Delaware's Teacher of Year named

DOVER - When Gov. Jack Markell called Megan Szabo's name, she shot back about 3 feet in her chair and threw up her hands to cover a yelp of surprise.

"I am dumbstruck," she said. "I am so, so proud to be able to represent all of Delaware's teachers. It's such a big honor I don't even know what to say."

Szabo, a 7th and 8th grade science teacher at Postlethwait Middle School in Rising Sun, in the Caesar Rodney School District, had just been named Delaware's Teacher of the Year. The announcement came at the end of a glitzy banquet at the Dover Downs Casino and Hotel, where state leaders paused to honor 20 teachers for their outstanding work.

"This is always my favorite event of the year," Markell said. "And it's because it gives me a combination of two feelings. One is inspiration, and the other is gratitude."

Szabo was selected from among the Teachers of the Year for each of the state's school districts and the Charter School of Wilmington. She will get a $5,000 grant for use at her school and a personal grant of $3,000; each of the finalists received $2,000.

Several educational associations, superintendents and local universities donated gifts to the state winner, including full tuition for a doctoral degrees from Wilmington University or the University of Delaware.

Szabo thanked her parents and husband, who also works at Postlethwait for inspiring her to become a teacher, and her co-workers and administrators for building a school she is excited to work in.

"I love my job, just about every day," she said. "I feel like what they created is a big reason why I come to school every day."

Though naming Szabo the state winner was the finale, the banquet included tributes to each of the teachers. State leaders showed a video presentation where each teacher talked about their educational philosophy and teaching style while co-workers bragged about them.

"There are no losers here. There are only winners," said U.S. Sen. Tom Carper. "But the real winners are your students and, frankly, the other teachers who get to work with you."

Lea Wainwright, the previous teacher of the year, told all 20 teachers not to be humble, but celebrate their achievements.

"I want you to make a big costume with a big T on it for teacher," Wainwright said. "When someone asks you what you do, tell them, 'I teach. What's your superpower?' "

Contact Matthew Albright at malbright@delawareonline.com, at (302) 324-2428, or on Twitter @TNJ_malbright.