2025 Delaware Teacher of Year to be named Oct. 15

Milton Elementary literacy teacher Krissy Patton will be one of 20 of the state’s top teachers to be honored at an Oct. 15 celebration in which one educator will be named Delaware’s 2025 Teacher of the Year.

In her role, Patton designs individualized literacy instruction for students needing extra support, including exceptional and multilingual learners, and co-plans and co-teaches lessons with teachers.

Before taking this position, Patton was primarily a fifth-grade language arts and social studies teacher. She has a bachelor’s degree in psychology, a master’s degree in elementary education and a doctorate in educational leadership.

Candidates were nominated by their districts or the Delaware Charter Network during the 2024 calendar year based on their ability to inspire students with a love of learning, exemplary demonstration of professional traits and strong sense of dedication and devotion to teaching.

Each nominee submitted a detailed application exemplifying his or her teaching philosophy. Five Delaware Department of Education staff members and five former state teachers of the year independently evaluated each application. A former Delaware Teacher of the Year and department staff member observed each candidate in the classroom. 

Taking into consideration the ratings from the application review and observations as well as a recorded presentation by the nominees, another independent panel of non-department judges then recommends to the secretary of education the one teacher who will serve as the 2025 Delaware Teacher of the Year.

The state Teacher of the Year will become Delaware's nominee in the national program, a project of the Council of Chief State School Officers in partnership with the Voya Foundation.

By action of the General Assembly, the Delaware Teacher of the Year will receive a $5,000 grant to use for the educational benefit of their students and a personal grant of $3,000. All nominees will receive a $2,000 grant from the state.