Del Tech’s new bachelor’s degree program looks to combat current teacher shortage
DELAWARE – “If there’s anyone even thinking about maybe going back to school but they’re not sure how it’s going to work with their schedule, don’t wonder,” Dominick said.
8 years ago, Julie Dominick was a substitute teacher for the Cape Henlopen School District. She tells 47ABC that’s where she’d find her passion to teach. Fast forward to today, she’s now a part of the first cohort of Delaware Tech’s Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education program. “I needed my associate degree first which is I went to Del Tech and graduated in 2021. The program wasn’t around yet, so I went to another college to continue. As soon as program was available, I rushed right back to Del Tech,” Dominick said.
The program welcomed the first cohort of 59 students back in fall 2022. We’re told an additional 25 students will enter the program this fall.
It’s a partnership between the college, one charter, and nine public school districts hoping to address the lingering teacher shortage statewide. Del Tech officials tell us they received a formal request from superintendents across the state on ways to bolster the workforce and hope the program can be a solution. “Our mission at the core is to serve the workforce needs of the state of Delaware,” Del Tech. VP of Academic Affairs Justina Thomas said.
Thomas says a unique feature of the program is the one-year residency, providing students hands-on experience in the classroom. “It allows our students to really build relationships with their students, cooperating teachers, and get feel of what that classroom experience is,” Thomas said.
As Dominick heads into the home stretch of the program, she’s looking forward to being one step closer to helping fill the learning gaps for Delaware’s youngest. “Having that hands on experience of being able to see what it looks like to a teacher from day one through the end of the school and gain that experience. I just felt like that would be the best opportunity to get my bachelors,” Thomas said.
Another great thing about the program is that during the residency portion, students actually receive a stipend while they work.
Students are eligible for dual certification in elementary education and special education, which we’re told helps expands their job options. The Delaware Department of Education Teacher Academy Pathway is also offered in high schools statewide for aspiring teachers.
The first cohort of students will complete their residencies and graduate from the program May 2024.
The BSE program is offered at the Wilmington, Dover, and Georgetown campuses.
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