Brandywine reading specialist named Delaware Teacher of the Year

Jenna DiEleuterio of the Brandywine School District was named Delaware’s 2026 Teacher of the Year at a ceremony held Oct. 14 in Dover.

Twenty teachers, including Cape Henlopen School District’s Chris Burkhart, were in the running for the state title after being nominated by their respective districts or the Delaware Charter Network during the 2025 calendar year. The nominees, who will all receive a $2,000 grant from the state, were joined at the ceremony by colleagues and loved ones.

“Each one of our 20 [nominees] have done the work of shaping lives in ways that extend far beyond the walls of their classrooms,” said Delaware Secretary of Education Cindy Marten. “You do work that changes lives. You do work that strengthens families and communities and generations. You shape the future of our state.”

DiEleuterio, a reading specialist at Talley Middle School, will now serve as Delaware’s nominee in the national program, which is run by the Council of Chief State School Officers in partnership with the Voya Foundation. She will also receive a $5,000 grant to use for the educational benefit of her students, plus a personal grant of $3,000.

“Thank you for this opportunity to use my voice,” DiEleuterio said. “I will use it to amplify our profession, uplift the incredible educators across our state and. most importantly, advocate for every child to thrive as their full, authentic self.”