Jenna DiEleuterio of Talley Middle School was named the 2026 State Teacher of the Year during a ceremony in Dover
Brandywine Reading Specialist Jenna DiEleuterio earns the 2026 Teacher of the Year award.
By Jamie Kleman | Contributing Journalist Delaware Live | October 2025
A middle school reading specialist from the Brandywine School District has earned Delaware’s 2026 State Teacher of the Year, receiving the state’s highest honor for classroom excellence. Jenna DiEleuterio of Talley Middle School was named the 2026 State Teacher of the Year during a ceremony in Dover, where Secretary of Education Cindy Marten made the announcement. DiEleuterio now serves as Delaware’s nominee for National Teacher of the Year.
With 15 years of teaching experience, DiEleuterio has dedicated her career to helping students build a positive relationship with literacy by providing meaningful learning experiences that promote deep thinking, build knowledge, and equip them to succeed in life.
Middle school, DiEleuterio explained, is a uniquely formative time in a student’s life. “Students at this age start to realize their opportunities and their responsibilities, and become more curious about the world, and there is a different level of engagement,” she said. “It is also a very vulnerable and sometimes awkward time, and I truly appreciate the opportunity to be part of that process. The middle school years can be hard, and it is an honor to walk alongside students during that stage of their lives.”
As a reading specialist, DiEleuterio said that connection always comes first because it is essential to learning. “When my students walk into the classroom, I can often tell if something is going on,” she said. “I take the time to talk with them, help them problem solve or process what they are feeling, and meet them where they are so we can get them to where the learning happens.”
DiEleuterio is also known for her leadership beyond the classroom. She serves as the facilitator and pioneer of the Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) team at Talley Middle School and throughout Brandywine’s secondary schools, bringing educators together to analyze data, evaluate interventions, and ensure instruction is tailored to meet the needs of every student.
“By leveraging additional data and progress monitoring systems, Dr. DiEleuterio has implemented highly targeted interventions not only in her classroom but across all intervention groups in the building,” said Brandywine Supervisor of Special Education Katherine Siegel. “She personally collects data when needed and provides instructional materials and professional development sessions to staff implementing interventions.”
DiEleuterio said her ability to lead and support others is grounded in meaningful relationships and intentional self-care. “I rely on strong relationships at school and on colleagues I can talk with and bounce ideas off of for both professional and emotional support,” she said. “I also take care of myself physically and mentally. I am intentional about resting, taking walks, spending time in nature, and going to therapy to stay grounded and balanced.”
By action of the General Assembly, DiEleuterio will receive a five thousand dollar grant to use for the educational benefit of her students, as well as two personal grants totaling an additional five thousand dollars. The remaining nineteen district and charter honorees each will receive a personal grant of two thousand dollars. All twenty teachers also received gifts from Wilmington University, Advantech Incorporated, and their district superintendents or the Delaware Charter Network. DiEleuterio also received gifts from the Delaware School Boards Association, Delaware State Education Association, and Delaware State Teachers of the Year Association; State of Delaware Teacher of the Year commemorative plates from the Division of Motor Vehicles; a full doctorate program from University of Delaware and Wilmington University; and a ten karat gold ring from Jostens. This year’s celebration was sponsored by Voya Financial.
DiEleuterio earned her Bachelor of Science in elementary and special education from Elizabethtown College before graduating from Wilmington University with a Master of Education in reading and a Doctor of Education in teacher leadership. The award of a full doctorate program builds on her professional journey and reflects her commitment to advancing literacy and leadership at the highest level. That commitment to both students and the profession is what DiEleuterio will now carry forward on a statewide stage.
As the new State Teacher of the Year, DiEleuterio will represent Delaware educators statewide and address community groups, business leaders, legislators, and educational organizations to inform the public about the status of Delaware schools. She also becomes Delaware’s candidate in the National Teacher of the Year Program, a project of the Council of Chief State School Officers.
Reflecting on the honor, DiEleuterio said her greatest hope is to leave a lasting impact on both students and educators. “It is such an honor, and I am humbled by it,” she said. “What I want, more than anything, is for every person to feel connected and valued and to have the tools to create the life they want. As a reading specialist, I use literacy to give students voice and agency. When they build a strong relationship with reading, they can access content, make informed decisions, and express themselves with confidence. I want every student to feel seen and heard, and to know that I care and our school community cares. Their voices matter. I also want fellow educators to feel valued and respected because what they bring to this work is important. We build support systems together that help everyone succeed.”
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