his second term in his State of the State address in January.
“We need to re-evaluate and take a fresh look at our pre-service teacher training, so that we are sure that what we are doing in our university classrooms better prepares our future teachers for the demands and challenges of the teaching profession,” Sell said. “Moreover, we can also strive to improve the mentoring programs we have in place for both teachers and our students so that we can proudly say we are doing all we can to give everyone the best opportunity for success.
Additionally, “we need to recognize the importance of fostering teacher leadership across the state so that our best teachers will remain where we need them most – in the classrooms,” he said.
The resolution sponsors were Sen. David Sokola and Rep. Darryl Scott, who chair the Senate and House’s respective education committees.
The 2013 Teachers of the Year are:
Katie Martinenza, Appoquinimink School District, Olive B. Loss Elementary—Grades 1-5 music
Sarah Rusk, Brandywine School District, Hanby Elementary School—Grade 5
Karen Hruz, Christina School District, George V. Kirk Middle School—Grade 7 social studies
Julie Alexander, Colonial School District, Harry O. Eisenberg Elementary—Grade 3
Donna Poore, New Castle County VoTech School District, St. Georges Technical High School—Grades 10-11 social studies
Patricia Dallas, Red Clay Consolidated School District, Richardson Park Learning Center— Pre-school
Susan Passwaters, Cape Henlopen School District, Milton Elementary School—Grades K-4 special education
Thomas Slavens, Delmar School District, Delmar Middle School—Grade 8 social studies
Cynthia Baker, Indian River School District, Millsboro Middle School—Grade 8 social studies
Crystal Ellison, Laurel School District, Laurel Middle School—Grade 8 special education mathematics
Laura Amidon, Seaford School District, Seaford Central Elementary—Grade 4
John Sell, Sussex Technical School District, Sussex Technical High School—Grades 11-12 English
Constance Bean, Woodbridge School District, Woodbridge High School—Grades 9-12 health/physical education
Kimberly P. Simmons, Caesar Rodney School District, W. Reily Brown Elementary—Grade 1
Jennifer O’Keefe, Capital School District, South Dover Elementary—Grades K-4 reading
Clara Conn, Lake Forest School District, Lake Forest Central Elementary—Grades 4-5 reading specialist
Michele McKenzie, Milford School District, Lulu Ross Elementary—Grade 5 English language arts/math
Sean P. Kenney, POLYTECH School District, POLYTECH High School—Grades 9-11 algebra/geometry
Stefanie Ralph, Smyrna School District, Smyrna Middle School—Grade 7 agriscience technology
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Delaware's Department of Education is committed to promoting the highest quality education
for every Delaware student by providing visionary leadership and superior service.
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Contact Info.
Alison Kepner Delaware Department of Education 401 Federal Street, Suite #2 Dover, Delaware 19901 Phone: (302) 735-4035 Fax: (302) 739-4654 Email: akepner@doe.k12.de.us |
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