CTE Student Leader Appointed to State Board of EducationGovernor Matt Meyer has appointed Caleb Marcus, a rising senior at Cape Henlopen High School, as the 2026–27 student member of the Delaware State Board of Education. Marcus has helped shape Delaware's Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs through his service on the Delaware Department of Education's Hospitality, Events, and Tourism curriculum redesign committee. He also serves as Student Director of his school's ProStart program and as Chief Financial Officer and Lead Voting Delegate for Delaware DECA, demonstrating the impact of Delaware Pathways and Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs) in preparing student leaders. Delaware Students Earn National STEM Recognition Through Career and Technical EducationDelaware is preparing students for high-demand careers by connecting classroom learning with authentic, hands-on experiences through Career and Technical Education. At the 2026 Technology Student Association National Conference, Delaware students earned a national championship and eight additional Top 10 finishes in engineering, robotics, software development, and other STEM competitions. Their success reflects the strength of Delaware’s CTE programs, which help students develop the technical knowledge, creativity, leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills needed for college, careers, military service, and Delaware’s future workforce. Delaware Students Earn National Recognition While Building Future of HealthcareDelaware is preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals by connecting classroom learning with real-world experiences. That preparation was evident at the 2026 HOSA International Leadership Conference, where 168 Delaware students, advisors, and chaperones from 19 chapters earned national recognition through Top 10 competitive event finishes, service awards, and a historic international student leadership election. Their success reflects the strength of Delaware’s Career and Technical Education programs and the partnerships that help students build the technical, leadership, and professional skills needed for healthcare careers. Delaware CTE Honors Educators for Strengthening Academic Excellence Through Career and Technical EducationSix Delaware Career and Technical Education educators were recognized during the Teaching REAL Lab Showcase for completing the inaugural SREB CTE REAL Lab, a yearlong professional learning initiative that strengthens academic integration in CTE classrooms. Participants designed, taught, and refined interdisciplinary lessons that authentically integrated literacy, mathematics, and science into technical instruction, improving student engagement and workforce relevance. Their work advances Delaware's Perkins V priorities by strengthening rigorous instruction and college and career readiness. Delaware CTE is now recruiting educators for the next cohort, beginning Fall 2026 and concluding Spring 2027. Participants will receive coaching, collaborate with peers and industry partners, earn 45 hours of professional learning toward licensure, and leave with classroom-ready lessons that immediately benefit students. For more information about the SREB CTE REAL Lab or how to join in the 2026–2027 cohort, contact Mike Fitzgerald at Mike.Fitzgerald@doe.k12.de.us Delaware Students Help Build Future of Delaware’s Educator WorkforceDelaware is strengthening its educator workforce by helping students explore teaching careers through Teacher Academy and Educators Rising. At the 2026 Educators Rising National Conference, Delaware students earned more than 20 Top 10 national finishes, including three national championships, demonstrating excellence in classroom instruction, leadership, communication, and career exploration. Their success reflects the strength of Delaware’s Career and Technical Education programs, which provide authentic classroom experiences that prepare future teachers, educational leaders, and other professionals to serve Delaware schools and communities. Engineering Pathway Student Named to Delaware CTE Advisory CouncilCongratulations to Rayya Karim, a student in the Engineering Pathway at MOT Charter School, on appointment as the 2026–2027 student representative to the Delaware Advisory Council on Career and Technical Education (DACCTE). A two-time national qualifier in TSA and BPA, Rayya has earned numerous state and national honors in engineering, video game design, and user experience design. Leadership roles, industry certifications, and a strong record of community service reflect a commitment to excellence. Service on DACCTE will bring an accomplished student perspective to statewide discussions that strengthen Career and Technical Education opportunities across Delaware. CTE's Dr. Michael Hill-Shaner Receives National Vanguard Award from Educators RisingDr. Michael Hill-Shaner, Education Associate with the Delaware Department of Education and State Director of Delaware Educators Rising, received the prestigious Educators Rising Vanguard Award at the 2026 National Conference in Portland, Oregon. The national honor recognizes visionary leadership and outstanding contributions to strengthening the educator workforce pipeline. A former Delaware Teacher Academy student at Smyrna High School, Hill-Shaner has dedicated 30 years to expanding opportunities for future educators through innovative Career and Technical Education programs, student leadership, and initiatives that inspire students to discover they belong in education. Delaware Student Delegation Excels at SkillsUSA National ConferenceDelaware students demonstrated the power of career and technical education at the 2026 SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference, earning six national championships and 44 industry-recognized Skill Point Certificates. Led by Andrea Keen, State Director of SkillsUSA Delaware who is with the Delaware Department of Education’s Office of Career and Technical Education (CTE), a record delegation of 119 students and advisors showcased the technical expertise, leadership, professionalism, and career readiness developed through Delaware’s CTE programs and career pathways. These achievements highlight the success of providing students with meaningful connections to education, industry, and workforce opportunities while preparing them for continued success in college, careers, and life. Delaware Pathways Launches Updated CTE Exploration Website!The newly updated Delaware Pathways website, “Find Your Future. Start Your Path.”, is now aligned with the Advance CTE National Career Clusters® Framework. Reflecting 14 Career Clusters and 72 Subclusters, the site provides a consistent structure for exploring Delaware Career & Technical Education pathways and career opportunities. The update supports Delaware’s efforts to strengthen connections between education, workforce development, and economic growth while advancing the Department of Education’s priorities of expanding student access to high-quality learning experiences, informed career exploration, and pathways that prepare learners for postsecondary education and the workforce. NASA TechRise Student ChallengeHelp inspire the next generation of innovators by engaging your school in the 2026–27 NASA TechRise Student Challenge. Share the challenge website and outreach resources with educators, students, and families so they can pre-register for updates and explore participation opportunities. Schools are encouraged to request a NASA TechRise information session to learn more about the challenge and how to get involved. For additional materials, resources, or support in promoting the challenge within your school community, contact the TechRise team at techrise@futureengineers.org.Delaware Students Can Earn High School Credit Through Volunteer Service!Delaware high school students can now earn one elective credit through community service participation across the state. Students who complete 90 verified volunteer hours are eligible to receive official transcript credit through Delaware’s Volunteer Credit program, recognized by the Delaware Department of Education. The opportunity is open to high school students statewide and allows many already-active volunteers to turn service into academic achievement. Students can begin by registering through Get Connected Delaware and selecting “Delaware Volunteer Credit (DVC)” to access approved opportunities and join the statewide participant user group for additional volunteer experiences. National Technical Honor Society The National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) is the premier honor society for Career & Technical Education (CTE), recognizing excellence since 1984. With over 1.2 million members, NTHS supports students through career development, leadership, service, and recognition. Partnering with organizations like SkillsUSA, HOSA, BPA, FCCLA, DECA, and TSA and others. NTHS enhances opportunities for CTE students. It has awarded over $3 million in scholarships, helping members pursue college, technical training, or careers in high-demand fields. Visit https://nths.org/contact-nths/ to learn how to bring NTHS to your school! Using Additional Data Sources to Support CLNA FindingsThis email resource from Dr. Jon Wickert provides Delaware secondary CTE leaders with supplemental data sources to strengthen the Comprehensive Local Needs Assessment (CLNA). It aligns a wide range of local and state data, including assessment results, graduation outcomes, postsecondary placement, credentials, work-based learning, program quality, and stakeholder feedback, to specific Perkins performance indicators and CLNA sections. The guide emphasizes that the list is not exhaustive, encourages the use of additional relevant evidence, and supports more comprehensive, data-informed decision-making for continuous program improvement and local application planning. How CTE Aligns with the New DOE Strategic PlanCTE Alignment with the Delaware DOE Strategic Plan outlines how Career and Technical Education supports the state’s key priorities. It positions CTE as a driver of student success, workforce readiness, and economic growth through career-connected learning and credential attainment. Organized around core areas—Bright Beginnings, Safe and Supportive Schools, Great Teaching and Learning, Fair Opportunities for Every Learner, and Family and Community Partnerships—the resource highlights strong outcomes in graduation, placement, and access while emphasizing connections between education, industry, and communities. Delaware Safety GuidesThe International Technology and Engineering Educators Association (ITEEA) recognized Delaware’s 2025 Safety Guide as a model resource for classrooms that incorporate hands-on learning. Developed by the Delaware Department of Education’s Office of CTE/STEM Initiatives in collaboration with the Office of Curriculum, Instruction, and Professional Learning, the guide aligns with OSHA standards and industry best practices to help educators strengthen safety instruction, reduce risk, and create safe, engaging learning environments in classrooms, laboratories, shops, and field-based settings. Delaware TRAILS Environmental STEM Design Institute to be held on Aug 12-13, 2026The Delaware TRAILS STEM Design Institute, to be held August 12–13, 2026, at Dover High School, is a two-day professional learning experience for CTE, STEM, engineering, agricultural science, environmental, and science educators. Participants will investigate local water quality issues through field-based data collection and environmental analysis, then apply the engineering design process to design and manufacture a fishing lure using CAD software, 3D printing, and introductory mold-making techniques. Educators will explore Delaware’s Environmental Literacy Competencies, strengthen career-connected instructional practices, earn professional learning hours and a stipend, and leave with classroom-ready resources that connect STEM learning to real-world environmental challenges. For more information, contact Mike Fitzgerald at mike.fitzgerald@doe.k12.de.us.TSA Chapter Advisor Kick-Off Planning Meeting - Nov 5, 2026The TSA Chapter Advisor Kick-Off Planning Meeting, held November 5, 2027, at the Delaware Department of Education Townsend Building in Dover, will bring together Delaware TSA advisors to prepare for the 2027–2028 school year. Advisors will receive updates on membership, competitive events, conferences, leadership opportunities, deadlines, and statewide initiatives. Participants will review resources, discuss recruitment and engagement strategies, share best practices, and collaborate with fellow advisors to support student success, leadership development, and active participation in TSA programs throughout the year. For more information, contact Mike Fitzgerald at mike.fitzgerald@doe.k12.de.us. PDMS course #44504 | Section #92456 Embedding OSHA 10 Within a Comprehensive CTE Safety Culture - March 2, 2027Embedding OSHA 10 Within a Comprehensive CTE Safety Culture, held March 2, 2027, at the Collette Education Resource Center in Dover, will support Delaware Agriculture, Construction, and Manufacturing educators in integrating workplace safety concepts into daily instruction and authentic learning experiences. Participants will explore strategies for embedding hazard identification, risk assessment, and safety-based decision-making into classroom, laboratory, project-based learning, work-based learning, and CTSO activities. The session will highlight alignment with the Delaware CTE Safety Manual and provide practical tools and resources to strengthen safety culture and prepare students for success in education, training, and the workplace. For more information, contact Mike Fitzgerald at mike.fitzgerald@doe.k12.de.us. PDMS course #44588 | Section #92814. Middle School Engineering byDesign™ STEM Workshop - March 8, 2027The Middle School Engineering byDesign™ STEM Workshop, held March 8, 2027, at the Collette Education Resource Center in Dover, Delaware, will introduce middle school CTE educators to the Engineering byDesign™ (EbD) STEM curriculum and its approach to authentic, project-based learning. Participants will explore curriculum resources, instructional strategies, and hands-on activities that integrate engineering, technology, science, and mathematics while fostering creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving skills. Educators will gain an understanding of course content, implementation requirements, and career pathway connections, leaving with practical tools and resources to support high-quality STEM instruction and student engagement in engineering design challenges. For more information, contact Mike Fitzgerald at mike.fitzgerald@doe.k12.de.us. PDMS course #44589 | Section #92816 |
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