Our graduates are leaders in their field; they are valuable citizens of today and tomorrow, independent critical thinkers, societally and ethically responsible, and have a broad understanding of the world. They know how to foster an inclusive and diverse community where different backgrounds and cultures are celebrated, and identities are embraced in order to better prepare their own students for an increasingly diverse and complex world.

Our programs are nationally recognized.

The following programs are nationally recognized by their respective Specialized Professional Association (SPA):

  • ACEI (American Association of Childhood Education International) for the Bachelor of Science: Elementary Education (Grades K-6) and Master of Education: Elementary Studies (Grades K-6) Programs
  • AMLE/NMSA (Association of Middle Level Education/National Middle Level Science Association) for the Bachelor of Science: Middle Level Education (Grades 6-8) Program
  • CEC (Council for Exceptional Children) for the Master of Education: Special Education Program
  • ILA/IRA (International Reading Association/International Literacy Association) for the Master of Education: Reading Program
  • ELCC (Educational Leadership Constituent Council) for the Master of Education: School Leadership Program

 


Eight Annual Reporting Measures

 

 



Graduate Impact on P-12 learning and development.

 

DPAS II is Delaware’s statewide educator evaluation system. As a statewide system, DPAS II establishes consistent educator and student performance expectations and outcomes across all schools.

Out of 5152 DPAS II Evaluations conducted on Wilmington University Graduates from 2014-2018, 1633 graduates EXCEEDED student growth goals with all others SATISFYING student growth goals.

(Source DE Ed Prep Data Warehouse).

56% of Delaware elementary school teachers hold degrees from Wilmington University.

91% of K-12 school leaders in Delaware schools have attended Wilmington University.

Now known as “Delaware’s Teaching College,” the WilmU College of Education has been the higher education choice of seven of the last 10 Delaware Teachers of the Year, including the last seven consecutive award winners.

 


Praxis Pass Rates

98%
2016-2017
100%
2017-2018
100%
2018-2019
100%
2019-2020

 

Across all programs, Praxis pass rates averaged 96% in 2014–2015, increased to 99% in 2015-2016, remained high at 98% in 2016-2017 and increased to 100% in 2017-2018, 2018-2019, and in 2019-2020.

 


Average licensure rates.

 

100%

100%

Wilmington University is proud to confirm a 100% licensure rate for all College of Education graduates from our licensure programs who seek licensure.

 


Employer Satisfaction Rates

 

100%

100% of Principals/Supervisors indicate WilmU’s graduates are most prepared in designing instruction/learning experiences that account for individual differences and ensuring a safe and inclusive learning environment.

91%

91% of Principals indicate that WilmU’s teacher preparation programs prepare graduates to actively pursue, reflect upon, and use professional development opportunities, coaching, and/or mentoring to improve teaching practice.

91%

91% of Principals indicate that graduates from WilmU’s teacher preparation program are fully prepared to work effectively with students from diverse communities, different cultures, and those living in poverty.


 


WilmU Graduate Preparedness

 

96%

of graduates indicate their teacher preparation program prepared them to design instruction/learning experiences that account for individual differences in abilities and backgrounds.

92%

of graduates indicate their teacher preparation program prepared them to ensure a safe and inclusive learning environment for all students.

91%

of graduates indicate their teacher preparation program prepared them to use content knowledge to design, select, or modify formative and summative assessments, which are aligned with instructional goals and provide information about student progress on those goals.

 


Alumni Testimonials

 

"I am a different person now from when I entered the program. The program shows you the reality of being a teacher and provides opportunities to focus on areas for improvement. I had time to hone my craft and received great support there. This was an amazing journey."

Sharon Keen
Bachelor of Science: Elementary Education (Grades K-6)
2017 Graduate

"I am very grateful for the support that came from Wilmington University. All of my questions were met with quick feedback, and I felt that they helped me be very successful. I had a unique experience in student teaching, which was very overwhelming at first, but I was fully supported by my supervisor and the rest of the staff of my participating school, which helped me get through it. Thank you WilmU for believing in me :)"

Falon Licinski
Bachelor of Science: Middle Level Education (Grades 6-8), Science
2016 Graduate

"I enjoyed my experience at Wilmington University. I had the pleasure of studying under some phenomenal professors who have contributed to my development as an education facilitator. The program provided me with the knowledge that I needed to make a difference in the lives of my students."

Victoria Ruckman
Master of Arts in Teaching: Secondary Teaching (Grades 7 – 12), Science
2016 Graduate

"I really appreciated, throughout my entire educational experience with the College of Education, the attentiveness that the faculty and staff put into the students. Whenever I needed something, I heard back right away and everyone was happy to help me. Many individuals went out of their way to support me."

Madisen Mccarthy
Bachelor of Science: Elementary Education (Grades K-6)
2017 Graduate

"This program was challenging. I am now prepared to teach in my own classroom after receiving guidance from faculty. I am now prepared more than ever. Thank you for pushing me."

Lisa Kristik
Master of Education: Elementary Studies (Grades K-6)
2017 Graduate

"The highlight was being a part of the Year long Residency program. I learned so much from the master teachers I met during my experience. Being a part of the YLRP impacted me getting a job quickly and feeling confident having my own classroom."

Jenna Slacum
Bachelor of Science: Elementary Education (Grades K-6)
2020 Graduate

"At Wilmington University, students are treated as colleagues, cooperatively and respectfully sharing ideals, opinions and assessments. The faculty provides never-ending support, guidance and assistance throughout every step of the program. They are always available and provide quick informative and constructive feedback. Faculty members are prepared, knowledgeable and well-versed concerning cutting-edge pedagogical and leadership research."

John (Jack) Lamplugh
Master of Education, School Leadership
2019 Graduate

"The Wilmington University Masters of Educational Counseling program was perfect for what I needed as a working teacher with a wife and two young girls at home. The hybrid nature of many of the courses provided flexibility, while also educating me in the strategies and systems needed to be an effective school counselor."

Stephen Capelli
Master of Education, Elementary and Secondary School Counseling
2020 Graduate


 


Wilmington University Teachers of the Year

 

 

Dana Bowe

Dana Bowe

2019 Teacher of the Year
M.Ed. Special Education Non-Cert.

An elementary special education teacher from the Seaford School District is Delaware’s 2019 State Teacher of the Year... [Dana] teaches kindergarten through second grade for the Sussex County Orthopedic Program at West Seaford Elementary School... Read more about Dana

Virginia Forcucci

Virginia Forcucci

2018 Teacher of the Year
M.Ed. Career & Technical Education

A high school English teacher from the Sussex Technical School District is Delaware’s 2018 State Teacher of the Year. Read more about Virginia

View Virginia Forcucci's TED Talk

 

Wendy Turner

Wendy Turner

2017 Teacher of the Year
M.Ed. Elementary Studies

Ten years ago Wendy Turner never guessed she’d be Delaware’s 2017 Teacher of the Year, mainly because she was an accountant for 17 years. But she needed a change and switched to teaching. Read more about Wendy

Sandra Hall

Sandra Hall

2016 Teacher of the Year
M.Ed. Primary Education K-4

This 2016 Delaware Teacher of the Year is passionate about education — and Wilmington University. Read more about Sandra

 

Megan Szabo

2015 Teacher of the Year
Ed.D. Educational Leadership, M.Ed. School Counseling

Lea Wainwright

2014 Teacher of the Year
Ed.D. Educational Leadership, M.Ed. Applied Technology in Education

Amber Augustus

2012 Teacher of the Year
Ed.D. Educational Leadership, M.Ed. Middle Level 5-8

Joseph Masiello

2011 Teacher of the Year
M.Ed. School Leadership & Instruction

Mary Pinkston

2010 Teacher of the Year
Graduate School Leadership Coursework

Mark Teesdale

2009 Teacher of the Year
M.Ed. Applied Technology in Education

 

 


Wilmington University Assistant Principals of the Year

 

 

Colleen Conaty

Colleen Conaty

2018 DE Assistant Principal of the Year
Ed.D. Educational Leadership Courses

Colleen Conaty, an assistant principal at Howard High School of Technology, has been named the 2017-18 Delaware Assistant Principal of the Year... Read more Colleen

Dr. Courtney Voshell

Dr. Courtney Voshell

2014 DE Assistant Principal of the Year
Ed.D. Educational Leadership & M.Ed. School Leadership

Wilmington University Alumna Selected as Delaware’s Assistant Principal of the Year. Read more about Dr. Voshell

 

Richard Evans

Richard Evans

2012 DE Assistant Principal of the Year
M.Ed. School Leadership

Richard Evans of Sussex Central High School has been named Delaware’s 2012 Assistant Principal of the Year by the Delaware Association of School Administrators. Read more about Richard

Christopher Beck

Christopher Beck

2011 DE Assistant Principal of the Year
M.Ed. Applied Technology in Education

Chris Beck is the 2011 NASSP/Virco Assistant Principal of the Year for the state of Delaware. Beck is assistant principal at Middletown High School. Read more aboput Christopher

 


Wilmington University Principals of the Year

 

 

Sherry Kijowski

Sherry Kijowski

2019 Delaware Principal of the Year
Graduate Certificate in Reading

I think one of the best parts of being a principal is when a fleeting comment becomes an idea, and that idea then becomes an integral part of your school’s DNA... Read more about Sherry

Maribeth Courtney

Maribeth Courtney

2018 DE National Distinguished Principal of the Year
MEC Elementary and School Leadership Courses

Maribeth Courtney has served as principal of Evan G. Shortlidge Academy for the last six years, where she has worked diligently to improve instructional practices... Read more about Maribeth

 

Becky Neubert

Becky Neubert

2017 DE National Distinguished Principal of the Year
B.S. Middle Level 5-8 & M.Ed. School Leadership

...One teacher at Central Elementary School (CES) says... “[I am] lucky to call my principal a colleague and a friend, as we work together for our kids.” Read more about Becky

Dr. Stanley Spoor - no image available

Dr. Stanley Spoor

2017 National Association of Secondary School Principals
Ed.D. Educational Leadership, M.Ed. Applied Technology in Education, M.Ed. School Administration

 

Jennifer Nauman

2016 DE National Distinguished Principal of the Year
M.Ed. School Administration

Neil Beahan

2014 Delaware Middle Level Principal of the Year
M.Ed. Non-Degree School Leadership Courses

 

 


Wilmington University Superintendents of the Year

 

 

Dr. Matthew L. Burrows - no image available

Dr. Matthew L. Burrows

2018 Delaware Superintendent of the Year
Doctor of Education and M.Ed. Elementary Studies

Dr. Mark Holodick

Dr. Mark Holodick

2016 Delaware Superintendent of the Year
M.Ed. Instruction: Teaching & Learning

Dr. Mark Holodick, the Superintendent of the Brandywine School District, received the Superintendent of the year designation by his peers.

 

Dr. Mervin Daugherty

Dr. Mervin Daugherty

2015 Delaware Superintendent of the year
Ed.D. Leadership

Before being named Superintendent of Chesterfield County Public Schools in August 2018, Dr. Mervin B. Daugherty was Superintendent of Delaware’s largest and highest-achieving school district. Read more about Dr. Daugherty

 


Wilmington University School Counselors of the Year

 

 

Kirsten Coughlin

Kirsten Coughlin

2020 DE School Counselor of the Year
MEC School Counseling

Kirsten Coughlin, the 2020 Delaware School Counselor of the Year! Kirsten is a 2001 graduate of the Elementary and Secondary School Counseling masters program at WilmU and has been an adjunct instructor in the program since 2009. Kirsten is a school counselor at Howard High School in the New Castle County Vocational-Technical School District. In addition to providing comprehensive counseling services to her high school students, Kirsten has been a strong voice and advocate for school counselors across the State of Delaware.Read more about Kirsten

 

Tammy L. Taylor

Tammy L. Taylor

2019 DE School Counselor of the Year Nominee
MEC School Counseling

A finalist for Delaware School Counselor of the Year from S. Dover Elementary School. Read more about Tammy

Jaqueline Sheridan

Jaqueline Sheridan

2019 DE School Counselor of the Year Nominee
MEC School Counseling

A finalist for Delaware School Counselor of the Year from Mariner Middle School. Read more about Jaqueline

 

Lisa Street

Lisa Street

2019 DE School Counselor of the Year Nominee
MEC School Counseling

A finalist for Delaware School Counselor of the Year from Brandywine High School. Read more about Lisa

Laura Malmstrom

Laura Malmstrom

2018 DE School Counselor of the Year
MEC School Counseling

The 2018 Delaware School Counselor of the Year from Sarah Pyle Academy. Read more Laura

 

Cheryl M. Carey

2016 DE School Counselor of the Year
MEC School Counseling

Jan Bomhardt

2015 DE Elementary School Counselor of the Year
MEC School Counseling

Judith Hayes

2015 DE Middle School Counselor of the Year
MEC School Counseling

 

 


Average GPA of Entry Cohorts

 

3.86

2014 - 2015

3.61

2015 - 2016

3.68

2016 - 2017

3.53

2017 - 2018

3.65

2018 - 2019

3.61

2019 - 2020

 


Graduates Employed in their primary field of preparation

2017-2018

2017-2018 Chart Bachelor of Science: Elementary Education (Grades K-6), 83%; Bachelor of Science Middle Level Education Grades 6-8, 71%; Master of Education: Elementary Studies, 100%; Master of Education: Special Education, 70%; Master of Arts in Teaching: Secondary Teaching (Grades 7-12), 78%; 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Bachelor of Science: Elementary Education (Grades K-6) Bachelor of Science Middle Level Education Grades 6-8 Master of Education: Elementary Studies Master of Education: Special Education Master of Arts in Teaching: Secondary Teaching (Grades 7-12) 83% 71% 100% 70% 78%

2018-2019

2018-2019 Chart Bachelor of Science: Elementary Education (Grades K-6), 89%; Bachelor of Science Middle Level Education Grades 6-8, 68%; Master of Education: Elementary Studies, 100%; Master of Education: Special Education, 78%; Master of Arts in Teaching: Secondary Teaching (Grades 7-12), 73%; 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Bachelor of Science: Elementary Education (Grades K-6) Bachelor of Science Middle Level Education Grades 6-8 Master of Education: Elementary Studies Master of Education: Special Education Master of Arts in Teaching: Secondary Teaching (Grades 7-12) 89% 68% 100% 78% 73%

2019-2020

2019-2020 Chart Bachelor of Science: Elementary Education (Grades K-6), 100%; Bachelor of Science Middle Level Education Grades 6-8, 83%; Master of Education: Elementary Studies, 75%; Master of Education: Special Education, 100%; Master of Arts in Teaching: Secondary Teaching (Grades 7-12), 100%; Master of Education: Career and Technical Education, 100%; Master of Education: Reading, 85%; Master of Education: Elementary and Secondary School Counseling, 67%; 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Bachelor of Science: Elementary Education (Grades K-6) Bachelor of Science Middle Level Education Grades 6-8 Master of Education: Elementary Studies Master of Education: Special Education Master of Arts in Teaching: Secondary Teaching (Grades 7-12) Master of Education: Career and Technical Education Master of Education: Reading Master of Education: Elementary and Secondary School Counseling 100% 83% 75% 100% 100% 100% 85% 67%

 


Student Loan Default Rates

 

The latest Official Cohort Default Rate data issued by the federal government for Fiscal Year 2017 has Wilmington University at 8.9% compared to the national average of 9.7%.

Consumer Information