Building Pathways, Building Futures: Reflection on the Value of Professional Development at the Delaware Summer Institute

Every summer, the Delaware Department of Education makes a deliberate investment in its educators by offering premier professional development in collaboration with partners like Wilmington University, BusinessU Stukent, and more. That investment comes to life at the Delaware Summer Institute for NAF Business, Finance, and Marketing pathways.

Now in its second decade, the Institute is more than a professional learning event—it’s a space where teachers, academy leaders, and NAF staff pause, reflect, and recharge before a new school year.

From the beginning, the purpose has been simple but powerful: To expand student access to opportunity—ensuring every young person has a path that connects them to college, career, and life success. We focus on priorities like career cluster modernization, student voice, work-based learning, and building pathways that will align with the state’s robust industries.

Why It Matters

The Delaware Summer Institute works because it responds to both statewide goals and the realities of the classroom. Sessions dive into topics educators can act on right away, such as strengthening dual enrollment opportunities, building robust internship pipelines, or exploring how AI is reshaping learning and work.

A standout addition this year was the launch of the KnoPro Regional Challenge, which will open  participation to all CTE students, giving them the chance to solve real-world problems and win cash prizes. [KnoPro’s project-based challenge “AI for Startups” is asking students to think about how AI can be used to grow a business and/or provide better service to customers.] Winners of the Challenge will be recognized in October—celebrating their creativity, problem-solving and presentation skills, as well as overall contributions. 

Educators left this summer’s event energized and refreshed. One participant noted that the KnoPro Challenge was a highlight and praised how well the week was organized, from sessions to scheduling. Another was excited about updates to NAF tools/resources, emerging post-secondary articulations, and valued exploring how to integrate AI into curriculum development—pointing to their goal of one day becoming a Katherine Blasik Distinguished NAF academy.

Behind the Scenes: Planning with Purpose

Personally, coordinating the Delaware Summer Institute has been both a strategic responsibility and a hands-on learning experience. Each year, I review state priorities, academy quality data, and feedback from past sessions to make sure our plans meet Delaware’s goals.

From there, I work to shape the agenda —identifying the themes and resources that will drive the greatest impact and pairing the right facilitators with the right topics. The balance of strategy and hands-on support, the need to stay aligned with local initiatives while also introducing new ideas, the importance of making space for authentic educator voices always matters. Every year, my hope is to keep professional learning innovative, responsive, and connected to the momentum we’re building across Delaware’s academies.

Professional Development as a Network Strength

For the NAF network, professional development is more than just training—it’s how we stay connected. It’s how local successes become statewide strategies, and how individual teachers feel part of something larger. Professional learning is a strength because it multiplies impact. When educators leave the Institute, they bring back more than lesson plans or resources—they carry with them fresh perspectives, practical tools, and, most importantly, a renewed sense of purpose and confidence. They know they are part of a collective effort to open more doors for students and to strengthen pathways that lead to real opportunities.

Looking Ahead

Delaware leaders hope that Institute attendees leave with momentum—ready to expand internships, deepen work-based learning engagements, strengthen curriculum, and continue making classrooms places where every student can see a future for themselves.

And while the Delaware Summer Institute only lasts a few days, the impact lasts all school year. Every conversation, shared strategy, and new partnership adds to the strength of the network. The Institute is proof that when educators invest in their own learning, the ripple effects create lasting opportunities for students.