2022 Delaware Teacher of the Year to be named Oct. 11

Delaware teachers will learn Monday, Oct. 11, who will represent the state as the 2022 Teacher of the Year. 

Cape district Teacher of the Year, Shields Elementary third-grade teacher Maura Johnson, is one of 20 state and charter school teachers vying for the top honor. 

Due to COVID-19 precautions, attendance at the ceremony will be limited. The program will be streamed to the Delaware Department of Education’s social media channels for at-home viewing. The program begins at 7 p.m. in the Dover High School auditorium with the announcement coming at the end of the night. Funding for the award ceremony is provided by a grant from Voya Financial. 

Candidates were nominated by their districts or the Delaware Charter Network during the 2021 calendar year because of their superior ability to inspire students with a love of learning, exemplary demonstration of professional traits, and strong sense of dedication and devotion to teaching.

Each nominee submitted a detailed application exemplifying his or her teaching philosophy. Five DOE staff members independently evaluated each application, and a former Delaware Teacher of the Year and department staff member observed each candidate in the classroom. 

Taking into consideration ratings from the application review and observations, as well as a recorded presentation by nominees, another independent panel of non-department judges then selects one teacher who will serve as the 2022 Delaware Teacher of the Year. 

The state Teacher of the Year will become Delaware's nominee in the national program, a project of the Council of Chief State School Officers in partnership with the Voya Foundation.

By action of the General Assembly, the Delaware Teacher of the Year will receive a $5,000 grant to use for the educational benefit of his or her students, as well as a personal grant of $3,000. All nominees will receive a $2,000 grant from the state.