June 25, 2025

Secretary Marten’s vision for transforming Delaware schools

The following was written by Delaware Secretary of Education Cindy Marten for the Delaware Literacy Alliance.

As I reach the milestone of my first 90 days as Delaware’s Secretary of Education, I want to take a moment to share some reflections on what our state has accomplished so far—and share where we’re headed next. This role is a great honor and a tremendous responsibility, and every day I am reminded of the incredible potential within Delaware’s education system.

Our vision is ambitious but clear: to create a world-class birth-to-graduation continuum that guarantees every student—regardless of zip code or background—has access to a high-quality early start and a K-12 education system that prepares them to graduate ready to thrive, whether that means pursuing higher education, serving in the military or stepping confidently into the workforce.

One of our most urgent challenges is reversing the long decline in literacy and numeracy test scores. In my first three months, we have developed a plan to inject more than $30 million in resources toward addressing this literacy emergency. This includes $8 million for locally supported literacy programs tailored to meet the unique needs of each community. We have also invested $1.5 million to hire, train, and deploy a cohort of literacy coaches, following a model that proved successful in Mississippi. Coaches are already working closely with local schools and educators to build capacity and improve reading outcomes.

None of this progress would be possible without our talented teachers. Recruiting and retaining outstanding educators remains a cornerstone of our work. We’ve committed $75 million to raise teacher pay thanks to the recommendations of the Public Education Compensation Committee (PECC), with starting salaries to soon begin at $60,000 or more. This will make Delaware competitive with surrounding states for the first time in many years. We’re also expanding residency programs to grow local teaching talent as well as increasing pathways for paraprofessionals seeking teacher certification. Thanks to these efforts, teacher vacancies have already begun to decrease across all three counties.

Creating a positive classroom climate is equally critical to student success. With Senate Bill 106 and a $250,000 investment outlined in the 2026 budget proposal, Delaware can help ensure districts and charters can better restrict or ban cell phone use during class. Schools that have adopted these bans are already seeing more focused and engaged learning environments.

At the heart of our approach is a commitment to equity—investing where the need is greatest. On the funding front, we are pursuing a new funding model that gives local schools more control to address their unique priorities.

Looking ahead, my priority is to transform Delaware education as well as support districts and charters every step of the way. The journey ahead is challenging, but the momentum is strong. I am inspired every day by the dedication of Delaware’s school staff, families, and community partners. Thank you for your ongoing commitment to our students. Together, we will build a brighter future for Delaware.

Paraeducators, school staff advance toward teacher certification

Participants of the Delaware Grow Your Own Para-to-Teacher and the K-12 Teacher Apprentice programs graduated Wilmington University this month. Pictured left to right: Carissa Lehman, Courtney Sisofo, Nicole Fleetwood, Jamie Bartoski, Mari Biscieglia, Karen Burgess, and Alexis Cressman. (Not all participants are pictured.)

School staff across Delaware are making important strides toward full teacher certification through the state’s Grow Your Own (GYO) Para-to-Teacher and K–12 Teacher Apprenticeship programs. This month, graduates from both programs were recognized for completing educator coursework while continuing to work in schools. A few days later, new participants were welcomed at a signing event hosted by Wilmington University.

Both programs are part of Delaware’s ongoing effort to strengthen the teacher pipeline, especially in hard-to-fill subject areas and schools. The programs are supported through partnerships with the Delaware Department of Education (DDOE), Wilmington University, the Delaware Department of Labor, and local school districts and charter schools.

For the 2025–26 school year, 72 new participants will begin their journeys toward teacher certification. Eighteen paraeducators from Appoquinimink, Caesar Rodney, Smyrna, and Seaford school districts will take part in the Para-to-Teacher program, which enables participants to earn certification while continuing to serve in their current paraeducator roles.

Similarly, the K-12 Teacher Apprenticeship program provides current school staff – including instructional aides and support staff – with a pathway to earn K–12 teaching licenses. The program will serve 54 participants in Brandywine, Capital, Christina, Colonial, Red Clay, and Seaford districts. Focus areas include early childhood, elementary education, and secondary STEM and humanities.

Delaware’s focus on removing barriers for those entering the teaching profession as well as enhancing retention is reflected in other work as well. This week, Delaware Education Secretary Cindy Marten testified in support of Senate Bill 187, which would exempt educators from paying taxes on state funds used for student loan repayment. The proposed FY2026 budget includes salary increases for school staff, based on recommendations from the Delaware Public Education Compensation Committee (PECC). And several efforts are underway to improve working conditions that can contribute to additional teacher burnout and turnover, including universal student breakfast, addressing the state’s literacy emergency, and providing support for the projected growth in pre-K to 12 enrollment, which will soon total over 142,000 students.

Support for early childhood educators is also growing. Delaware State University’s Early Childhood Innovation Center (ECIC), partially funded by DDOE, currently serves 436 early learning professionals who are earning credentials and degrees while working in the field. DDOE is also working with Delaware State University and the University of Delaware to expand training and scholarship opportunities for early childhood educators. These efforts are expected to reach more than 3,000 professionals statewide.

Delaware’s ongoing commitment to build a strong and sustainable educator workforce is underway. Congratulations to all the current and future educators joining these programs!

Delaware’s career and technical education (CTE) programs are the backbone of Delaware Pathways and the state's workforce preparation system, preparing students throughout the state for future careers.

Lindsey Mizia, a 2009 graduate of Woodbridge High School, oversees continuous improvement departments at five Perdue Farms processing locations, including the Milford facility.

Lindsey’s passion for production agriculture was sparked through Woodbridge’s Animal Science program. Without a farm background, the program offered her a unique opportunity to explore her interests in both science and animals. “The Animal Science program was the perfect blend of the two,” she shared. Her experience in CTE inspired her to pursue a postsecondary degree in Animal Science, where the skills and knowledge she developed through CTE have helped her excel in various roles.

“I’m confident that none of it would have been possible without my early start with CTE and Animal Science during my time at Woodbridge,” she said.

Read other success stories and learn more CTE's impact in Delaware: https://delawarepathways.org/annual-report/

Farm-to-school programs strengthen education, nutrition

High school agriculture student's in the Colonial School District farm-to-school program manage seven acres of crops. The program centers around Historic Penn Farm, where fresh produce is grown and featured in school cafeterias, preserved for year-round use, and shared with the community. Younger students are provided opportunities to engage in garden and farm visits, creating districtwide hands-on learning experiences.

Initially supported by two USDA Farm to School Implementation Grants (in 2014 and 2018), the program is now sustained through the district’s Nutrition Services department, which funds a dedicated farm manager to oversee daily operations.

Read more about Colonial's program at tinyurl.com/4jbwmrft.

Summer meal sites available for children while school is out

Sites serving free food are available to children throughout the state this summer while school is out. Beginning this month, the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) provides healthy meals and snacks to all Delaware children. SFSP sites help ensure kids receive the nutrition they need to continue to grow, learn and play throughout the summer months. 

To find a site in your area:

SFSP is federally funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The Delaware Department of Education (DDOE) oversees local management of the program.

Delaware Department of Education I education.delaware.gov