There is no question that a healthy economy requires a strong workforce. A skilled and educated workforce draws business to Delaware and encourages existing businesses to stay and expand here. Whether college-bound or preparing for a technical or trade job, individuals need to be equipped with the knowledge and skills to be successful.
Superstars in Education & Training is charged with recognizing educational programs for innovative and impactful programming. These programs contribute to the development of our workforce by creating opportunities, solving identified gaps, and equipping students with career ready skills and training. The awards program allows for others to understand the importance and impact of workforce programs, and how they too can assist in the effort of building up Delaware’s most important resource—our people. Through the publicity given through this award, the hope is that the programs will be replicated in other schools and industries so that we, as a state, continue building talent pipelines.
Programs are recognized in four categories: High School Programs, Independent Training and Certificate Providers, Higher Education Programs, and Corporate Training Programs.
JOHN H. TAYLOR EDUCATION LEADERSHIP AWARD
Throughout his professional career, Mr. Taylor was an educator. He began his career as a teacher, then served as the assistant to the superintendent of the Wilmington Public Schools. Taylor’s education background, coupled with his ability to share information and make connections served him well as he rose to become editorial page editor for The News Journal before becoming president of the Delaware Public Policy Institute in 2005. As founding member of the Vision Coalition, Taylor’s leadership and directness were instrumental in building an impactful public-private partnership to advocate for improved education in Delaware. Taylor’s leadership style was always straightforward, clear-headed and often unwavering. At the same time, he was a humorous and truly humble man.
Contact Amanda Schimmel at [email protected] for more information.
Superstars in Education & Training is charged with recognizing educational programs for innovative and impactful programming. These programs contribute to the development of our workforce by creating opportunities, solving identified gaps, and equipping students with career ready skills and training. The awards program allows for others to understand the importance and impact of workforce programs, and how they too can assist in the effort of building up Delaware’s most important resource—our people. Through the publicity given through this award, the hope is that the programs will be replicated in other schools and industries so that we, as a state, continue building talent pipelines.
Programs are recognized in four categories: High School Programs, Independent Training and Certificate Providers, Higher Education Programs, and Corporate Training Programs.
JOHN H. TAYLOR EDUCATION LEADERSHIP AWARD
Throughout his professional career, Mr. Taylor was an educator. He began his career as a teacher, then served as the assistant to the superintendent of the Wilmington Public Schools. Taylor’s education background, coupled with his ability to share information and make connections served him well as he rose to become editorial page editor for The News Journal before becoming president of the Delaware Public Policy Institute in 2005. As founding member of the Vision Coalition, Taylor’s leadership and directness were instrumental in building an impactful public-private partnership to advocate for improved education in Delaware. Taylor’s leadership style was always straightforward, clear-headed and often unwavering. At the same time, he was a humorous and truly humble man.
Contact Amanda Schimmel at [email protected] for more information.
AWARDS CEREMONY
SAVE THE DATE! The 2026 Superstars in Education and Training will be recognized during our Navigating Delaware Pathways: An Education and Workforce Development Summit on Tuesday, April 28, 2026.
APPLY TO BE A SUPERSTAR IN EDUCATION & TRAINING!
The 2026 Superstars in Education and Training application is now open! Deadline to submit is January 22, 2026 at 8:00 pm.
ELIGIBILITY:
- Programs must be in place for at least two years and show measurable results.
- Programs show demonstrated growth.
- Programs must support documented teaching and professional practices that systematically improve student skill development and work towards strengthening career readiness.
- Previous applicants are encouraged to apply again.
- Previous winners are eligible to apply again with new programs.
APPLY IN YOUR CATEGORY
Download a pdf version of the application >
Please note, all applications must be submitted online by clicking one of the above links.
Please note, all applications must be submitted online by clicking one of the above links.
PAST WINNERS
2025
SUPERSTAR WINNERS: |
JOHN H. TAYLOR HONOREE: |
|
MOT Charter School
High School |
M. Davis & Sons
Corporate Training |
|
2024
SUPERSTAR WINNERS: |
JOHN H. TAYLOR HONOREE: |
|
Brandywine School District
High School |
John S. Charlton School
Higher Education |
|
2023
SUPERSTAR WINNERS: |
JOHN H. TAYLOR HONOREE: |
|
Odyssey Charter High School
High School Jobs for Delaware Graduates
Independent Training & Certificate Provider |
Delaware Technical Community College
Higher Education |
|
2022
SUPERSTAR WINNERS: |
JOHN H. TAYLOR HONOREES: |
|
Paul M. Hodgson Vocational High School
High School Food Bank of Delaware
Independent Training & Certificate Provider |
Year Up Wilmington
Higher Education |
|
2020
JOHN H. TAYLOR AWARD RECIPIENTS
- 2016 Dr. Jack Varsalona
- 2017 Dan Rich, Ph.D.
- 2018 John Hollis
- 2019 Beatrice "Bebe" Coker
- 2022 The Vision Coalition - Marvin "Skip" Schoenhals, Ernest Dianastasis, and Gary R. Stockbridge
- 2023 Dr. Dennis Loftus
- 2024 Jea P. Street
- 2025 Valerie A. Woodruff