Teacher of the Year

2026 Colonial School District  Teacher of the Year

Amanda Kane

Teacher – Colonial Early Education Program

Amanda Kane loves working with Colonial’s youngest learners. She is a lead teacher at Colonial’s Early Education Program (CEEP), where her outstanding work with preschoolers earned her the title of District Teacher of the Year. “My guiding principle as an educator is to provide a safe space for all students. Students seek adults to support their learning and well-being.  Being an advocate ultimately provides a safe learning environment – this is an educator’s call to action.”

Kane joined Colonial Nation in 2016 while in college as a cooperative learning student; she later became a paraeducator before joining the ranks of teachers at CEEP. Under her keen guidance, she encourages youngsters to advocate for themselves; to ask questions, problem solve, and share their ideas in her classroom. “Through my students’ eyes, I am hopeful that they remember what it feels like to be safe, connected, and a valued member of a school family.” Kane’s love and dedication to her students are apparent to all, which is why she says, “Once a school family, always a school family!”

Amanda Kane will represent the Colonial School District this Fall at a banquet with other district Teachers of the Year. That’s when Governor Matt Meyer and Education Secretary Cindy Marten will name Delaware’s Teacher of the Year. Good luck, Ms. Kane, everyone in Colonial Nation is rooting for you!

2026 Building Teachers of the Year

  • Karen Gibson – Wilbur Elementary School
  • Tameka Wingo – New Castle Elementary School
  • Jodi Marion – McCullough Middle School
  • Tim Hilovsky – Eisenberg Elementary School
  • Margaret Murray – Carrie Downie Elementary School
  • David Wienner – William Penn High School
  • Aliyah Thomas – Gunning Bedford Middle School
  • Rachel Narcho – George Read Middle School
  • Abigail Schneider – Southern Elementary School
  • Nicole Belasco – Pleasantville Elementary School
  • Jordan Dean – Castle Hills Elementary School
  • Amanda Kane – CEEP
  • Jennifer Miloszewski – Leach School

Past Colonial Teachers of the Year

Shelby Borst

Shelby Borst

2025 Colonial School District and State of Delaware Teacher of the Year

William Penn High School

Michelle Reutter

Michelle Reutter

2024 Colonial School District Teacher of the Year

John G. Leach School

Beth Twardus

Beth Twardus

2023 Colonial School District Teacher of the Year

McCullough Middle School

Rob Poore

Rob Poore

2022 Colonial School District Teacher of the Year

Southern Elementary School

Rebecca Vitelli

Rebecca Vitelli

2020 Colonial School District and State of Delaware Teacher of the Year

Colonial Early Education Program

Khayree Bey

Khayree Bey

2021 Colonial School District Teacher of the Year

McCullough Middle School

Mark McKenzie

Mark McKenzie

2019 Colonial School District Teacher of the Year

Colonial Early Education Program

Lakeya Nova

Lakeya Nova

2018 Colonial School District Teacher of the Year

Eisenberg Elementary School

Sarah Bateman

Sarah Bateman

2017 Colonial School District Teacher of the Year

New Castle Elementary School

Laura Bossert

Laura Bossert

2016 Colonial School District Teacher of the Year

Carrie Downie Elementary School

Lee Ann Skipper

Lee Ann Skipper

2015 Colonial School District and State of Delaware Teacher of the Year

Colonial Early Education Program

Tara Amsterdam

Tara Amsterdam

2014 Colonial School District Teacher of the Year

Kathleen H. Wilbur Elementary School

Julie Alexander

Julie Alexander

2013 Colonial School District Teacher of the Year

Harry O. Eisenberg Elementary School

Jennifer Bufano

Jennifer Bufano

2012 Colonial School District Teacher of the Year

Kathleen H. Wilbur Elementary School

Beth Greenstein

Beth Greenstein

2011 Colonial School District Teacher of the Year

William Penn High School

Dawn Alexander

Dawn Alexander

2010 Colonial School District and State of Delaware Teacher of the Year

Southern Elementary School

Jennifer Bonham

Jennifer Bonham

2009 Colonial School District Teacher of the Year

William Penn High School

Charlotte Webb

Charlotte Webb

2008 Colonial School District Teacher of the Year

Southern Elementary School

Renee Griffith

Renee Griffith

2007 Colonial School District Teacher of the Year

Castle Hills Elementary School

Roberta Jacobs

Roberta Jacobs

2006 Colonial School District Teacher of the Year

Castle Hills Elementary School

Shirley Moux

Shirley Moux

2005 Colonial School District Teacher of the Year

Castle Hills Elementary School