Finding ways to improve Delaware’s educational system and expanding opportunities for every child was the focus of a TEDx event in February.
More than 300 teachers, school officials, and child advocates packed the glittering Gold Ballroom at the Hotel du Pont. The topic: “Education Possible.”
Local, regional and national authorities challenged attendees to find ways to improve school facilities, devise programs for the poor and disabled, and dare to be innovative. Finding those solutions could go a long way toward closing the state’s achievement gap between low-income students and those of means.Read more.
Three Rodel Teacher Council members spoke at the TedxWilmington: Education Possible Conference. Learn more about their talks below.
At times, an educator may be the only good thing that happens in a student’s day.
With that in mind, Lisa Mims, fourth grade teacher at Pleasantville Elementary, shares what could happen in classrooms where students know their teacher cares. The benefits could change your classroom!
The U.S. is facing a teacher shortage. One of the many factors is that not as many college students are choosing to major in education.
Stephanie Diggins, Teacher Academy/theatre teacher at William Penn High School, asks what if students were able to experience the profession from a teacher’s perspective before they graduate high school?
Robyn Howton, National Board Certified Teacher and ELA Chairperson/AVID Coordinator at Mount Pleasant High School, argues that the key to improving our schools is already in our classrooms and is not being fully utilized.
She gives real-world examples of teachers who are leading the charge while staying in their classroom.
Save The Date:
Local and National Conferences
Youth Entrepreneurship Summit 2018: A World Made by You (April 11-13, Newark)
The youth entrepreneurship summit is a unique three-day conference providing students, educators, and supporters from around the world the opportunity to develop new skills while energizing their entrepreneurial spirit. Learn from world-class speakers, entrepreneurs, and mentors. Join a community of like-minded peers and forge lifelong connections.
7th Annual Making A Difference Conference(April 13-14, Dover)
The Delaware Association for the Education of Young Children partners each spring with Delaware Head Start Association, with support from Delaware Department of Education for the annual Making A Difference in Early Childhood: A Conference for Early Childhood Professionals. Registration for the 2018 conference is now open.
Delaware Readiness Teams Parent Conference (April 14, Dover)
Join the Delaware Readiness Teams as they explore new strategies to aide your child’s developmental progress. The keynote speaker is Brandon Gogue who will help you guide your child’s unique gifts and talents to achieve success and happiness. This event is free and open to the public. Breakfast and lunch will be served.
Delaware Education Funding Summit (April 19, Newark)
Join the Education Equity Delaware coalition for a half-day summit on the state’s education funding system. Attendees will hear from national and local experts about opportunities to better serve our students by providing equitable and adequate resources according to their need and join an advocacy movement and a coordinated coalition of organizations committed to excellent and equitable education opportunities for all Delaware students.
2018 Delaware STEM Symposium & Educator Awards (May 2, Dover)
Join the celebration at the 2018 Delaware STEM Symposium & Educator Awards Gala. The day will consist of three panels: the role of STEM in food and agricultural production, the future of STEM in health care, and the key role of IT across STEM industries in Delaware. The group will then all meet together to hear remarks from prominent elected officials and the announcement of the winners of the 2018 Educator Awards and a networking reception.
2018 Summer Program for Innovative Educators(June 19-20, Newark)
Learn how to integrate concepts of entrepreneurship into your classroom and programs. Educators will gain an understanding of the evidence-based entrepreneurial process—from design thinking and ideation, to the business model canvas and practice methods to apply these ideas in the classroom. This program will focus on experiential learning and is relevant for all pathways.
2018 Summer Certificate Program for Teaching Entrepreneurship (June 24-28, Newark)
The summer certification Program for Teaching Entrepreneurship (PTE) is a program for high school teachers who are interested in utilizing Horn Entrepreneurship’s state-of-the-art, evidence-based curriculum with their students. Participation in PTE also provides educators with a discounted license of the Horn Entrepreneurship semester-based high school evidence-based entrepreneurship curriculum.
NCSS Outstanding Social Studies Teacher of the Year(Deadline: April 30)
The annual NCSS Outstanding Teacher of the Year Awards recognize exceptional classroom social studies teachers for grades K-6, 5-8, and 7-12 who teach social studies regularly and systematically in elementary school settings, and at least half-time in middle or junior high and high school settings. Award winners receive $2,500, complimentary one-year membership in NCSS, and present a session on their work at the NCSS Annual Conference.
Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (Deadline: May 1)
The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching are the highest honors bestowed by the United States government specifically for K-12 mathematics and science teaching. Established by Congress in 1983, the President may recognize up to 108 exemplary teachers each year. Awardees serve as models for their colleagues, inspiration to their communities, and leaders in the improvement of STEM education.
NEA Learning & Leadership Grant (Deadline: June 1)
NEA Learning & Leadership grants support the professional development of NEA members by providing grants to: individuals to participate in high-quality professional development like summer institutes, conferences, seminars, travel abroad programs, or action research groups to fund collegial study, including study groups, action research, lesson plan development, or mentoring experiences for faculty or staff. Preference is given to proposals that incorporate STEM and/or global competence.
Teacher Awards for Literacy (Deadline: June 1)
Do you know a great teacher? Teachers can apply or be nominated to the Penguin Random House Teacher Awards for Literacy $10,000, $5,000 and $2,500 grant awards are available including $2,500 in Penguin Random House titles. Transportation, lodging, and conference registration is also provided for the $10,000 grant recipient to attend the Penguin Random House Awards event at the National Council of Teachers of English Conference in Houston from November 15-18, 2018.
The Friday Institute – Massive Open Online Courses for Educators (Various Dates)
The Friday Institute is deeply involved in bringing competency-based approaches into educator preparation, credentialing and professional development. The Friday group has developed a series of micro-credentials for teachers, coaches, and administrators. These self-directed, job-embedded, competency and research-based demonstrations of understanding or skills often support and extend the learning opportunities offered in the MOOC-Eds but can also be earned outside of the context of our courses.
TranspARTation Grants(Ongoing)
The TranspARTation Grant supports travel costs to Delaware arts and cultural institutions and venues so that students may attend events, performances, and exhibits that have high-quality arts components. TranspARTation applications are accepted on an ongoing basis but must be received at least six weeks prior to the field trip date.
