April 15, 2024
As first reported by Bay to Bay News, in Wilmington, Delaware, Matt Meyer, a former Wilmington public school teacher and leader of Delaware's largest municipality, has created a 23-page education plan. published, making it the most comprehensive publication in the history of education. Delaware governor's campaign. Meyer is currently running as the only candidate with a policy proposal in the 2024 gubernatorial race.
Meyer's plan, developed in collaboration with Delaware educators, will invest in school funding and increase equity, address the teacher shortage, increase educator pay, and ensure access to early childhood education. , is working to address the state's most pressing education challenges, including improving elementary and secondary education for all students. , promote meaningful opportunities in career and technical education and ensure access to higher education for Delaware students.
Among the various policy priorities aimed at ensuring Delaware students receive a first-class education, Meyer advocates:
– Correcting outdated school funding formulas
– Increase investment in public education by an additional $3,400 to $6,400 per student.
– Higher starting salaries for teachers in neighboring states to address Delaware's teacher shortage
– Establish universal access to pre-K across the state.
– Expand the visiting nurse program to all first-time mothers living in poverty.
– Providing affordable, high-quality childcare and early childhood education to all parents
– Ensure that all children in Delaware achieve grade-level reading by third grade through an evidence-based reading curriculum.
“We don't just make promises. We make plans. Based on these plans, we will move forward. Free, quality public education is the greatest equalizer. As Delaware's first teacher and governor, I will work tirelessly to improve our education system so that all students receive a world-class education and all educators thrive.'' Matt Meyer said.
Meyer's policies received high praise from educators across the state.
“In my 18 years of classroom teaching, school leadership, and educator preparation, this is the most comprehensive, research-based, and advanced education plan I have ever seen. This is what our teachers, school leaders, students and communities need,” said Dana Ray Davison, Relay School of Education Director of Clinical Practice.
“If we are to truly improve Delaware’s education system, we need evidence-based policy proposals like this that address the urgency needed to create educational equity. Meyer's experience as a former educator ensures that students, their families, and educators have a seat at the table and their voices are heard. I know firsthand that it's important to do that,” said Karen Eller, a Wilmington-based Delaware educator.
“Educators like me and all school staff need higher pay and more support. I'm glad this plan will fight for us to receive what we deserve. “This will go a long way in attracting new and talented teachers to Delaware,” said Debbie Supley, Sussex County High School Librarian.
“When we were teaching together, Matt reached out to as many students and educators as possible and just listened. Great leaders listen to others and demonstrate compassion and understanding. This policy shows that Matt took the time to listen to the concerns of parents, teachers, paraprofessionals, and children. That's what we want our next governor to do. It's necessary,'' said Lance Love, a public school special education teacher in the Christiana School District.
You can read an overview of Meyer's entire education plan here[bit.ly].