Learning Leader Digest: September 2025

Welcome to the first edition of this year's Learning Leader Digest. Each month, we'll share highlights from our collective work across Delaware, practical strategies you can use right away, and research connections that strengthen our shared focus on growth and support.

Together, we will use this space to celebrate progress, share practical strategies, and stay aligned on our vision for high-quality teaching and learning across Delaware. If you'd like to nominate an educator or leader to be spotlighted in a future issue, please email Angela Socorso. We would love to celebrate the great work happening across our schools.

In this issue, you’ll find:
• Spotlight: Leaders and teachers learning together at the Leading Change Through the DTGSS Framework workshop.
• This Month's Focus - Growth mindset and the role of effective effort in teacher development.
• Leader Action Hub - A practical feedback question you can try in your next debrief conversation.
• Professional Opportunities - What's next for your learning? Ways to stay connected in statewide learning.

This month, we celebrate the leaders and teachers who committed their time and energy to professional learning all summer long. From Summer Spark to DTGSS District Presentations, from coaching sessions to credentialing, your dedication set the tone for the year ahead.

One highlight: in June, participants in our Leading Change Through the DTGSS Framework workshop engaged in powerful learning together. Leaders and teachers came together to connect a systems mindset with the DTGSS Framework to strengthen school improvement efforts.

Key learnings:

-Apply a systems mindset to align instruction with goals.

-Use DTGSS to define high-quality teaching and learning.

-Strengthen feedback and coaching with clear, data-driven steps.

Takeaway: Clear systems + focused feedback = stronger teacher growth.

We are incredibly proud of your hard work and commitment. See photos of leaders and teachers in action below!

Above pictured (left to right): LaRinda Jenkins (DHSS), Pauline Hurst (Christina), Andrea Green (NCCVT), Tamara Barnard (DHSS), Regina Deavens (Brandywine), Desiree Moore (JDG)
Below pictured (left to right): Stephen Wilson (NCCVT), Mary Jane Long (Capital), Robert Ferrell (NCCVT), Mindy Vickers (Learning Focused Faciliator)
Not pictured: Eula Hooten (Kuumba), Diamond Lee (Kuumba), Amanda McDonough (Indian River), Jodi Messick (Milford), Laurie Moorman (Milford), Kim Webb (Milford), Clay Beauchamp (Lake Forest), Catherine Kubota (First State Military Academy)

Growth mindset isn't just for students - it's for teachers and leaders, too. Don Marlett, CEO of Learning Focused, reminds us that it's not just effort alone that drives growth, but effective effort: trying new strategies, reflecting on results, and persisting through challenges.

When evaluation is seen as judgment, effort feels wasted. But when feedback highlights effective effort, teachers recognize that their growth is both possible and supported.

Leadership takeaway: In your next debrief, name the effective effort you see - "You've tried a new question strategy and pushed students to explain their thinking. Let's refine it further by adding one guiding question or a quick think-pair-share so every student has a chance to contribute..." - so teachers connect effort with improvement.

Read Don's full article here.

This process moves upward — starting with trying something new and progressing toward improved practice.

For Leaders: Instead of broad feedback like "students seemed disengaged," ground your feedback in specific evidence and tie it to the DTGSS indicators. Example: "Seven students had their heads down during independent work (Indicator 2.2 Learning Experiences). What might help them stay motivated to complete quality work?"

For Teachers: When trying a new strategy, take a moment after class to jot down: (1) What did I try? (2) What worked? (3) What will I adjust next time?

Leadership Lift 2025: Sharpening Observation & Feedback
Principals, strengthen your observation and feedback practice with our new 30-minute quick learning series designed specifically for administrators! These virtual sessions build your skills step-by-step, culminating in a personalized Leader Action Plan to drive teacher growth For more information, view the flyer HERE.

DTGSS Sessions for Teachers by Teachers
The Delaware Department of Education is offering virtual DTGSS sessions (4:30–5:30 PM) to support educators in strengthening their instructional practices and understanding of the DTGSS process. Each month features a focused theme, with special sessions dedicated to Early Childhood and Special Populations. Participants will earn clock hours toward re-licensure. For more information, view the flyer: DTGSS Sessions for Teachers by Teachers .

Studying Skillful Teaching (SST) Course
Educators across Delaware are invited to join the Studying Skillful Teaching (SST) program—an engaging professional learning opportunity designed to strengthen instructional knowledge, teaching skills, and cultural proficiency. The course supports educators in deepening their instructional practice to promote student motivation, learning, and achievement. Sessions emphasize research-based strategies aligned to the Delaware Teacher Classroom Observation Framework and are held virtually from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM. Participants will earn 36 clock hours. For more information, view the flyer HERE.

Schedule a Learning Walk
Leaning Walks are designed to strengthen leaders' ability to observe, collect evidence, and provide actionable feedback. Each visit runs 2-3 hours and includes classroom observations, time to identify look-fors, and a debrief where leaders can practice turning evidence into high-quality feedback. Aim to schedule one each quarter to build consistency. Support is available from the Educator Excellence team - contact Angela Socorso to plan your walk and engage with a thought partner for the process.

DTGSS Office Hours – Monthly Support for Observation and Feedback
School and district staff are invited to join DTGSS Office Hours, held the third Wednesday of each month from 9:00–10:00 AM, beginning August 20, 2025, through May 20, 2026. These informal, one-on-one support sessions offer space to analyze evidence, refine debrief questions, ask questions about DSC, and strengthen your use of the DTGSS framework. Whether you’re looking to think through feedback or clarify next steps, we’re here to help.Drop in as needed. Let’s strengthen your DTGSS practice—one thoughtful conversation at a time. We’re here to support you! Join Zoom Meeting here. Contact Angela Socorso.