The Cape Henlopen School District recently announced Julianna Danese as its 2027 Teacher of the Year.

The announcement was made during a special celebration May 13, when family, friends and colleagues gathered to recognize 11 outstanding educators from each of the buildings across the district.

A special education and AVID pathway educator at Cape Henlopen High School, Danese was selected for demonstrating excellence in teaching, a commitment to student success and a dedication to creating meaningful learning experiences for all her students. With five years of teaching experience, Danese serves students in grades 9-12 across resource and behavioral settings, while also supporting student-athletes as the assistant varsity girls’ swimming coach. 

Danese is known for her student-centered approach and dedication to empowering her students through real-world experience. She consistently inspires students, supports colleagues and works to make a positive impact within the school community. She is a graduate of the University of Delaware, where she earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees, and is currently enrolled in Wilmington University’s Educational Leadership doctoral program.

“I’m beyond excited to represent Cape Henlopen School District through the Teacher of the Year recognition,” said Danese. “Teaching is more than just a job for me; it truly is my passion. I’m also grateful to have such an incredible support system at the high school. From my students to my colleagues to my administrators, we are all small pieces of a much larger puzzle, and by working together, supporting one another and showing up every day for the students and families at Cape, we get one step closer to putting the whole beautiful puzzle together.”

The Teacher of the Year program recognizes educators throughout the district who exemplify professionalism, leadership, innovation and a passion for education. Each school in the district selected a building-level Teacher of the Year before the district-wide selection process took place. Judges included district-level administrators, board of education members, a Cape Henlopen Educational Foundation member, a current Cape High student and the most recent Teacher of the Year honoree.

Candidates are independently scored in a variety of categories, with a total score calculated to reveal the district-wide Teacher of the Year.

“Julianna represents the very best of Cape,” said Dr. Jenny Nauman, Cape superintendent. “She consistently goes above and beyond to support her students and create a classroom environment where everyone feels valued, challenged and empowered to succeed. We are so proud to recognize her as our district-wide Teacher of the Year.”

As Cape Henlopen’s Teacher of the Year, Danese will serve as an ambassador for the district and will represent Cape in the Delaware Teacher of the Year program.

District officials extend both congratulations and thanks to Danese and all the building-level Teachers of the Year for their dedication, passion and commitment to supporting every student, in every classroom, every day.