Article by Jessica Henderson. Photos by Maria Errico.

April 24, 2026

The University of Delaware College of Education and Human Development (CEHD)’s School Success Center (SSC) hosted the eighth annual Women Leading Delaware Education Conference on UD’s Newark campus. On March 25, 2026, the SSC welcomed more than 350 Delaware educators to Clayton Hall Conference Center for an engaging and inspiring day of professional learning.

The Women Leading Delaware Education Conference is a networking and professional learning event for teachers and administrators in elementary, secondary and higher education settings. The event addresses issues specific to women and education leadership and provides a powerful opportunity for current and aspiring leaders to convene for a day of connection, reflection and inspiration. The conference aligns with CEHD’s commitment to strengthening the education workforce, supporting educational leaders throughout their careers and helping Delaware schools address the regional school leader shortages.

“This event represents an important opportunity for all educators to come together around both the opportunities and the persistent barriers for women in pre-K–12 and higher education leadership,” said Alison Travers, assistant director of the Delaware Academy for School Leadership in the SSC. “More than 350 educators invested in one another, as well as in their own professional learning and personal well-being through their participation. We’re fortunate to host such a powerful experience right here on campus, one that elevates and amplifies the voices of women in education leadership.”

The theme of this year’s event was “EdPowering: Elevating Voices for Collective Belonging,” and the keynote speaker, sponsored by the Educator Excellence Workgroup in the Delaware Department of Education, was Julia Korn, founder of the Women’s Leadership Accelerator.

As founder of the Women’s Leadership Accelerator, Korn leads a community dedicated to the growth of female leaders and has dedicated her career to professional coaching. In her keynote address, titled “Get Ahead without Burning Out: How to Skyrocket Your Career through Human Impact,” Korn shared strategies that participants could take to advance their careers in meaningful ways without jeopardizing their well-being.

The event also featured remarks from CEHD Interim Dean Rena Hallam and Delaware Secretary of Education Cindy Marten. National and local leaders also facilitated whole-group and breakout sessions on topics like amplifying voices that often go unheard, strengthening partnerships and communities and deepening a collective sense of belonging in pre-K-12 schools and districts.

New this year, conference participants also enjoyed two performances by Cab Calloway School of the Arts students, including the school’s gospel choir and the cast of its current musical, “Once Upon a One More Time.”

“When we planned the conference, we wanted to elevate student voices in alignment with our theme,” Travers said. “All of the student performers were very talented. They truly touched educators with their moving performances, and I was so grateful to be able to feature student voices and highlight the impact of Delaware arts education.”

CEHD’s Center for Disabilities Studies, Center for Research in Education and Social Policy, Delaware Institute for Excellence in Early Childhood and SSC also shared information and ongoing projects with participants.

Nathalie Princilus, supervisor of grants and unique programs in the Christina School District and a CEHD alum, was proud to present a session on the relationship between cultural experiences and building student relationships with colleagues Rochellda Adderley, Jennifer Cohen, Glennine DeBeary, Nicole Figueroa, Jessica Liu and Leslee Love. Princillus was instrumental in ensuring that over 50 educators from her district registered for the conference and were able to attend.

“Attending the Women Leading Delaware Education Conference is always a highlight of the school year, and this year’s theme and intentional design were especially meaningful in affirming both my professional and personal goals,” Princilus said. “Every detail, from the thoughtful location to the rich opportunities to learn from one another and the inclusion of student performances, reflected a deep commitment to the conference’s purpose. It remains an important space for affirmation, connection and encouragement to continue leading boldly in service of our students.”

Hosted annually in March, the Women Leading Delaware Education aligns with national Women’s History Month. The conference complemented many other events on UD’s campus, including a Women History Month dinner with prominent women leaders in Delaware, book giveaways, workshops and more.

More than 350 Delaware educators attended the conference at Clayton Hall Conference Center.

Article by Jessica Henderson Photo courtesy of Mabel Boutte January 12, 2026

UD’s Principal Preparation Program celebrates 10 years of meaningful impact across Delaware schools and districts

Mabel Boutte, now a principal at Etta J. Wilson Elementary School in Pike Creek, Delaware, joined the University of Delaware’s Principal Preparation Program in 2016 hoping to make a greater impact at her school. 

With research-informed coursework, an action research project, a real-world internship experience and a statewide cohort model, the program, housed in the College of Education and Human Development’s School Success Center (SSC), prepares leaders to make a difference in their schools, districts and communities. 

“The program provided me with an authentic, hands-on opportunity,” Boutte said. “Through my internship, I had the opportunity to work with practitioners and analyze schoolwide initiatives, problem-solve and ask questions. It helped me build practical skills and the confidence to be a school leader. Those things have stayed with me.”

Through the program’s coursework and internship, Boutte studied topics like leadership strategies, school improvement methods and data-driven decision-making. Her culminating research project allowed her to apply her learning to a real-world challenge in her internship setting. 

As principal, Boutte incorporates the skills she developed through the program into her everyday practice. 

“Because of UD’s Principal Preparation Program, we have created a true culture of data-based decision-making at our school that directly improves student outcomes,” Boutte said. “We’ve worked intentionally to ensure that every instructional decision, whether in the classroom, grade or schoolwide, is grounded in evidence and focused on the needs of individual learners, as well as learners collectively. Our teachers are analyzing data regularly, they’re looking at student strengths and needs and we’re really working together to figure out how we can help students achieve.”

The work of Boutte and her team at Wilson Elementary has paid off. In 2023, the school was recognized by the Delaware Department of Education for closing the achievement gap between students’ performance and the state standards. Over the past two years, the school has continued to exceed expectations in academic achievement. 

“I’m extremely proud of all of the hard work and effort we are putting in as a team to help our students improve,” said Boutte, who also graduated from UD’s master’s of instruction program before completing the Principal Preparation Program. “I am proud of our amazing staff and all we have accomplished in the past four years.”

Leading change across Delaware 

Since 2015, the professional learning program has prepared nearly 150 school leaders for assistant principal or principal certification through one of the few remaining alternative routes to principal certification in Delaware.

Over the last 10 years, graduates like Boutte have thrived in their leadership roles due to the program’s real-world approach to learning. Its statewide cohort model also helps educators lead change across Delaware. This model allows a group of educators to move through the program together, learning with each other during and after the program.

“A cohort of educators who work in multiple schools and districts in rural, suburban and urban areas is fundamental to our participants’ learning,” said Alison Travers, assistant director of SSC’s Delaware Academy for School Leadership. “They’re not only working with our instructors and learning the content, but they’re also learning what those leadership concepts and practices look like in many settings by talking to their colleagues in the cohort.”

And, as Travers jokes, “once you’re a part of the Principal Preparation Program, you can’t leave this network.” The SSC offers leadership coaching to all participants once they begin their first assistant principal position, supporting them in the transition and helping them apply their skills on the job. 

“Through the program, I’ve built so many relationships, and I’ve gained so many people that I can go to in the state,” said Boutte, who also mentors colleagues enrolled in the program. “The mentorship and networking components really helped me grow and learn.”

The program’s 10th cohort — a group of 24 aspiring leaders — graduated in December, joining alumni across the state. About two-thirds of the program’s nearly 150 graduates are currently in leadership roles across Delaware, with others engaged in the application and interview process. 

“Participating in the Principal Preparation Program has been an incredible leadership journey for me,” said Paula Hutton, a Wilson Elementary School teacher, a member of the 10th cohort and one of Boutte’s mentees. “The support of the UD team, the depth of the coursework, and the mentoring I’ve received have all contributed to my confidence in stepping into an administrative position. Having Mrs. Boutte as my mentor, in an environment where student success and ongoing improvement drive every decision, has been especially rewarding.”

UD hosts 23rd annual professional learning conference for nearly 600 Delaware educators with state and local partners

July 2, 2025

In partnership with the Delaware Department of Education (DDOE) and the Delaware Association of School Administrators, UD’s School Success Center (SSC) and Partnership for Public Education (PPE), housed within the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), welcomed nearly 600 educators to the 23rd annual Policy and Practice Institute on June 24, 2024 at Dover High School in Dover, Delaware. 

The conference is Delaware’s premier networking and professional learning event for educators, school leaders and policymakers. With practical tools and resources, this year’s event enabled participants to create engaging and effective learning opportunities for Delaware students. Sessions focused on building school, family and community partnerships, recruiting and retaining educators and more. Participants also enjoyed Delaware TIDE talks, fast-paced and creative presentations meant to trailblaze, innovate, discover and empower. 

“The Policy and Practice Institute is powerful because it brings people together around what truly matters in education—connection, care, and possibility,” said Faith Muirhead, director of the SSC. “The conference creates space for honest conversations, bold ideas and shared purpose.”

The event also included remarks from Cindy Marten, DDOE secretary of education, and a keynote address from Monique Couvson, an author, scholar and philanthropy executive with experience in education, civil rights, juvenile and criminal justice. She delivered a keynote aligned with the conference’s theme, “Enjoying the Ride: Navigating Change with Purpose.”

“Delaware Secretary of Education Marten challenged us to focus on what’s working and build from there—because data, when used with intention, can illuminate the path forward,” Muirhead said. “Dr. Couvson reminded us that healing and learning go hand in hand, and that students thrive when they feel seen and supported. It’s this mix of heart, insight and collaboration that makes the Institute such a meaningful force for change.”

“Schools may be part of the tapestry of healing in our society, or part of the tapestry of harm,” said Couvson, president of Grantmakers for Girls of Color. “In Delaware and elsewhere, purpose-driven leadership in education requires a commitment to building learning institutions that lovingly respond to the needs of our young people at the intersection of their identities. I appreciated the opportunity to share my ‘notes from the field’ with this extraordinary collection of brave and committed educational leaders.”

Annastasia Purinton, associate director of the PPE, expressed gratitude for the continued ability to partner with Delaware educators and policymakers throughout the state. 

“Each year, PPE collaborates with faculty, district teams and school colleagues to meaningfully integrate research and expertise into the Policy and Practice Institute program,” Purinton said. “As the premier education conference in the state, Policy and Practice Institute offers a prime opportunity to unite with educators and leaders across Delaware and to explore in-depth the initiatives that fuel their passion.”

Article by Jessica Henderson. Photography by Maria Errico. 

POLICY AND PRACTICE INSTITUTE 2025

Article by Jessica Henderson | Photo by Maria Errico | May 20, 2025

UD hosts professional learning event with Delaware Department of Education, Delaware Association of School Administrators

In partnership with the Delaware Association of School Administrators and the Delaware Department of Education (DDOE), the University of Delaware Partnership for Public Education and School Success Center (SSC), housed within the College of Education and Human Development, will host the 23rd annual Policy and Practice Institute from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on June 24, 2025 at Dover High School in Dover, Delaware. 

The conference is Delaware’s premier networking and professional learning event for educators, school leaders and policymakers. With practical tools and resources, this year’s event will enable participants to create engaging and effective learning opportunities for all Delaware students. Sessions will focus on building school, family and community partnerships, recruiting and retaining educators and more. Participants will also enjoy Delaware TIDE talks, fast-paced and creative presentations meant to trailblaze, innovate, discover and empower. 

“We are proud to offer professional learning options through more than 60 breakout sessions along with multiple poster presentations and TIDE talks that will feature Delaware educators showcasing their work and sharing knowledge,” said Alison Travers, associate director of SSC’s Delaware Academy of School Leadership. 

The event will also include remarks from Cindy Marten, DDOE secretary of education, and a keynote address from Monique Couvson, an author, scholar and philanthropy executive with experience in education, civil rights, juvenile and criminal justice. She will deliver a keynote aligned with the conference’s theme, “Enjoying the Ride: Navigating Change with Purpose.”

Register by June 10 by visiting: https://ssc.cehd.udel.edu/ppi

Article by Jessica Henderson Photo by Maria Errico March 14, 2025

UD hosts professional learning conference for educators in partnership on Newark campus

The University of Delaware College of Education and Human Development’s School Success Center (SSC) will host the seventh annual Women Leading Delaware Education Conference on UD’s Newark campus. The event will be on March 24, 2025, at Clayton Hall Conference Center from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

The Women Leading Delaware Education Conference is a networking and professional learning event for teachers and administrators in elementary, secondary and higher education settings. The event addresses issues specific to women and education leadership and provides a powerful opportunity for current and aspiring leaders to convene for an impactful day of connection, reflection and inspiration.

The theme of this year’s event is “Thrive in 2025,” and the keynote speaker, sponsored by the Educator Excellence Workgroup in the Delaware Department of Education, will be Minette Norman, the award-winning author of The Boldly Inclusive Leader.

“Women’s leadership is defined by strength, resilience and lifting each other up,” said Faith Muirhead, SSC director. “Right now, our voices are being questioned, and the principles of equity and inclusion are being challenged. Our event provides a space to come together, share our experiences and support one another in navigating these uncertain times.”

The event will also include information tables from CEHD’s Center for Disabilities Studies, Center for Excellence and Equity in Teacher Preparation, Center for Research in Education and Social Policy, Delaware Institute for Excellence in Early Childhood, Partnership for Public Education and SSC.

Individuals of all genders and backgrounds may participate.

To register, visit https://ssc.cehd.udel.edu/events/7th-annual-women-leading-delaware-education-conference/.

November 06, 2024

BY BEN GAGNON
The County Press, 810-452-2661

DRYDEN — During October, Dryden Elementary School had a three-day professional development session from a representative with the University of Delaware.

Dr. Jaime True Daley, associate director of Content- Specific Curriculum Supports for the University of Delaware’s School Success Center, had the opportunity to spend several days with Dryden Elementary teachers, observing in classrooms, meeting with grade level teams and facilitating building-level professional learning.

“Dr. Daley’s visit was inspiring,” said Dryden Elementary literacy coach Karen Roys. “She supported us with further ways to meet student’s needs and accelerate learning. She gave such positive feedback during the observations. She kept using the word ‘impeccable.’”

Daley’s visit was in conjunction with the elementary’s ELA professional learning plan for the 2024-2025 school year, continuing with existing efforts to shore up student’s foundational skills and enhancing the implementation of Bookworms Reading and Writing K-5 curriculum. Dr. Sharon Walpole from the University of Delaware is a reading researcher and the creator of the curriculum.

Dryden Elementary adopted Bookworms in the beginning of the 2023-24 school year. After an initial training and a year of implementation, feedback from teachers and students was positive. That’s when a partnership with the University of Delaware was made.

“Bookworms is unique. It has an enormous amount of content-rich texts and the instructional practices are strongly based in reading science,” said Kristal White, a literacy coach and early literacy consultant with the Lapeer County Intermediate School District. “We wanted to continue to support our teachers and continue growing in our instructional practices.”

Dryden Elementary has two other opportunities scheduled this school year to continue learning from Daley and the University of Delaware.

“We are definitely looking forward to it. Powerful learning for students requires powerful learning for teachers,” said White.

UD hosts Policy and Practice Institute for nearly 600 Delaware educators with state and local partners

July 12, 2024

In partnership with the Delaware Department of Education (DDOE) and the Delaware Association of School Administrators, the University of Delaware’s School Success Center (SSC) and Partnership for Public Education (PPE), housed within the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), welcomed nearly 600 educators to the 22nd annual Policy and Practice Institute in June at Dover High School in Dover, Delaware.

The conference is Delaware’s premier networking and professional learning event for educators, school leaders and policymakers. With practical tools and resources, this year’s event enabled participants to take action toward creating stronger and more equitable learning opportunities for Delaware students. With sessions focused on building school, family and community partnerships, recruiting and retaining educators and more, the conference aligned with CEHD’s commitment to supporting Delaware educators, improving educational outcomes and diversifying the education workforce.

“The increase in attendance this year and the number and variety of sessions demonstrates the importance of this annual event to Delaware educators,” said Faith Muirhead, director of the SSC. “We are honored to collaborate in bringing educators together to learn with and from one another. This was a year to celebrate, moving from intention to impact, and the conference theme clearly resonated with participants.”

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Nearly 600 educators from across Delaware attended the 22nd annual Policy and Practice Institute at Dover High School in Dover, DE

The event also included remarks from Mark Holodick, DDOE secretary of education and CEHD alumnus, and a keynote address from Jamila Dugan, an educator, coach and author who has spent her career uplifting the experiences of students, families and educators whose voices have historically been marginalized. Dugan’s keynote, titled “The Possible Future of Education: An Invitation to Radically Dream,” invited participants to “radically dream” about a new “future of learning.”

“Even after experiencing time away from schools during the pandemic, we are still clinging to an archaic system,” Dugan said. “Urgency, fear and the pull of the dominant paradigm of schooling have led many educators toward a feverish return to the status quo — reducing schooling experiences to addressing perceived student deficits and learning for the sake of achievement on standardized tests. But what could it look like to make a fundamental mindset shift toward capitalizing on the possibilities of now and the transformative chance to dream?”

The event also featured Delaware TIDE talks, fast-paced and creative presentations meant to trailblaze, innovate, discover and empower. Six educators presented on amplifying student voices, belonging and inclusion, building relationships to address equity gaps, equity in math class and social media use and its impact on schools and families.

“Delaware TIDE talks were designed to elevate the impact of Delaware educators,” said Alison Travers, assistant director of SSC’s Delaware Academy for School Leadership. “Attendees were very responsive to the exciting and engaging presentation style, and we heard several participants commenting on how much they enjoyed the TIDE Talks and how much they learned from the presenters.”

Nancy Ventresca, academic dean at West Park Place Elementary School, shared how valuable she finds the event each year.

“I look forward to the Policy and Practice Institute each year,” Ventresca said. “Coming together with educators and leaders from all over is truly inspiring, and I always come away with fresh ideas and new perspectives to inform and shape my own practice. It’s also a fantastic opportunity to catch up with colleagues and forge new professional relationships. Each year brings interesting keynotes and a wide array of meaningful breakout sessions led by a variety of educational leaders.”

Delaware educators engage in conversation during a poster session at the Policy and Practice Institute.

Annastasia Purninton, associate director of the PPE, expressed gratitude for the ability to partner with Delaware educators and policymakers throughout the state.

“We are thankful for the opportunity to share some of PPE’s work through the Policy and Practice Institute and to learn more about the exceptional work happening in Delaware from the people who have the greatest impact on students: Delaware’s educators, administrators and policymakers,” Purinton said. “The partnerships that PPE has initiated with DDOE, districts, charters and UD faculty will not only enhance local expertise but also provide innovative solutions informed by the expertise of all our partners to address education needs across the state.”

About the School Success Center

Launched in 2022, the SSC partners with teachers and administrators in public, charter and independent schools and offers a systemic approach to improving student and school outcomes. The SSC is unique in partnering with both teachers and administrators on the same improvement strategies to ensure that teachers, schools and districts grow together.

In addition to providing differentiated coaching services for school and district leaders, the SSC offers expert-facilitated professional learning programs in literacy instruction, math instruction and multi-tiered systems of support, focusing on student screening, diagnostic assessment, intervention design, progress monitoring and more.

To partner with the SSC, visit its website.

About the Partnership for Public Education

Since 2015, PPE has leveraged UD expertise, evaluation, professional development and advocacy resources to support Delaware’s public education system and foster sustainable partnerships with Delaware’s public education stakeholders.

PPE aims to expand UD’s research impact, recognizing that research in education is often underused nationwide. To achieve this goal, PPE aims to identify, mobilize and optimize UD research to directly address critical needs in Delaware’s education system in ways that have measurable impacts on Delaware’s P-12 policy and practice.

To learn more about PPE, visit its website.

Article by Jessica Henderson. Photos by Maria Errico.

Header image caption: The Policy and Practice Institute is Delaware’s premier networking and professional learning event for educators, school leaders and policymakers.

UD SSC hosts professional learning conference for nearly 300 Delaware educators on Newark campus

The University of Delaware College of Education and Human Development (CEHD)’s School Success Center (SSC) hosted the sixth annual Women Leading Delaware Education Conference on UD’s Newark campus. On Wednesday, March 13, the SSC welcomed nearly 300 Delaware educators to Clayton Hall Conference Center for an engaging and inspiring day of professional learning.

The Women Leading Delaware Education Conference is a networking and professional learning event for teachers and administrators in elementary, secondary and higher education settings. The event addresses issues specific to women and education leadership and provides a powerful opportunity for current and aspiring leaders to convene for an impactful day of connection, reflection and inspiration. The conference aligns with CEHD’s commitment to diversifying the education workforce, supporting educational leaders throughout their careers and helping Delaware schools address the regional school leader shortages.

“Delaware schools have many strong women leaders who use this annual event as an opportunity to rejuvenate, make connections and learn from one another,” said Faith Muirhead, director of the SSC. “This year’s conference brought almost 300 participants together to support their individual leadership development and work together to find answers to the problems that confront our schools and to develop solutions.”

The theme of this year’s event was “Celebrating Our Resilience,” and the keynote speaker, sponsored by the Delaware Department of Education (DDOE), was Jane Kise, founder of Differentiated Coaching Associates. Kise’s address focused on the concepts of brain energy and bandwidth, moving beyond self care to help women leaders and their colleagues stay energized and passionate about their work.

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“The resounding message from social media is that burnout is the price of leadership, especially for women,” Kise said. “Yet it isn’t inevitable. I love sharing our research that highlights all the areas that go beyond selfcare that let us reclaim our time, our focus, our purpose and our passion. And facilitating these discussions with a group of motivated leaders means they’ll take this information back to their staff and improve everyone’s wellbeing.”

The event also featured whole-group and breakout sessions facilitated by national and local leaders who led thoughtful discussion on topics such as personal and organizational resilience, gender equality, diversity and inclusion, school and district leadership, education policy and overcoming barriers specific to women.

“Intentionally including networking time and opportunities for connection within the conference agenda were priorities for our team,” said Alison Travers, assistant director of SSC’s Delaware Academy for School Leadership (DASL). “We have received feedback from multiple participants of the March 13 conference stating that they appreciated time to connect with colleagues, to network and make new connections and to feel celebrated for their role in education.”

Angela Socorso, education associate in the DDOE, also emphasized the importance of the event and expressed gratitude for the opportunities it offered.

“The conference serves as an invaluable platform for fostering connections, networking and deepening our understanding of leadership dynamics,” Socorso said. “It not only provides an opportunity to reflect on our personal journeys but also encourages us to critically examine our leadership styles and approaches, empowering us to make meaningful impacts for those we lead and support. This conference is a testament to the collective strength and potential of women in leadership, and I’m grateful for the enriching experience it offers.”

About the School Success Center

Launched in 2022, the SSC partners with teachers and administrators in public, charter and independent schools and offers a systemic approach to improving student and school outcomes. The SSC is unique in partnering with both teachers and administrators on the same improvement strategies to ensure that teachers, schools and districts grow together.

In addition to providing differentiated coaching services for school and district leaders, the SSC offers expert-facilitated professional learning programs in literacy instruction, math instruction and multi-tiered systems of support, focusing on student screening, diagnostic assessment, intervention design, progress monitoring and more.

To partner with the SSC, visit its website.

Read this story on UDaily.

Article by Jessica Henderson. Photos by Maria Errico.

UD to host professional learning conference for educators

For the first time this year, the University of Delaware College of Education and Human Development’s School Success Center (SSC) will host the sixth annual Women Leading Delaware Education Conference on UD’s Newark campus. The event will take place on Wednesday, March 13, at Clayton Hall Conference Center.

The Women Leading Delaware Education Conference is a networking and professional learning event for teachers and administrators in elementary, secondary and higher education settings. The event addresses issues specific to women and education leadership and provides a powerful opportunity for current and aspiring leaders to convene for an impactful day of connection, reflection and inspiration.

“Women share a common set of challenges in pursuing leadership in education,” said Faith Muirhead, SSC director. “There is strength in sharing our stories and learning from one another. We invite you to come out and meet authentic, ambitious, intelligent, visionary women who have successfully navigated the ladder to leadership.”

The theme of this year’s event is “Celebrating Our Resilience,” and the keynote speaker, sponsored by the Delaware Department of Education, will be Jane Kise, founder of Differentiated Coaching Associates.

The event will also include information tables from the SSC, the Institute for Public Administration in UD’s Joseph R. Biden, Jr. School of Public Policy and Administration and the state of Delaware’s Office of Women’s Advancement and Advocacy.

Individuals of all genders and backgrounds may participate.

To register, please visit: https://www.dasl.udel.edu/women-leading-delaware/

Read this on UDaily.

Article by Jessica Henderson.

UD emphasizes partnership and collaboration with Delaware education leaders at Superintendent Study Council

How can Delaware education leaders partner to best serve the needs of their teachers, administrators and students? University of Delaware’s School Success Center (SSC), housed within the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), convened Delaware school district leaders and members of the Delaware Department of Education (DDOE) to answer that very question. 

With enthusiasm for future UD partnerships, district superintendents and assistant superintendents from all three Delaware counties and DDOE representatives met for a special session of the Superintendent Study Council, a component of the Governor’s Institute for School Leadership (GISL), at UD’s Clayton Hall Conference Center February 24. 

The session, themed around next steps for school success, focused on the mission and vision of UD’s new SSC and provided a forum for the participants to voice the most pressing challenges facing Delaware schools, the specific needs in their districts and ideas for future collaboration through the center. 

“In this session of the Superintendent Study Council, we wanted to focus on changing the way that CEHD interacts with schools and districts around the state,” said Gary T. Henry, dean of CEHD and professor in CEHD’s School Education and the Joseph R. Biden, Jr. School of Public Policy and Administration. “We want to move past a transactional relationship with school districts to form deeper, broader and longer-lasting relationships to support our teachers, school leaders and students. Partnerships with school districts are so vital in the work that we’re trying to do, and we especially want to hear from our districts.” 

Next steps for the School Success Center 

Faith Muirhead, director of the SSC, led the morning’s activities with an update on the SSC. 

Launched in October 2022, the new center combines UD’s Delaware Academy of School Leadership (DASL) and UD’s Professional Development Center for Educators to offer districts a systemic model of leadership and instructional support. 

In this new organization, the SSC operates with four departments under one umbrella: DASL, offering support in educational leadership, Literacy, offering support in literacy instruction, Mathematics, offering support in mathematics instruction, and Multi-tiered Systems of Support, offering support in student screening, diagnostic assessment, intervention design and progress monitoring. 

Rather than focusing on a singular instructional or leadership issue in a specific school, the SSC will offer school districts professional learning and coaching in each of these areas.

“We want to disrupt the siloed approach to leader and teacher professional development by building partnerships with schools across these areas of expertise,” Muirhead said. “Our vision for the SSC includes an approach using school-based teams with expertise from each of these areas. That way, we can offer integrated, systemic support to help you make a difference for the students in your schools.” 

But, Muirhead emphasized, none of this work is possible without partnership and collaboration with Delaware districts and schools. 

“This work has to happen through deep, meaningful partnerships,” Muirhead said. “How can we at the SSC work to best serve your needs? What programs and services would you like to see? How can we start the conversation today and continue to collaborate?”

Needs in Delaware school districts 

After small-group discussions, the Superintendent Study Council participants offered robust answers to the questions that Muirhead posed.

Superintendents and DDOE representatives shared many immediate and future needs, communicating a shared interest in professional learning that is systemic, sustainable, results-driven and grounded in a deeper relationship with UD.

For example, Dorrell Green, superintendent of Red Clay Consolidated School District, emphasized that individual schools look to their districts for guidance and leadership. For that reason, it is especially important to focus on the system and system development as educational leaders work to address challenges. 

Corey Miklus, superintendent of Seaford School District, and others spoke about the challenges of the teacher and school leader shortage. In line with the goals and offering of the SSC and CEHD, they asked for support in generating interest in education careers, building the capacity of their current school leaders and facilitating professional learning in data-driven decision-making.

Many also communicated an interest in applying research-based best practices within Delaware schools, noting an interest in UD faculty and staff research about school improvement, instruction and other topics. 

For example, Christine Alois, superintendent of Caesar Rodney School District, expressed an interest in learning more from UD researchers about successful educational initiatives in schools and districts within the state of Delaware. 

Muirhead concluded the event by expressing gratitude for the participants’ input and interest in future collaboration, noting plans to conduct immediate followup with the superintendents to further address their specific needs. 

More about the Governor’s Institute for School Leadership

GISL is a partnership between CEHD, the DDOE, the Delaware Governor’s Office and Delaware public schools. 

As a component of GISL, the Superintendent Study Council is a collaborative effort among districts, DDOE and SSC’s DASL that meets monthly for discussion and professional learning about topics related to school improvement, equity and improving outcomes for all students.

To learn more about GISL or to participate in one of its programs, visit its website. 

Article by Jessica Henderson. Photos by Shelly Silva.