Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Education topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Jenna Delotario named 2026 Delaware Teacher of the Year
Summary
Jenna Delotario, a reading specialist at Tally Middle School in the Brandy Wine School District, was named Delaware’s 2026 Teacher of the Year. The award includes cash grants and educational prizes: each nominee received $2,000; the state winner received an additional $3,000 personal award and $5,000 for student benefit, plus opportunities for graduate study.
Jenna Delotario, a reading specialist at Tally Middle School in the Brandy Wine School District, was named Delaware’s 2026 Teacher of the Year at a ceremony hosted by the Delaware Department of Education.
The announcement was made before a live audience and livestream after nominees from each of the state's 19 school districts and the Delaware Charter Network were introduced. Delotario will serve as Delaware’s nominee for the 2026 National Teacher of the Year program.
The award package includes an immediate $3,000 personal prize for the state winner and $5,000 to be used for the educational benefit of her students. Each of the 20 district and charter honorees received a $2,000 cash grant. The Department of Education also said the state honoree will be offered the opportunity to complete a doctoral degree at either the University of Delaware or Wilmington University at no cost, and that Wilmington University is providing a complimentary graduate course to all 20 honorees. Honorees will also receive a specially issued Delaware Teacher of the Year license plate from the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles.
"I am deeply honored and humbled to accept this award on behalf of my students, colleagues, and community," Delotario said after being announced, thanking Allison May and the Department of Education for organizing the event and noting her parents were watching from Italy.
Shelby Borst, Delaware’s 2025 Teacher of the Year, addressed the group before the award was announced, urging honorees to "humanize education" by sharing classroom stories and using the platform to advocate for the profession. "Your impact runs through the minds and the souls of every single young person that you meet," Borst said in remarks to nominees.
The ceremony included a video showcasing the nominees and remarks from dozens of district and charter teachers who described classroom practices ranging from outdoor education to arts and special-education supports. Sponsors and partners recognized during the program included Voya Financial, which the presenter noted has supported the program for many years, and private and higher-education partners that contributed gifts and graduate opportunities for honorees.
The Department of Education said the announcement completes the 62nd annual Delaware Teacher of the Year ceremony. Delotario now moves forward as the state's representative for national consideration; no specific dates for her forthcoming state or national duties were announced at the ceremony.
The Department closed the evening by thanking staff, photographers and production partners who helped live-stream the event so family members and colleagues could watch remotely.
