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Delaware teacher of the year urges more time for student connection, less over-assessment
Summary
Dr. Jana Della Theriault, Delaware's 2026 teacher of the year, told the Senate that emotional regulation and connection—not just curriculum—should be prioritized to improve learning and retain educators.
Delaware’s 2026 teacher of the year urged state lawmakers to focus on emotional supports and time for connection in schools, saying those changes are necessary before curriculum or testing reforms can succeed.
"We have to slow down and we have to connect," Dr. Jana Della Theriault told the Senate after House Concurrent Resolution 130 was read recognizing teachers of the year from districts across Delaware. Dr. Della Theriault, introduced by the Senate as the state teacher of the year and a reading specialist at Talley Middle School, said many students enter classrooms carrying unmet needs that make learning impossible.
She described classrooms where students lack safe places outside the school and where teachers spend classroom minutes co-regulating emotions instead of delivering instruction. Dr. Della Theriault asked lawmakers to protect time in the school day for connection and collaboration, reduce unnecessary assessments, and expand mental-health and community supports.
Senators from both parties responded with support, highlighted the Public Education Funding Commission’s work and urged colleagues to elevate educators’ voices in policy decisions. The chamber approved the resolution honoring teachers on a recorded roll call of 20 yes and 1 absent.
