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As spring is upon us and we look ahead, we share important messages from Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long and Secretary of Education Mark Holodick about diversifying STEM education, reversing systemic discrimination and opening the door for more thought-provoking and reflective conversations in and out of the classroom.
We congratulate our PAEMST runner-up winners as well as our May "Shining Light" Award Winners from Skyline Middle School who work together as a STEM team. As summer approaches, there are many opportunities for professional development. We hope you can participate!
– Randy Guschl, Executive Director
Delaware Foundation for Science and Mathematics Education
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Delaware Lieutenant Governor
Shares her Viewpoint on Diversifying STEM Education
Too Many Women and Girls are Getting Left Behind
By Delaware Lieutenant Governor Bethany Hall-Long
In Delaware, “STEM” careers in science, technology, engineering and math are some of the fastest growing in our state. Delawareans in STEM fields earn competitive salaries, and industries like biotech and life sciences are growing, fueling tens of thousands of Delaware jobs.
As Delaware’s sole representative for the National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals (NIIMBL), I’ve seen how these careers transform communities and spark further innovation. Initiatives like the Delaware Prosperity Partnership and the Delaware Innovation Space are partnering with industry leaders to capitalize on this moment, providing mentorship and support to startups and marketing our state’s assets to other prospective employers. Our main sell? Delaware’s high concentration of residents working in STEM fields.
Now is the time to double down on retaining and growing our STEM workforce, and attracting women into STEM careers must be a key part of that strategy… READ MORE
May 4, 2023 article courtesy of Delaware Business Times / Sabrina Gonzalez
Photo courtesy of Delaware Government
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The Importance of House Bill 198, from an Educator
Incorporating Black History in Every Delaware Student’s Education
By Delaware Secretary of Education Mark Holodick
Recently, the UCLA School of Law released a database showing that Delaware is the lone state to have zero measures enacted or even introduced that would ban instruction on how race and law have been used to produce systemic discrimination, more commonly known as critical race theory (CRT). Delaware does not teach CRT. Never has.
But the information got me thinking – and reflecting – about my time as an educator in our state three decades ago, and how much we’ve grown in the space.
During the 1990s, I taught sixth grade social studies, eighth grade U.S. History, and 6-12th grade world history and sociology in New Castle County public schools. I loved my job. I was a young, excited, and – I believed – thorough educator, relying on so much more to instruct my students than the history books and curriculum I had been provided. I focused on teaching the complete history of our country, including slavery. I wanted my students to understand slavery’s impact on our nation’s economic growth and current U.S. economy, and also the hardships those who were enslaved endured as they helped build this country. I even used the internet to access websites that many of my colleagues did not yet know existed in this emerging space. In that moment in time, during that period of my life, I believed I was creating an excellent educational environment for each and every one of my students.
I was wrong. In retrospect, I fell far short of teaching about the complexities of our country’s past, and I missed even more opportunities to connect historic events to current situations. Black history is about more than slavery; it includes an understanding of racial injustices that continue to happen today while also celebrating and honoring the accomplishments of so many in the face of these injustices. For my students, it meant that I never fully opened the door for the type of thought-provoking and reflective conversations that were needed in the classroom. More importantly, I failed to allow so many of my students an opportunity to see themselves in our country’s history, to learn from our nation’s prior mistakes, and to be inspired by the amazing, diverse figures that could have made them dream bigger in their own lives… READ MORE
May 8, 2023 article & photo courtesy of Delaware News / Department of Education
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Former Gov. Jack Markell visiting one of the State’s initial Pathways programs for engineering at Polytech High School in 2015. | |
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Assessing Delaware Pathways Work to
Prep High School Students for College and Future Careers
Eight years ago, former Gov. Jack Markell launched a program called ‘Pathways to Prosperity’ – designed to give high school students specialized instruction and hands-on training in specific fields that led to industry-recognized certificates or college credits.
That program – now known as ‘Delaware Pathways’ – has grown and those involved reflected on its progress at a recent conference.
“The path is not the same for every young person.
Students must be aware of their options and be prepared to take the next step.”
– Dr. Mark Holodick, State Secretary of Education
Building a program from ground zero to participation by 71 percent of the state’s middle and high school students in less than eight years is cause for celebration, but attendees at the annual Delaware Pathways conference learned that there’s still much more to do.
More than 47,000 students are now enrolled in Pathways programs, taking classes designed to lead them into potentially rewarding career fields, state Secretary of Education Mark Holodick said as he opened the half-day conference at the University of Delaware. The April 21 event drew more than 200 attendees, primarily educators and leaders in businesses and nonprofit organizations affiliated with Pathways.
Student participation will continue to grow, Holodick said, in part because of the state’s $1 million investment in pilot programs that will start this fall at the middle school level. Those programs aim to give students an earlier start in thinking about careers and what they will need to study in high school to attain their long-term goals… READ MORE
May 5th article courtesy Delaware Public Media / Larry Nagengast
Photo courtesy Tom Byrne / Delaware Public Media
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DFSME Recognizes 2020 Delaware PAEMST Runners Up
for White House Recognition
Congratulations Sara and Sonia, Delaware's Outstanding Educators!
| Awardee Sara Bushey for Science (left photo) and Awardee Sonia Saunders for Mathematics (right photo). Awardees received certificates from the State and a $250 check from DFSME, and had their pictures taken with Tonyea Mead, Science Education Associate, Department of Education (far left), Dr. Mark Holodick, Secretary of Education (left), and Renee Parsley, Education Associate (right). | |
Each award year, the State of Delaware forwards the applications of two math and two science nominees to the White House to be considered for the national award. It is a prestigious honor to be considered and all nominees represent innovative and exemplary teaching. The state recognizes the two Delaware First Place PAEMST award winners. In recognition of their outstanding work with Delaware's students, DFSME pays special tribute to the two Delaware Runners Up.
Delaware educators honored as 2020 Runners Up:
• Sara Bushey | SCIENCE, Red Clay School District
• Sonia Saunders | MATHEMATICS, Lake Forest School District
Click here to download the PAEMST report.
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May winners, shown holding their Shining Light Awards are Christopher Capobianco (left) and Geanine Castaldi (right), joined by the Skyline Middle School STEM Club. | |
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DFSME’s May “Shining Light Award”
Honors Christopher Capobianco & Geanine Castaldi
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This month’s DFSME Shining Light Award honors Christopher Capobianco and Geanine Castaldi. This team of educators collaborates in a productive, positive manner to inspire and excite their students about STEM career fields. They are both teachers at Skyline Middle School. Ms. Castaldi teaches Math, Mr. Capobianco teaches STEM exploratory.
Mr. Capobianco and Ms. Castaldi work together to create authentic learning experiences and ignite excitement within the minds of their middle school students. They do this through their after school STEM Club and in their daily teaching practices. The STEM Club invites students to join who want to experience high quality and engaging challenges. Their excitement for the STEM Club leads to a passion to potentially join the STEM workforce in the future.
Both educators also cultivate a positive learning environment in their daily classrooms. Their students learn how to use 3-D printers and CAD software along with the math understanding needed to accompany that technology.
Ms. Castaldi was formerly a structural engineer, sending a message to female students that they too can be mathematicians and engineers.
Mr. Capobianco integrates Social Emotional Learning (SEL) into his daily instruction. He is also a hockey coach and leads the CTE team at Skyline. His excitement about learning balanced with importance of teamwork and physical fitness combine to make everyone at Skyline love his class.
Together, Mr. Capobianco and Ms. Castaldi lead students to be promising problem solvers for making the world better in years to come, and they work regularly as a team to help students see that in themselves.
We are pleased to recognize Chris and Geanine as superlative educators!
Chris and Geanine were nominated by Erin Motley Ahern, 7th Grade Science Teacher,
Skyline Middle School, Red Clay School District.
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Anyone can Nominate a Shining Light Educator!
Who will YOU Nominate?
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Anyone may nominate a STEM formal, informal or community Educator for the Shining Light Award. Honorees receive a $100 gift card and a mini heavy-duty mag flashlight. | |
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University of Delaware’s Graduate Programs
Among the Best in the Nation
In the 2024 edition of Best Graduate Schools, U.S. News & World Report has ranked 22 University of Delaware graduate programs among the best in the nation, including 10 in the top 50.
"Being held in such high regard is an honor. It is important to remember behind that single ranking are a myriad of elements including our excellent faculty, facilities, curriculum, and most importantly innovative experiences that we offer to our students.”
– Louis Rossi, Dean of UD’s Graduate College and
Vice Provost for Graduate and Professional Education
To read the full article by Evan Krape in the April 25, 2023 UDaily, click here.
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May’s Outstanding Delaware Women in STEM Honoree
Delaware’s (Un)Hidden Figures
At the Proclamation Signing on March 28, Million Women Mentors Delaware (MWM-DE) marked the occasion by announcing the 2023 Outstanding Delaware Women in STEM honorees. This annual recognition celebrates the groundbreaking achievements of these Delaware women in STEM, as well as illuminate the many STEM career paths for Delaware girls. DFSME News highlights one of the 2023 honorees each month.
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Uma Chowdhury, Ph.D. is Chief Science & Technology Officer Emeritus for DuPont. A leader in both research and business, she focused on moving new chemicals and polymers from beakers in the lab to products in the store.
Million Women Mentors is the premier network dedicated to encouraging girls and women around the world to pursue, persist and succeed in STEM careers. The Delaware STEM Council and DFSME are partners in the event along with MWM-DE and the Office of the Governor, State of Delaware.
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Delaware Math Coalition Math Camp
Registration is Open! • Camp Date: July 25 - 27 • Lewes, DE
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Summer 2023 Math Camp Facilitation Team
Summer 2023 Math Camp planning and facilitation team includes (Left to Right) Howie Hua, Fresno State, Robin Corrozi, Cape Henlopen, Michael Reitemeyer, Las Americas Aspira, Tom Becker, MOT Charter High School, Mandy Jansen, University of Delaware, and Jamila Riser, DMC (not shown).
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Free eBook by STEMconnector
Bioindustrial Manufacturing
MADE IN THE USA
STEMconnector's latest eBook, funded by BioMADE, explores how innovation in bioindustrial technologies is creating breakthrough products and technologies. The ebook highlights companies, opportunities for innovation, and the STEM pathways that are shaping bioindustrial manufacturing.
Modern biotechnology is creating breakthrough products and technologies to reduce our environmental footprint, feed the hungry, use less and cleaner energy, and have cleaner and more efficient industrial manufacturing processes. Bioindustrial manufacturing is growing rapidly in response to the innovation generated from the biotech sector.
As the bioeconomy is poised for enormous growth over the coming decades, driving increased demand for a diverse STEM-skilled workforce. Career opportunities abound in bioindustrial manufacturing to create new products that will reduce our carbon footprint, expand U.S. manufacturing, and accelerate our economy.
Designed for educators and students alike, we invite you to discover the STEM pathways that lead to an exciting career in bioindustrial technologies!
To download this free eBook, click here.
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Summer Sessions for Delaware Educators | |
Discovery Education professional learning can be found in PDMS! When you register and attend one of our sessions this summer, you will receive one (1) professional learning clock hour for each session attended. Register in PDMS by searching for Course 30581 and then select the "section" tab and register for the session(s) that interests you. Be sure to check out our latest offerings!
For info on the Discovery Education Workshop Series (three July sessions), click here.
For info on the Discovery July and August Summer Sessions, click here.
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May 1-30
American Wetlands Month
Wetlands host a variety of habitats and support a diversity of life.
Almost one-third of our country’s endangered species survive in the wetlands.
To learn and share more about these essential habitats, click here.
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May 20 • Noon-5pm
DASEF Planet Earth Family Day
Hosted by the Delaware AeroSpace Education Foundation.
Explore Earth and it’s place in the universe.
For more information, click here.
To register for the event, click here.
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June 8
World Oceans Day
World Oceans Day is significant in raising awareness about
the impact we have on the oceans, threats our oceans face
and why we should protect them for future generations.
For learning resources about ocean ecosystems and biomes,
underwater creatures, and the effects of climate change, click here.
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July 18-20 • 9am-4pm Daily
Delaware Tech Energy Institute for STEM Educators
Teachers will be paid a $600 stipend for participation in all three days.
Space is available on a first-come first-served basis, so apply now!
The Energy Institute will include data analysis, energy efficiency and solar photovoltaics.
For more information and to apply, click here.
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Save the Date! October 13, 2023
Delaware Mathematics & STEM Equity Conferences
A powerful day of professional learning dedicated to Equity in Math and STEM.
Sponsored by the Delaware Mathematics Coalition & Delaware Department of Education.
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Save the Date! November 9, 2023
The 9th Annual Delaware STEM Educator Awards Ceremony
Live Zoom Videocast from Buena Vista Country Estate in New Castle, Delaware
Co-hosted by Delaware STEM Council and DFSME, the event announces winners at the
Elementary School (K-5), Middle School (6-8) and High School (9-12) levels, the
Community Educator Award, the Jon Manon STEAM Team Educator Award and more!
For more information, click here.
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Our Sponsors & Supporters | |
DFSME thanks the following organizations for contributions to STEM education in Delaware. | |
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Delaware Foundation for Science and Math Education
100 W. 10th Street, Suite 612
Wilmington, DE 19801
Tel: 302.397.0034 | Fax: 302.397.0036
Email: anne.dfsme@gmail.com
www.dfsme.org
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©2023 Delaware Foundation for Science and Math Education
501(c)(3) Education nonprofit dealing with K-16 STEM education in Delaware schools.
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