The Delaware Department of Education has launched Explore Delaware Schools, a new online portal that gives families one trusted place to find public school information. Users can search schools by home address, view attendance boundaries, explore school profiles, access available performance information, and connect to additional statewide education resources. Designed to make public information more transparent, accessible, and easier to navigate, the portal supports families, educators, and community members in making informed decisions.

Career and Technical Education (CTE) is preparing students for a workforce increasingly driven by data. Delaware's proposed *Introduction to Data Science* course is a value-added CTE capstone that strengthens existing Programs of Study by integrating data analytics, coding, artificial intelligence, mathematics, and problem-solving into authentic career applications. Designed to complement pathways such as Business, Information Technology, Engineering, Agriculture, Health Sciences, Manufacturing, and Cybersecurity, the course equips students with technical and employability skills valued across industries. Implementation may be supported through Perkins V and Innovation Grant funding. For questions, contact Sarah Bell at Sarah.Bell@doe.k12.de.us.

Students benefit when educators have opportunities to learn, reflect, and strengthen their practice together. In June, Delaware Technical Community College, in collaboration with the Delaware CTE/STEM Workgroup and the leadership at NAPE, successfully hosted the FLERT (Facilitating Learning Environments to Reach & Teach Every Student) Institute at the Corporate Training Center on the College's Dover campus. More than 70 Delaware Tech educators engaged in a reflective learning community led by Dr. Lisa Williams and Dr. Michelle Brown to examine equitable and sustainable systems. The FLERT Institute increased educators' knowledge of collaborative community and organizational strategies for asset-based, student-centered transformation. The professional development institute was funded through the Postsecondary CTE Innovation Grant under Perkins V, this work is part of Delaware's broader strategy to strengthen career pathways, build educator capacity, and ensure every student has access to high-quality learning experiences that prepare them for what's next.

PDMS is now open for the 2026-27 Delaware CTE Teaching REAL Lab. In partnership with the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB), this yearlong professional learning experience brings CTE and academic educators together to design authentic, interdisciplinary lessons that integrate mathematics, science, literacy, and technical education through real workplace challenges. Participants will use AI to generate ideas, align standards, refine instruction, and strengthen student learning. Sessions include the Kickoff Workshop (October 26-27, 2026, POLYTECH); SREB Virtual Coaching Office Hours (January 18-21 and April 12-16, 2027); the Workforce Integration Workshop (February 10, 2027, location TBD); and the Teaching REAL Lab Showcase (April 29-30, 2027, POLYTECH). Participants earn 45 professional learning hours, receive personalized coaching and classroom resources, and are recognized by the Delaware Department of Education and SREB with a Teaching REAL Lab Certificate of Completion. Questions? Contact mike.fitzgerald@doe.k12.de.us. PDMS Course 44623, Section 92953.

Six Delaware educators were recognized during the Southern Regional Education Board's Teaching REAL Lab Showcase for completing a yearlong professional learning program that strengthens career-connected instruction. Honorees included Olivia Aten, Timothy Dukes, Kelli Gehrke, Chris Harris, George Sweeney Jr., and Jeffrey Harris. Participants developed authentic interdisciplinary lessons integrating literacy, mathematics, science, and technical education while preparing students for college and high-demand careers. Delaware CTE is recruiting educators for the 2026–27 cohort, which includes coaching, classroom resources, and 45 professional learning hours. Contact Mike Fitzgerald at mike.fitzgerald@doe.k12.de.us to learn more!

Students from Sussex County brought home national recognition after outstanding performances at a prestigious STEM competition, showcasing Delaware’s growing strength in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Competing against top students from across the country, the teams earned high honors through innovative problem-solving, technical skills and teamwork. Their success reflects months of preparation, guidance from dedicated educators and strong support from their schools and families. The achievement highlights the impact of hands-on STEM education and reinforces Delaware’s commitment to preparing students for high-demand careers in engineering, technology and other innovation-driven industries.

The Delaware Department of Education has extended flexibility for Career and Technical Education recipients completing the Perkins section of the Consolidated Grant Application. Local education agencies may submit the overall application by the July 17 deadline even if the CTE/Perkins section is incomplete, allowing other federal program reviews to proceed. After the initial review, LEAs may continue completing the Perkins requirements. The Department encourages districts to share anticipated submission dates with their CTE liaison and requests for technical assistance as needed.

This 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.

Hosted by StriveTogether and streamed on LinkedIn, Connecting the Dots: How Delaware Pathways Is Linking Students to Real Careers features leaders from Rodel and the Delaware Department of Education discussing Delaware's nationally recognized career pathways system. The session highlights how cross-sector partnerships connect career exploration, Career and Technical Education (CTE), dual enrollment, work-based learning, and registered apprenticeships to prepare students for college and careers. Speakers also share lessons learned as Delaware has expanded participation from 27 students in 2014 to more than 30,000 students statewide today.

Published in The Hechinger Report, this opinion article by Luke Rhine explores how career pathways and Career and Technical Education (CTE) should be evaluated. Drawing on research that found most pathway participants enrolled in postsecondary education or secured employment after graduation, Rhine argues that traditional measures such as completion and placement tell only part of the story. He encourages educators and policymakers to focus on long-term outcomes, including career alignment, economic mobility, work-based learning, and overall student success.

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.

Governor Matt Meyer 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 will represent student perspectives on statewide education issues while advancing priorities including Career and Technical Education, curriculum modernization, and artificial intelligence in schools. A leader in Delaware DECA and the Department of Education's Hospitality, Events and Tourism curriculum redesign, Marcus exemplifies how student leadership, CTE, and civic engagement prepare Delaware students to shape the future of education.

Governor 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 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 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.

Six 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 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.

Congratulations 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.

Dr. 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.

The Wilmington International Film Festival and Wilmington University are accepting entries for the 2nd President’s Emerging Storyteller Award Student Screenplay Competition. Open to high school sophomores, juniors and seniors, the free contest challenges students to write an original 8–10-page screenplay based on the theme, “Opportunity and Building for the Future.” The grand prize includes a full four-year scholarship to Wilmington University, with the winning screenplay produced as a short film for premiere at the 2027 Wilmington International Film Festival. Entries due September 27.

Help 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 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.

Earn Professional Development Hours this summer at the iDEa Conference: Emerging Industries in BlueTech and Photonics on Tuesday, July 28, at Wilmington University. Designed for educators of all backgrounds, the conference features experts from government, higher education, research, and industry exploring emerging technologies, workforce trends, and STEM career pathways. Participants can earn PDMS Professional Development Hours (Course #44491, Section #92389). See the attached flyer for the agenda and event details, and register today. Please share this opportunity with colleagues who may be interested.

The 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, 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.

The 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