Delaware Gov. Markell Signs Bill To Help Attract More Quality Teachers To Delaware’s Schools

House Bill 102 enables state to participate in Teach for America program

April 20, 2009 -- WILMINGTON – Joined by leading legislators and education advocates, Delaware Governor Jack Markell on Monday signed House Bill 102 into law, which makes important changes to the state’s education system that will enable Delaware to qualify for the prestigious Teach for America program.

Article continues below...

“We will not be able to grow our economy and create jobs without a top-level school system that graduates students ready to compete in the modern job market,” Markell said. “Signing this legislation demonstrates that we are willing to transform our education system by changing the underlying policies and practices that will make the greatest difference in how we educate our children.”

A former elementary school teacher and former school board member, Rep. Teresa L. Schooley said that the Teach for America program will help place dedicated teachers in the classrooms throughout Delaware that need help the most.

“Thousands of teachers – including several who were educated here in Delaware – have been placed in schools throughout the country in low-income areas and have produced some really positive results,” said Rep. Schooley, D-Newark, the chair of the House Education Committee and the sponsor of HB 102. “We feel that bringing this program to Delaware and bringing those dedicated teachers to Delaware classrooms will only help with improving the quality of our education and will help bring about positive change in schools that need it most.”

Sen. David Sokola, D-Newark, the chair of the Senate Education Committee, added: “Teach for America gives us an opportunity to expand the pool of our best and brightest young leaders where they're needed most -- guiding our children on a path to success in life. And, the structure of this legislation includes sufficient monitoring to ensure confidence in this program prior to expanding it statewide. I do believe this program will provide quality teachers for our kids.”

Source: Delaware Governor