Delaware State Education Association

Delaware State Education Association Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Delaware State Education Association, 136 E Water Street, Dover, DE.

DSEA is a labor union that represents nearly 14,000 public school educators in Delaware’s 16 geographically defined school districts, three countywide vocational-technical schools and multiple charter schools.

ICYMI: Delaware received positive news last month from the Education Scorecard, an annual report that examines academic ...
06/01/2026

ICYMI: Delaware received positive news last month from the Education Scorecard, an annual report that examines academic recovery since the pandemic.

The latest Education Scorecard ranked Delaware 4th in math growth and 14th in reading recovery. Delaware also saw a sharp decline in chronic absenteeism from 2022 to 2025.

While Delaware schools are moving in the right direction, our educators know more work is needed to bring those gains to every school in every district. And we know there are limits to what standardized test scores can tell us about our schools.

DSEA President Stephanie Ingram and Indian River Education Association President Blair Catlin Brown touched on both points in Spotlight Delaware’s recent coverage of this year’s Education Scorecard.

Click here to read more: https://bit.ly/3RxYRmX

05/31/2026

Education Support Professionals are the glue that holds our schools together.

ESPs transport our students, prepare their meals, keep our classrooms safe and clean, provide extra care to our most vulnerable students, and keep our buildings running smoothly.

They are also fighting for a living wage.

No one who cares for your children should be forced to take on multiple jobs to support their own families.

That’s why union ESPs across Delaware are urging state lawmakers to pass Senate Joint Resolution 14.

Sponsored by Sen. Dan Cruce and House Education Committee Chair Rep. Kim Williams, this bill directs Delaware Department of Education to conduct a comprehensive study of the wages paid to ESPs – a critical step toward delivering parity, fairness, and relief to some of the hardest working and most overlooked educators in our public schools.

Passed unanimously by the Delaware Senate, SJR 14 now awaits a final vote in the Delaware House.

Congratulations to Kayla Hurst, DSEA’s Teacher of the Month for May!A math teacher at Howard High School of Technology i...
05/30/2026

Congratulations to Kayla Hurst, DSEA’s Teacher of the Month for May!

A math teacher at Howard High School of Technology in the New Castle County Vocational Technical School District, Kayla began her teaching career in 2021. A nationally certified STEM teacher, she also serves as the advisor for the Class of 2028 and coaches both the school’s girls’ and boys’ volleyball teams.

After graduating from Brandywine High School in 2017, Kayla earned a bachelor’s degree from University of Delaware and a master’s degree in STEM Education from American College of Education.

“Ms. Hurst is the greatest teacher ever,” one of her students told us. “She deserves every bit of this award. Even though she could be hard on me, she was always pushing me to get better at math and I’m grateful.”

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐠𝐨𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐩𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐞𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧?

In high school, I had a math teacher who truly believed in me, even when I doubted myself. She pushed me to see the value in learning, challenged me to work through difficult concepts, and constantly reminded me that I was capable of more. Because of her, I began to feel confident, competent, and empowered to take on hard coursework and reach goals I never imagined for myself. That experience inspired me.

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐡 𝐬𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐡?

My secret is making math feel relevant, achievable, and engaging. Students are more interested when they see real-world connections and feel confident in their ability to succeed. I focus on creating a supportive classroom where mistakes are part of learning, while also using hands-on activities, collaboration, and positive relationships to keep students motivated and involved.

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐠 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐧 𝐞𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧?

Go into education because you genuinely want to make a difference in students’ lives. Teaching can be challenging, especially early on. But it is also incredibly rewarding. Build strong relationships with students, stay open to learning from other educators, and remember that you do not have to be perfect to have a positive impact. The small moments of growth, confidence, and connection with students make the hard work worth it.

Start planning your next family beach trip today!Did you know union educators can save 15% on tickets to Morey's Piers &...
05/29/2026

Start planning your next family beach trip today!

Did you know union educators can save 15% on tickets to Morey's Piers & Beachfront Water Parks, a family owned amusement park in Wildwood, N.J., with more than 100 rides and attractions?

Click here to access this exclusive, members-only discount on through the DSEA website: https://bit.ly/3EOliy4

Now that the school year it’s almost over, it’s time to treat yourself for a great cause.From now until June 5, you can ...
05/28/2026

Now that the school year it’s almost over, it’s time to treat yourself for a great cause.

From now until June 5, you can place a bid on a gift basket, arts and crafts, gift cards and more, while helping Delaware high school students earn a college degree.

More than 30 items are available for bid as part of DSEA s virtual auction with proceeds going to help support the Christopher K. Smith Memorial Future Teacher Scholarship and the Howard Weinberg Scholarship for children of DSEA members.

Auction winners will be contacted to arrange pick up and payment for their items. Donations are also accepted.

Click here to view all the items up for auction and place your bids today: https://bit.ly/4vd7P7l

Thank you to the dozen Association Representatives who spent a recent Saturday honing their advocacy skills and strength...
05/27/2026

Thank you to the dozen Association Representatives who spent a recent Saturday honing their advocacy skills and strengthening their union muscle.

Association Representatives, or ARs as we call them, play a critical role as the first point of contact for our members and a vital link between educators and their local union.

Having previously attended one of our union’s annual AR Bootcamps, the building leaders who attend the full-day AR II training session further developed the skills they need to represent their colleagues in administrative meetings, investigate grievances, and deliver real change for their members.

More ARs are needed! Contact your local president if you‘re interested in becoming an Association Representative.

Together, we are stronger!

Together, our voices will be heard!

Every child deserves an opportunity to succeed.That’s why DSEA President Stephanie Ingram last week stood with Action fo...
05/26/2026

Every child deserves an opportunity to succeed.

That’s why DSEA President Stephanie Ingram last week stood with Action for Delaware's Children,Delaware PTA, Interdenominational Ministers Action Council of Delaware, Matt Denn, Rep. Kim Williams, and others to support a state pilot program that would help dozens of vulnerable students and their families find stable housing.

Our coalition of child advocates is calling on the Delaware General Assembly to help working families with school age children struggling move into rental housing.

Because, as public educators, we know the greatest impact on our students’ success doesn’t come from our curriculum, our lesson plans, or our homework assignments.

Our students perform best when they have stable home lives.

And this pilot program will help provide that stability for 50 families who qualify for vouchers through the Delaware State Rental Assistance Program.

Click here to read more: https://bit.ly/4adUB2b

Our offices will be closed today as we take a moment to honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to...
05/25/2026

Our offices will be closed today as we take a moment to honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.

As we do our part to build a safe and secure future for the next generation of Delawareans, let us never forget the heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation and the loved ones they left behind.

Congratulations to Gary Fournier, DSEA’s ESP of the Month for May!A constable at Lake Forest East Elementary since 2023,...
05/24/2026

Congratulations to Gary Fournier, DSEA’s ESP of the Month for May!

A constable at Lake Forest East Elementary since 2023, Gary retired from the Delaware State Police at the rank of Sergeant. Among his many roles at DSP, Gary served as a school resource officer, a stint in the Public Information Office, a driving instructor, and part-time duties in the Tactical Control Unit, Honor Guard and Motorcycle Unit.

He also volunteered with Special Olympics Delaware (SODE) for 25 years and was named the Winnie Spence Torch Runner of the Year in 2022.

Now, Gary serves as a role model for young children in the Frederica area.

“Mr. Gary goes above and beyond for the entire school,” his colleagues tell us. “Our students love him. He greets them every day, visits the preschool classroom every morning, lets kids have lunch with him and he’s always there if anyone needs anything.”

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐛𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬?

The students appreciate you being there and holding a conversation with them. I always try to be outside when they arrive and welcome them with a “Good morning!” I want them to be able to trust law enforcement figures and feel comfortable enough to let them know if something is bothering them.

𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐝𝐢𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐢𝐧𝐯𝐨𝐥𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐩𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞?

I entered the military at the age of 17 and became a Security Policeman in the U.S. Air Force. Upon separating from the military, I wanted to stay in the criminal justice field and worked as a Correction Officer for two years before starting my 27-year career as a Delaware State Trooper.

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐬𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐥?

My role as a constable is to protect the students and staff from anyone that may want to harm them. I patrol the school and monitor surveillance cameras to detect any unusual activity that may occur outside the building and on the school grounds. I assist Law Enforcement agencies with any crimes that are committed within the confines of the school property.

Congratulations to DSEA member Taylor Richey on being named Delaware’s 2026 Behavioral Health Professional of the Year!A...
05/23/2026

Congratulations to DSEA member Taylor Richey on being named Delaware’s 2026 Behavioral Health Professional of the Year!

A school counselor at the Woodbridge Early Childhood Education Center, Taylor grew up in the Woodbridge School District, where she is now giving back to her hometown community. She is also the first Woodbridge employee to receive the Delaware BHPOY Award.

“What makes Taylor’s work especially meaningful is her deep personal connection to our school community,” her principal Dane Sears said. “A Blue Raider at heart, Taylor returned home to serve as a counselor in the same district and school she once attended as a student. She walks the same hallways, now as a trusted advocate and mentor, determined to give back to the place that helped shape her. This connection fuels her passion and strengthens her ability to relate to students and families with authenticity and empathy.”

Click here to read more about Taylor and all of the District/Charter Behavioral Health Professionals of the Year nominated for this honor: https://bit.ly/4eWhP09

Address

136 E Water Street
Dover, DE
19901

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

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