DFSME Unites Delaware by...

Supporting Classroom Educators Who Inspire and

Prepare Today's Students for Tomorrow's Workforce

(L-R): Cathy Bassett, Director of Communications, Mountaire Farms; Dr. Jon Manon, President & CEO, DFSME; Jason Macrides, Principal Selbyville, Middle School (SMS); Chelina Tingle, Shining Light Award Winner, SMS; Miya Jackson, Asst. Principal, SMS; Dr. Susan Bunting, former Sec. of Education and former Superintendent of Indian River School District, DDOE/DFSME; Jeff Forjan, Asst. Principal, SMS; Cheryl Tirrell, Mrs. Tingle’s Mother; and Tynell Tingle, Mrs. Tingle’s Husband.

DFSME’s March “Shining Light Award”

Honors Chelina Tingle, Middle School STEM Educator

Chelina Tingle is a STEM teacher at Selbyville Middle School (SMS) in Indian River School District. Chelina came to SMS nine years ago with an extensive background in the sciences, biology in particular. She employs real-world problems to engage her students and is highly-motivated and driven, most likely attributed to her history as an athlete.

Over the years of teaching at SMS, Chelina has sought to continuously improve planning, lesson delivery and assessment for her students. She has grown to be reflective in her quest for advancement in her practice, including the areas of implementation and formative assessment.

Through her work in the classroom, Chelina has earned multiple honors, including Selbyville Middle School Teacher of the Year as well as multiple Project Lead the Way distinguished school recognitions.

We are pleased to recognize Mrs. Chelina Tingle as a Superlative Educator!

Chelina Tingle was nominated by Jason M. Macrides, Principal, Sellbyville Middle School,

Indian River School District.

Act Now! Nominate Your Favorite Educator to be a Shining Light!

Anyone may nominate a STEM formal, informal or community Educator.

Honorees receive an award, a $100 gift card and a Mini Maglite courtesy

of Chesapeake Utilities, a program sponsor.

For more details, click here.

Email completed form to submissions@dfsme.org.

Sponsorships Available!

DFSME is now accepting new program sponsors to join us in recognizing these Shining Lights in STEM education. Program sponsors receive monthly recognition for their support.

For sponsorship information, contact Em@dfsme.org.

(L to R): Grant recipients, The Brittingham Robotics Team competed in the VEX-IQ Robotics Championship in Dallas, TX. “STEM Queen” Jackie Means shares science experiments with students at Forwood Elementary. Microscopes purchased with a Mini Grant provide students at Skyline Middle School endless exploration.

Short on funding for a STEM Project?

DFSME Mini Grants Are Available & Can Help!

Apply Now for a Mini Grant!

DFSME Mini Grants offer just-in-time grants to teachers who need classroom resources to bolster their innovative teaching efforts not funded by districts or agencies. The gap created by this lack of funding means that these costs often are paid by teachers and participants. These grants are designed to bridge that gap and help teachers tailor experiences that ignite their students’ passion for STEM.

DFSME Mini Grants range from $100 to $500. K-12 STEM teachers, community STEM educators and student STEM groups in Delaware are eligible to apply. DFSME Mini Grants fund STEM programs, project materials, technology, software, classroom or club activities, conference fees, and much more.

To find out more or to apply, click here.

To watch a video of a recent Mini Grant winning project, click here.

If you or your company would like to support STEM teachers directly through DFSME’s Mini Grant

and Seed Grant programs, we invite you to make a donation.

Your support of $5,000 Funds 10 Mini Grants or 1-5 Seed Grants!

For more info, email Em McKeever at Em@dfsme.org.

Thank You for Your Support!

We’re grateful for all contributions given during last week’s Do More 24 fundraising event.

All donations will fund DFSME Mini Grant & Seed Grant Programs! 

This year, donations were DOUBLED by a generous donor!

Special thanks to all who donated to support Delaware’s STEM educators.

Maurice Pritchett Sr. Academy contest winners share the spotlight during a school-wide presentation.

Wilmington Learning Collaborative Winners

“The Air We Share” Environmental Awareness Art Contest

DFSME is proud to announce the winners of the second of a two-part series of “The Air We Share Environmental Awareness Art Contest”. This month we highlight winning artworks by students from the Wilmington Learning Collaborative (WLC).

Winners were presented with Awards, $100 Visa gift cards, framed certificates and goody bags supplied by Bloom Energy and Croda. The contest challenged students grades 3-5 to design artwork that shows how we can make a positive impact on our community's air quality.

The WLC is a network of schools operating across the Christina, Brandywine, and Red Clay school districts, committed to improving educational outcomes and fostering a positive change across schools in Wilmington, Delaware.

Congratulations to Our Contest Winners!

Grade 3

1st Place - Zyra Wilkerson, Pritchett Academy

2nd Place - Quinton Sayers, The Bayard School

3rd Place - Ciriya Williams, Pritchett Academy

Grade 4

1st Place - Evelynn McLean, Pritchett Academy

2nd Place - Lajiah Smith, Pritchett Academy

3rd Place - Saameira Pritchett, The Bayard School

Grade 5

1st Place - Heavenly Brown, Pritchett Academy

2nd Place - Riley Lincoln, Pritchett Academy

3rd Place - Adrian Moore, Pritchett Academy

To see all of the winning art submissions, click here.

DFSME Emphasizes Sustainability at the YES!

Youth Environment Summit

The YES! Summit had a great turnout on Feb. 20, 2026 at the Chase Center on the Waterfront. DFSME enjoyed engaging STEM-centric conversations at our table and in our workshop, "Ask An Expert About Trending Environmental Issues."

At DFSME, we support educators who are empowering their students to address concerns around sustainability.

Special thanks to all of the organizers of YES!, especially Joe Iannone of Bloom Energy who organized our workshop. We are also grateful for our panelists for their time and expertise.

Photo inset: (left) Em McKeever, DFSME Development Officer, and (right) Jon Manon, DFSME President, enjoyed environmental conversations with sustainability-inspired students.

The Delaware Mathematics Coalition collaborates in planning for instruction, leading mathematically intense conversations, and using video to develop a keen eye for the essence of mathematics in lessons.

Introducing DFSME STEM Educator Resources

This Month: Delaware Mathematics Coalition (DMC)

As a mathematics leadership organization, DMC members envision classrooms in which confident and competent problem solvers flourish; all students are productively engaged in challenging mathematics instruction, and all teachers are supported in their efforts to become more knowledgeable and reflective practitioners.

DMC members recognize the tremendous value of professional learning and professional development in leveraging school change and communicate their commitment to their vision and mission through their ongoing support and high engagement in DMC-sponsored programs.

DFSME offers educator & parent resources to engage K-12 students in STEM

As a registered user, you will connect with other educators who share your passion for mathematics. You will also gain access to a wide variety of high-quality resources in the Delaware STEM ecosystem.

To learn more about the Delaware Math Coalition, click here.

To access Activities & Lessons, STEM & STEAM Resources, Professional & DE Resources, click here.

March 22 - 27

National STEM Week 2026

National STEM Week is a ten-day celebration of science, technology, engineering, & math.

Join in with a vibrant lineup of events hosted by museums,

 libraries, and top STEM organizations nationwide.

From hands-on activities to interactive workshops and inspiring talks,

each FREE event is crafted to ignite curiosity and inspire learners of all ages.

Whether you're engaging in your local community or from home,

dive into a world of STEM discovery and innovation!

For more information, click here.

The Delaware Foundation for Science and Mathematics Education (DFSME) is a business-community-government partnership throughout the State of Delaware. We work with Educators and Administrators by supporting professional development on the best practices and improvements in STEM programs.

Our Mission

DFSME’s mission is to make Delaware’s students competitive in the global workforce by advancing high-quality STEM education.

Our Vision

Our vision is that Delaware’s world-class STEM education system will serve as a magnet to attract businesses, families, and innovative educators to come to and remain in Delaware.

Our Advocacy to Action

Our Advocacy to Action is a catalyst for change for a world-class STEM presence in Delaware’s education system, implementing an improved effectiveness through STEM education reform and real impact.

Delaware Foundation for Science and Mathematics Education

100 W. 10th Street, Suite 612 

Wilmington, DE 19801 

Tel: 302.397.0034 | Fax: 302.397.0036 

Email: info@dfsme.org

www.dfsme.org

©2026 Delaware Foundation for Science and Mathematics Education

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