(Left) Carolmarie Brown, Ashland Vice President, Corporate Affairs, and Daniel Suchenski, Delaware STEM Council Executive Director, recognize awardee Michele Timmons. (Center) Math Marigolds Team award winners with Jamila Riser, Executive Director of Delaware Math Coalition (DMC). (Right) Award winner John Estock with Carolmarie Brown, and Vere Archibald from DuPont.

The 10th Annual DE STEM Educator Awards Celebration

The Delaware STEM Council and DFSME co-hosted the 10th running of the Delaware STEM Educator Awards ceremony in a hybrid format at Buena Vista in New Castle on November 7th. Throughout the evening, awards with accompanying cash prizes were presented to individuals and teams of educators from across the state for their exemplary accomplishments in STEM education.

Delaware’s elected officials made both in person and virtual appearances throughout the event. Gov. Carney, Lt. Gov. Hall-Long, Representative Rochester, and Senator Coons spoke virtually, and Senator Carper delivered his remarks in person. Each congratulated the winners and spoke on the importance of continuing to build STEM education in Delaware.

“Access to quality STEM education starts with educators like you.

When employers look for a place to start a business, they look for a skilled workforce.

Your work brings them here to Delaware. I want to congratulate all the award winners tonight. Thank you for all you do to keep Delaware on the cutting edge of STEM innovation.”

— Governor John Carney

The 10th Annual DE STEM Educator Award Winners

Certified Award Winners for 2024:

Michele Timmons | Phillip C. Showell Elementary, Selbyville, DE

Jordan Estock | Concord High School, Wilmington, DE

Math Marigolds | Team of Math Educators:

Shellee Wong, Anthony Reid, Susan Sappington, David Moloney & Thomas Becker, all of whom work with DMC, a statewide coalition promoting high-quality mathematics instruction, materials, and experiences for all teachers and students.

10th DE STEM Award Winners Special Award for Impact

Kristen & Milton Melendez | Engineer Early

Arnav Taduvayi | Girls Tech Together

Brandi Mycoff, Tommie Polite, Peggie Birch, Krista Bivins, Melissa Tracy, Jackie Means,

essay winners from the past 10 years of the STEM Educator Awards

Jon Manon STEAM Team Award for work with YES! (Youth Environmental Summit)

Dee Durham, Stephanie Trainer, Stacy Walls Bartkowski, Erica Miller, Sherri Evans-Stanton,

Tami Lunsford, Carter Lunsford

Armbrecht Award Winners for Outstanding STEM Advocacy

2024 Jack Cairns | Long-standing service to the State and Science Olympiad

2025 Senator Tom Carper | Long-standing service for bolstering math & science education in DE

Thank You to Our Sponsors!

Co-workers and associates joined in the celebration luncheon honoring Jack Cairns for his long-standing service in Delaware science education, and his work with Science Olympiad on both the National and Delaware levels.

Jack Cairns Honored with the DFSME Armbrecht Award

This year, the Delaware Foundation for Science and Math Education (DFSME) proudly presented the 2024 Armbrecht Award for Outstanding STEM Advocacy to Jack Cairns, recognized for his long-standing service to the state and its students.

Jack was a science teacher for nearly 20 years, and also instrumental in starting the National Science Olympiad 55 years ago, which continues to this day. After his service as a teacher, Jack was the Delaware State Supervisor of Science/Environmental Science until he became the State Director of the Science Resource Center. He retired in 2001.

____________

At the celebration luncheon, Jack was also honored with a mention by Boeing Chief Engineer, Julie Newman, author of Pull, Don’t Push, a well-written guidebook about STEM messaging to girls. The book clarifies the challenges facing STEM outreach and helps create a new framework of efforts. Following these guidelines could literally put a million women into STEM jobs within the next decade.

____________

The 2025 Armbrecht Award winner, Senator Tom Carper, was awarded for Outstanding STEM Advocacy at the 10th Annual DE STEM Educators Awards. He took the podium saying to teachers, “I’m grateful for your steadfast commitment to teaching our students and next generation of leaders – a job well done.” As a part of Senator Carper’s work as Governor, he assisted in bolstering math and science education, and has been instrumental in getting the state’s education to where it is today.

The Armbrecht Award is given in memory of Ross Armbrecht, Ph.D., DuPont research chemist and former DFSME Executive Director. The award acknowledges Delawareans who have demonstrated outstanding commitment and collaboration between businesses, educators and community leaders to improve math and science education for all students in Delaware.

Shannon Legg is surrounded by his Automotive Technology 10th grade class students, along with (far right) George Fisher, Principal, POLYTECH High School; Kevin Dickerson, Superintendent, POLYTECH School District; and Dr. LaTonya Pierce, Director of Personnel & Student Supports, POLYTECH School District.

DFSME’s November “Shining Light Award” Honors Shannon Legg, Automotive Technology Teacher at POLYTECH High School

Shannon Legg’s dedication to the ongoing development of the STEM-related career and technical education profession and POLYTECH students has been highly impressive, as is his superior ability to prepare students for the workforce. He also fosters relationships with Kent County automotive industry partners and the school-community. Shannon's cultivation of relationships with automotive business partner has provided numerous work-based learning and employment opportunities for students.

Throughout his career, Shannon has worked diligently to educate diverse populations of students with STEM concepts. He has a unique gift for inspiring and reaching students who have sometimes struggled in academic coursework. He renews a sense of purpose in students by establishing trust and helping them set and achieve goals. Former student Taevon Cottman credited Mr. Legg with helping to change his life, identify his career path, secure employment, and inspire him to pursue his goal of becoming a Master Technician.

Through Shannon’s teaching, leadership and mentorship, many Automotive Technology students walk across the stage to graduate with their high school diploma, numerous automotive technology-related certifications, real-world work experiences with industry partners and are prepared for successful employment. Shannon has also taught Automotive Technology courses for POLYTECH Adult Education students.



We are pleased to recognize Shannon Legg as a superlative educator!

Shannon Legg was nominated by Nick Post, POLYTECH High School Assistant Principal

Nominate Your Favorite Educator to be a Shining Light!

Anyone may nominate a STEM formal, informal or community Educator for the Shining Light Award. Honorees receive an award, a $100 gift card and a mini heavy-duty mag flashlight.

For more details, got to dfsme.org/shining-light-award

Email completed form to drses48@aol.com or Michelle.Kutch@bsd.k12.de.us.

William Penn High School social studies teacher, Shelby Borst finds out she is Delaware’s 2025 State Teacher of the Year and Delaware’s nominee for National Teacher of the Year.

 Colonial Teacher Named Delaware 2025 Teacher of the Year

Shelby Borst of William Penn High School now is Delaware’s nominee for National Teacher of the Year. Gov. John Carney made the announcement during a Dover ceremony to honor the 20 district/charter teachers of the year.

Borst, in her eighth year of teaching, advocates for more equitable learning systems. She started by recognizing needed changes within her own classroom then sought out professional learning to further her knowledge.

Analyzing the demographics of her own classes, she realized that the students on her roster for college preparatory classes were more likely to be Black or Hispanic, multi-language learners and have lower grade-point averages. When she asked her college preparatory students about higher-level courses, she found two similar responses: students either didn’t know the options existed or felt they couldn’t take the courses.

"No student, regardless of the barriers they face in society, should ever

have to worry about hurdles in the classroom."

— Delaware Teacher of the Year Shelby Borst

Borst set out to dismantle systemic barriers that caused these responses in her students. She avidly recruited students in all levels of social studies courses, met with counselors to identify candidates for AP courses who are historically underrepresented, and created an informal flier for the Behavioral Science pathway.

The next year, her two AP classes turned into three – then five.

To read the full article on Delaware.gov, click here.

“STEM Equity in Action Day”

Announcing our DFSME Essay Contest Winners and their Entries!

First Place Winner $200

Erin Ahern, Science Teacher, Skyline Middle School

“STEM Equity in Action Day Was an Honor to Attend”



Click here to read Erin’s 1st place winning essay.

Second Place Winner $100

Jordan Estock, Design & Engineering Teacher, Concord High School

“Takeaways from STEM Equity in Action Day”



Click here to read Jordan’s 2nd place winning essay.

Third Place Winner $50

Emily Carroll, Biology Teacher, Thomas McKean High School

“Inspirations for my Classroom from STEM Equity"



Click here to read Emily’s 3rd place winning essay.

Delaware Careers: Jobs, Training, & Educational Opportunities

Delaware Careers (formerly known as Careers & STUFF), is an essential workforce development tool highlighting organizations that offer opportunities and actively recruit job seekers.

For 2024, the publication expands its focus to include more job sectors and career paths, such as Education, Government & Public Services, Leisure & Hospitality, Logistics, and Professional & Business Services, alongside established sectors like Construction & Trades, Healthcare, Manufacturing, and Financial Services.

A limited number of hard copies are available. If you’d like printed copies of Delaware Careers, please contact Charlie Tomlinson at ctomlinson@todaymediainc.com.

Reminder! Deadline for Submission is Nov 22!

Delaware elementary students in grades 3-5 are eligible to submit entries for The Air We Share Environmental Awareness Art Contest sponsored by the DFSME Careers, Resources, Education, And Technology for Environmental Solutions (CREATES) task team. 



Design artwork to demonstrate how our actions can make a positive impact on our community’s air quality. Things to consider are transportation, the natural environment, energy use, or anything that can improve air quality. 

• Individual students may submit a single entry. 
• Multiple students may submit a single entry. 
• Teachers may submit multiple works for entire class, or a team as a single submission. 

Prizes for the individual entry winners in each grade are Amazon Gift Cards: 

$100 First Place • $50 Second Place • $25 Third Place 

For Contest details including submission process, resources, and helpful websites, click here.

For informational flyer, click here.

Submissions must be sent via Google Form at https://bit.ly/3Ck07hV 

no later than 5pm, Friday, November 22, 2024.

For questions, email Joe Iannone at joseph.iannone@bloomenergy.com.

Sponsored by

November's Outstanding Delaware Women in STEM Honoree

Rebecca Martin Robertson is Business Development Director for JGW Group. For 20+ years, she was Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security Program Manager for INFICON. She has been recognized for her support and training and expertise by several agencies, including Pentagon Force Protection Agency, Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear Directorate, and the U.S. Marine Corps Chemical Biological Incident Response Force. 

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.

Call for Nominations

2025 Delaware Outstanding Women in STEM 

Please nominate a mentor, colleague or other notable female scientist, researcher, technologist, or engineer for recognition by Million Women Mentors - Delaware. Nominees should have ties to Delaware by birth, education or career, and may be living or deceased.   

Up to ten honorees will be selected for recognition during the

5th Annual Celebration of Delaware Women & Girls in STEM Day

in March at Legislative Hall in Dover, Delaware.

For questions, please email mwm.dfsme@gmail.com.

Winners Will be Honored for Enthusiasm & Dedication to STEM Education

2025 Trailblazing STEM Educator Award

Challenger Center and the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) announced they are accepting nominations for the 2025 Trailblazing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Educator Award.

The annual award celebrates K-12 teachers going above and beyond to inspire the next generation of explorers and innovators. Nominations can be submitted online through December 1, 2024.

Winners will receive $5,000 for themselves and their school or organization; FREE access to Challenger Center’s STEM education programs; a trip to Washington, DC to be honored at the 2025 AIAA Awards Gala, and a special presentation ceremony at their school. The winners will also have the opportunity to attend a space launch experience and/or a VIP tour of an aerospace facility.

Submit nominations by December 1, 2024.

Save The Date! • February 22, 2025

Registration is now open! To register, click here.

Deadline to Register & Submit: November 22

The Air We Share Environmental Awareness Art Contest

Sponsored by DFSME

Delaware students Grades 3-5 can submit entries. Design artwork to

demonstrate how to make a positive impact on our community’s air quality.

For contest details, click here.

For questions, email Joe Iannone at dfsme.contest@gmail.com.

 ……………………………………………………………

Now through December 1

2025 Trailblazing STEM Educator Awards

Challenger Center and the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA)

is accepting nominations for the 2025 Trailblazing STEM Educator Awards.

The annual award celebrates K-12 teachers going above and beyond to inspire

the next generation of explorers and innovators.

To nominate a teacher online now through December 1, 2024, click here.

 ……………………………………………………………

Now through February 6, 2025

Presidential Awards for Math & Science Teaching (PAEMST)

Nominations and applications are now open to 7-12th grade teachers!

Being recognized as a PAEMST Awardee is a tremendous honor.

We hope you will consider celebrating a teacher in your community by nominating them.

We welcome multiple nominations if you know more than one teacher deserving of this award.

 To nominate a 7-12th grade STEM teacher today, click here.

 ……………………………………………………………

Save the Date! February 22, 2025 • 9:30am-3pm

Engineering Your Tomorrow

FREE STEM Career Day for Middle School Girls

REGISTRATION IS OPEN

Calling Future Scientists, Engineers, Doctors and Computer Scientists!

Spend a day Girls in grades 6-8 will spend the day with scientists

and engineers exploring STEM careers through fun, hands-on lab activities!

Parents/caregivers/teachers are encouraged to attend.

We'll have info sessions to help you guide girls in making academic choices

that will prepare them for higher education and careers in STEM fields.

Registration is FREE thanks to our generous sponsors. Lunch will be provided.

Conrad Schools of Science, Wilmington, DE

To register, click here.

 ……………………………………………………………

Save the Date! February 28, 2025 • 9:30am-3pm

The 6th annual YES! Delaware Youth Environmental Summit

FREE! Bigger and even better this year!

Planned by students, the 2025 YES! Summit will be held at Chase Center at the Riverfront.

Free for Delaware high school students and educators who are advisors to school teams.

Students explore the most pressing state, national and global environmental issues

and engage in steps they can take on campus and beyond.

We welcome all Delaware schools to participate!

For more information, click here.

To register: PDMS #42678 The 6th Annual Yes! Delaware Youth Environmental Summit

 ……………………………………………………………

Save the Date! March 7, 2025

2025 Sussex County Science Fair

The science fair provides an opportunity for students in grades 6-12 to

present their original research in science, mathematics, or engineering.

Any student in Sussex & lower Kent Counties is welcome. Sponsors need not be teachers;

any responsible adult qualifies. Students in New Castle and upper Kent Counties

should contact the Stanton Campus of Del Tech for their Science Fair.

Owens Campus of Delaware Technical and Community College

For more information, click here.

DFSME thanks the following organizations for contributions to STEM education in Delaware.

STEM Legacy

DuPont | LabWare

STEM Heritage

Ashland | Mountaire Farms | Verizon

STEM Sustainer

Bloom Energy

STEM Network

Croda | Delmarva Power | Walmart



STEM Business

Agilent Technologies | American Chemical Society Delaware Section | Autumn Arch

STEM Gifts in Kind

Chesapeake Utilities | ChristianaCare | Corteva Agriscience

Delaware Department of Education | Delaware Design Company | Delaware Technical Community College Delaware Nature Society | DelawareBio | Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control

EDiS | FAME, Inc. | Junior Achievement | Million Women Mentors | STEMconnector

Stroud Water Research Center | University of Delaware | Whisman Giordano & Associates

Partners Community

Delaware Afterschool Network | Delaware Department of Education

Delaware Pathways / Career and Technical Education Cadre | Delaware Math Coalition

Delaware Science Coalition | Delaware STEM Council Healthy Food for Healthy Kids

Wilmington Urban STEM Initiative

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

©2023 Delaware Foundation for Science and Math Education

501(c)(3) Education nonprofit dealing with K-16 STEM education in Delaware schools.