October 30, 2024

Colonial Teacher Named Delaware 2025 Teacher of the Year

A high school social studies teacher from the Colonial School District is Delaware’s 2025 State Teacher of the Year.

Shelby Borst of William Penn High School now is Delaware’s nominee for National Teacher of the Year. Governor John Carney made the announcement tonight during a Dover ceremony to honor the 20 district/charter teachers of the year.

Borst, in her eighth year of teaching, advocates for more equitable learning systems. She started by recognizing needed changes within her own classroom then sought out professional learning to further her knowledge.

Analyzing the demographics of her own classes, she realized that the students on her roster for college preparatory classes were more likely to be Black or Hispanic, multilanguage learners and have lower grade-point averages. Those in her Advanced Placement and dual enrollment rosters were more likely to be white with higher grade-point averages and to have been previously enrolled in honors or AP courses. When she asked her college preparatory students about higher-level courses she found two similar responses: students either didn’t know the options existed or felt they couldn’t take the courses.

“Not only was I saddened by my students’ lack of confidence in their abilities, but I was also astounded by my students’ lack of knowledge about honors and AP-level courses,” Borst said. “No student, regardless of the barriers they face in society, should ever have to worry about hurdles in the classroom. Just as redlining denied Black and other communities of color access to homeownership for decades, gatekeeping currently denies Black and other underserved students access to the ownership of their education.”

Borst set out to dismantle systematic barriers that caused these responses in her students. She avidly recruited students in all levels of social studies courses, met with counselors to identify candidates for AP courses who are historically underrepresented, and created an informal flier for the behavioral science pathway.

The next year, her two AP classes turned into three – then five.

Video: Meet the 20 district/charter Teachers of the Year

Twenty Delaware educators were selected from among the nearly 10,000 public school teachers in the state as nominees for the 2025 Delaware Teacher of the Year award, which was announced earlier this month in Dover. The nominees each represent one of the state's 19 school districts and network of charter schools.

Candidates were nominated by their districts or the charter network during the 2024 calendar year because of their superior ability to inspire students with a love of learning, exemplary demonstration of professional traits and strong sense of dedication and devotion to teaching. Check out this video to learn more about what makes these teachers so amazing.

Delaware’s AP Success: Advancing Equity and Excellence

The following guest column was written by Delaware Secretary of Education Mark Holodick.

As Delaware’s Secretary of Education, I’m pleased to share the progress that Delaware students have made in Advanced Placement (AP) programs. This year, our state has seen significant growth in both AP participation and performance, reflecting our commitment to providing every student with access to challenging academic opportunities.

In 2024, we saw an 11.3% increase in the number of students taking one or more AP exams. That means 7,281 students are pushing themselves to take college-level coursework—up from 6,543 last year. Even more encouraging is the significant growth we’ve seen among our historically underserved student populations. Black student participation rose by 19.7%, and Hispanic students’ participation increased by 17.4%. These numbers reflect our concerted efforts to expand access to all students, making sure that AP classes are available and achievable for all students across the state.

Beyond participation, AP exam success has also improved. From 2023 to 2024, there was a 27.9% increase in the number of students scoring 3 or higher on their AP exams, a score typically recognized by colleges for credit. This year, 58.4% of all AP exams taken by Delaware students earned a score of 3, 4, or 5. Black and Hispanic students saw gains of 51.5% and 31.3%, respectively, in scores of 3 or higher.

These results are the outcome of focused efforts by the Delaware Department of Education (DDOE) and our schools and partners statewide. We’ve worked to ensure all students, regardless of background, have access to rigorous coursework and the support needed to succeed. To this end, DDOE has provided stronger professional development opportunities for AP teachers and coordinators, ensuring our educators are well-equipped to support students. Additionally, we’ve reduced fees for low-income students to eliminate financial barriers for AP exam participation.

This year, DDOE also hosted the inaugural “AP Day on the Hill,” where students and educators from schools that exemplify equity in AP access met with me and state legislators at Legislative Hall. It was an incredible moment to celebrate the impact that AP programs are having on our students’ lives. We also marked a milestone with the passing of House Bill 116, which requires public Delaware colleges and universities to grant credit for AP exam scores of 3 or higher. This legislation not only rewards our students’ hard work, but it also ensures that their efforts in AP courses have tangible benefits as they move into higher education.

Our state’s belief in providing every student with access to challenging coursework drives these achievements. As we look ahead, we will continue working to expand AP opportunities and close the equity gap in education. I’m incredibly proud of the progress our students, teachers, and schools have made. Delaware is leading the way in AP growth and success, and I’m confident this momentum will continue in the years to come.

First Spouse Tracey Quillen Carney, with DDOE and Delaware Readiness Teams, kicked off Kindergarten Registration at the Claymont Public Library on Wednesday, October 9.

“I’ve been the honorary chair of the Kindergarten Registration Campaign for almost eight years because it is important to make navigating this milestone as easy as possible for families,” said First Spouse Tracey Quillen Carney. “I flunked kindergarten registration when my oldest went to school — I couldn’t figure out our system here in Delaware. Now, the state’s universal, online system is so much more family-friendly; it’s more equitable; and it’s more likely to get kids signed up early, which helps the students, families, and schools prepare more effectively for the coming year.”

“There is nothing more important than ensuring all Delawareans can read at grade level by third grade. Making the step to enroll in kindergarten easier to navigate gives families more time to focus on other responsibilities that ensure their child’s success,” said Governor Carney. “I want to thank my wife Tracey for her advocacy around Kindergarten Registration, as well as the Delaware Department of Education and the Delaware Readiness Teams for their work to promote early education.”

Parents and guardians of children turning age five by August 31, 2025, are encouraged to begin planning for kindergarten registration now. DDOE launched a universal system in 2022 and Delaware Readiness Teams work in communities across the state to spread the word and help families navigate the process.

Delaware Readiness Teams is a statewide initiative of volunteer-based teams that bring together early learning professionals, school representatives, families, and community members to help support children birth to age eight get ready for school and life. In addition to advocating for the universal system, the group developed Kindergarten Registration Information Packets to guide families through the registration process. The system provides 24/7 access to forms in English and Spanish, and sets-up a common data system that enables sharing across districts when families move.

“The Department is committed to making the kindergarten transition year simple for families. We want registration as straightforward as possible. Their time is best spent talking and reading to their children,” said Caitlin Gleason, associate secretary of education for early childhood support. “We value our shared work with the Delaware Readiness Teams and our Governor’s Office to achieve this statewide goal.”

Launch into Your Future expands support for Delaware seniors

This year's Launch into Your Future Month is underway through Friday, Nov. 8, offering Delaware public high school seniors free, in-school support to help them plan and finalize their postsecondary transitions.

Launch Month - formerly College Application Month - takes place every October and November in public high schools across Delaware. The initiative is sponsored by the DDOE's Higher Education Office and the University of Delaware’s Institute for Public Administration (IPA).   

During Launch Month, schools provide seniors with dedicated time throughout the school day to explore postsecondary opportunities, which includes college, technical training, military enlistment, apprenticeships, and entering the workforce. Seniors receive access to free support and resources. Additionally, volunteers from across the state assist students with applications. 

Earlier this year, DDOE partnered with Brandywine School District, Delaware’s Adult Education Centers, and the Workforce Development Board to address barriers that prevent students from accessing technical training programs. The collaboration resulted in expanded resources this year for students interested in skilled trades as well as increased support for school counselors, ensuring that all students have equitable access to opportunities that align with their goals.

At the start of Launch Month, Delaware Secretary of Education Mark Holodick visited Brandywine High School, where he had the opportunity to speak with seniors about their post-graduation plans. Students shared their excitement about the variety of paths available to them and their optimism for the future.

Delaware seniors and their families are encouraged to connect with their schools this month to take full advantage of the resources available.

Delaware Department of Education I education.delaware.gov