This bi-weekly newsletter is designed to keep you informed and connected, providing important updates, timely reminders, and valuable resources for our Career and Technical Education (CTE) community. Should you have any questions or need further assistance, please reach out to your Delaware CTE liaison. Thank you for staying engaged with Delaware CTE!
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Delaware CTE Stars Shine as U.S. Presidential Scholars
Chuiyee Kong, a Caesar Rodney High School Computer Science pathway graduate, and Isha Prasad Kanchana, a Newark Charter School Biotechnology pathway graduate, have been named U.S. Presidential Scholars in Career and Technical Education, one of the nation’s highest honors for CTE excellence. Now in college, Chuiyee, a former Delaware Technology Student Association (TSA) state officer founded her school’s Computer Science Club, interned with the Delaware Department of Transportation, and launched a youth coding club. Isha, active in HOSA and Business Professionals of America (BPA), conducted biotechnology research at the IBM-MIT Watson AI Lab and Indiana University and created nationally recognized, award-winning apps.
Join the SREB CTE "Teaching REAL Lab" and Transform Your Teaching!
The Delaware DOE and SREB invite CTE teachers to the yearlong Teaching REAL Lab. Kickoff Oct 8–9, 2025 at DuPont Experimental Station; virtual coaching Jan 20–23 and May 18–22, 2026; Scenario Integration Workshop Feb 19, 2026; Showcase June 17–18, 2026. Collaborate with peers, SREB coaches, and industry to design interdisciplinary, career-connected lessons integrating math, literacy, and science that boost Perkins indicators. Earn up to 45 hours/3 credits. PDMS Course ID: 43986; Section: 90564. For questions, contact mike.fitzgerald@doe.k12.de.us.
Empowering Delaware Students at the 2025 CTSO FLC!
The Delaware CTSO Fall Leadership Conference (FLC) will be held October 14, 2025, for middle school students and October 15, 2025, for high school students at the University of Delaware. This statewide event brings together BPA, DECA, Educators Rising, FCCLA, HOSA, SkillsUSA, and TSA for leadership development, teamwork, and community engagement. All chapter officers are strongly encouraged to attend, along with students interested in leadership or seeking to grow as rising leaders.
On Monday, September 15, 2025, The Hechinger Report’s education newsletter featured Dr. Jon Wickert, Delaware’s Director of Career and Technical Education and STEM Initiatives, highlighted at a National Academies forum how Delaware is embedding environmental literacy across every CTE pathway. Wickert emphasized that students must “make the economic case for a smart environmental choice,” underscoring a strategy that grows talent for high-skill jobs, strengthens the state’s economy, and advances climate resilience while modeling sustainable career education nationwide. For more information, contact Dr. Jon Wickert at Jonathan.Wickert@doe.k12.de.us.
Delaware FFA Teams and Students Excel at Multi-State Fair
Delaware FFA excelled at the 2025 Big E, America’s only multi-state fair held September 11–13 in Springfield, MA. Members from Appoquinimink, Lake Forest, Milford, Odessa, Smyrna, and Woodbridge high schools competed in 12 Career and Leadership Development Events. Nine teams and five individuals placed in the top five, including Odessa’s Gunner Whitehead, honored in the Stars Award Program for his Supervised Agricultural Experience.
Wilmington University Launches Cloud Pathways Initiative to Expand AWS Training and Tech Careers in Delaware
Wilmington University launches its Cloud Pathways Initiative with Emerging Delaware to expand access to cloud technology education. Starting this fall with the AWS Cloud Foundations course, the program offers high-quality training, mentorship, and stackable credentials leading to in-demand tech careers. Join the kickoff event, Cloud for All, on October 1, 2025, featuring AWS Academy’s Chris Ott. Register today to learn more!
CTE directors, school leaders, and pathways partners are invited to the first CTE Leadership Cadre convening of the 2025–2026 school year on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Wilmington University–Dover. Please register in PDMS Course 24244, Section 90495. This session will foster collaboration to advance CTE initiatives and strengthen statewide leadership.
Annual Reminder - Update School Profiles on Pathways Site
CTE Directors, please take a moment to review your school's profile on the Delaware Pathways website. These profiles highlight your career pathways, programs, and opportunities for students and families exploring educational options. If you notice any information that needs updating or have changes to submit, please contact Melissa Pitts at melissa.pitts@tappnetwork.com. Keeping your profile current ensures families have accurate information when making educational decisions.
Help shape meaningful student experiences across leadership, service, and competition! Delaware BPA seeks energetic, self-directed individuals to support statewide BPA/HOSA activities under DOE leadership. Open roles include Planning & Logistics, Contest Operations, Contest & Advisor Support, and Student/Officer Leadership. Submit a letter of interest and resume to daneisha.allen@doe.k12.de.us by September 29, 2025.
2025–2026 Edition of the Delaware Career Compass is here!
This step-by-step guide helps students explore their interests, understand the world of work, and plan pathways to achieve their career goals. Educators can also access the accompanying Teacher Guide, which provides lesson plans to easily integrate career exploration into classroom instruction. Contact information is included in the booklet for requesting printed copies.
New "Pathways" Resource to Help LEAs Apply for CTE POS's
Delaware Pathways has launched a new resource for LEAs to support applications for state-model or local CTE Programs of Study (POS). The site provides step-by-step guidance, including templates, labor market analysis tools, advisory committee requirements, and program matrices. Applications are submitted through the CTE Portal by November 30th, with approvals in January and revisions completed by February for school year implementation.
The Office of Career and Technical Education (CTE) has launched an updated Delaware Pathways Educators page to support teachers in connecting students with real-world careers through high-quality CTE programs. The page explains the differences between state and local pathway models, outlines the application process for DOE-approved Programs of Study, and highlights student success outcomes. Explore the tools and guidance now available. For questions, contact Mike Fitzgerald at mike.fitzgerald@doe.k12.de.us.
CTE Cadre Newsletter Archive: One-Stop for Past Editions!
Delaware Pathways now offers a CTE Cadre Newsletter archive, making it easy to find every past edition in one place. The archive gives educators, students, and partners quick access to past updates, resources, and highlights.
Delaware Technology Student Association Fall Affiliation Due in Nov!
National Technology Student Association (TSA) chapter affiliation is now open and should be completed by November to register for Delaware’s State Leadership Conference (SLC) so that students can have the details and resources needed for participation. These resources are only available only after your chapter has paid for affiliation. There are no state affiliation fees. Students can start preparing many competitive events now, including co-curricular projects. This year features service with the American Red Cross, leadership growth at the Fall Leadership Conference, networking at the Winter Leadership Lunch, and inspiring workshops at SLC for more information contact Mike Fitzgerald at mike.fitzgerald@doe.k12.de.us.
Save the Date for Delaware CTSO Fall Leadership Conference on Oct 14–15
Mark your calendars! The Delaware CTSO Fall Leadership Conference will be held October 14, 2025, for middle school students and October 15, 2025, for high school students at the University of Delaware. This statewide event brings together BPA, DECA, Educators Rising, FCCLA, HOSA, SkillsUSA, and TSA for leadership development, teamwork, and community engagement. All chapter officers are strongly encouraged to attend, along with students interested in leadership or seeking to grow as rising leaders.
Attend the Advisor Track for the 4 Pillars of Leadership on Oct 14 or 15
Discover how to transform your classroom into a career and leadership hub at the Fall CTSO Leadership Conference. This advisor track explores the Four Pillars of Leadership applied to CTSOs, with PLC time to integrate student organizations as supportive tools. Gain strategies to bring organizational structure to your local chapter while fostering student growth in leadership and career development. PDMS course 44035. Section 90731 for Oct 15 high school day and Section 90730 for Oct 14 middle school day.
The DDOE CTE Professional Learning and CTSO Calendar for 2025-26 document has been updated on Sept 12, 2025. The document outlines key professional development opportunities, conferences, and events for Delaware CTE educators and students. It includes workshops, summer institutes, leadership events, CTSO state and national conferences, and specialized trainings focused on literacy, math, and work-based learning. The document supports educators in aligning CTE programs with workforce needs and enhancing student success through high-quality learning experiences. Should you have any questions, please contact your DOE CTE program manager for assistance.
Project ExCITE II for AP Computer Science Principles
Project ExCITE II, led by ITEEA with Hofstra and NC State, prepares high school Technology & Engineering teachers in DE, GA, ID, KY, LA, MA, MN, NC, ND, NJ, and PA to deliver an enhanced AP Computer Science Principles course with robotics. Teachers get training, $2,000, robotics kits, travel reimbursement, and CEUs. Apply now to bring AP-CSP byDesign to your classroom
Join DACCTE’s Council meeting at 5 -7 pm, offered in Kent County and virtually. Educators, administrators, and counselors can earn professional development hours while exploring key career and technical education topics. Connect with Council members, share ideas, and take part in discussions that go beyond a typical school visit, supporting DACCTE’s mission to promote professional growth and statewide collaboration. Sign up in PDMS Course #43675, Section #89554. For more information, contact Ann Breeding at ann.breeding@delaware.gov.
Equity in Career & Technical Education (CTE) requires an inclusive environment that advances empowerment and belonging for both the learner and educator. Students’ circumstances and personal/social identifiers shall not restrict their access to the full variety of academic and career opportunities, enriching experiences, and meaningful relationships that support attainment of their individual career and life goals.
Delaware Department of Education - Pathways Program, 401 Federal Street, Suite 2, Dover, DE 19901
