Delaware Teachers Institute

News

Three UD professors—from left, Yafei Ren, Carla Guerrón Montero and Matt Kinservik

DTI Seminar Leaders Announced

Three UD professors—from left, Yafei Ren, Carla Guerrón Montero and Matt Kinservik—will lead seminars for K-12 teachers through the Delaware Teachers Institute.

Cultural Immersion: Dialogue, Storytelling, and Dance with the Nanticoke Nation event flyer

Cultural Immersion: Dialogue, Storytelling, and Dance with the Nanticoke Nation

This event will begin with opening remarks by Dr. Bonnie Hall, a leader in the Nanticoke Nation. Ragghi Rain, a renowned Native American storyteller, will captivate the audience with traditional stories that highlight the rich cultural heritage and wisdom of Native American people.

Drawing of a horseshoe crab

Science and Art Come Together for the Win!

When Fellow Nancy Ventresca wrote her unit "The Unsinkable Horseshoe Crab" she aimed to educate her Christina School District students about this aquatic organism that plays an essential role in the Delaware coastal ecosystem. 

Featured Fellows


Stacy-Ann Morrison Thomas

Fellow

School & District: Stanton Middle School, Red Clay Consolidated School District

Grade: 6th & 7th

Content Area: Science

Reflection on the DTI Experience: 

Participating in the Delaware Teaching Institute (DTI) was an enriching and transformative experience that provided me with valuable opportunities for professional growth. The program not only allowed me to connect with other passionate educators but also gave me opportunities to research and collaborate with other DTI fellows while learning about interesting and informative topics.  

The seminars are quite engaging with varied topics presented from knowledgeable guest’s speakers. The seminar leader is extremely knowledgeable and accommodating which makes the seminar more enjoyable and rewarding.

One of the most rewarding aspects of DTI was the opportunity to collaborate and network with fellow educators. Engaging in discussions with teachers from diverse backgrounds helped me gain fresh perspectives on instructional approaches which aided in classroom management. The exchange of ideas fostered a sense of community and reinforced the importance of lifelong learning in the field of education. 

Perhaps the most impactful aspect of my DTI experience was the opportunity to develop my own curriculum unit. The process of researching, planning, and creating a curriculum tailored to my students’ needs was both challenging and rewarding. This hands-on experience allowed me to think critically about my teaching objectives and align them with student engagement and success. Having the time and support to craft a meaningful unit has given me confidence in my ability to design effective and engaging lessons.

Overall, DTI has been an invaluable experience that has deepened my professional knowledge and expanded my instructional toolkit. I will leave the program feeling inspired, motivated, and better prepared to make a meaningful impact in my students’ learning. I am grateful for the connections I have made and the knowledge I have gained, and I look forward to applying these insights in my classroom.

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