Shelby Borst, a social studies teacher at William Penn High School in the Colonial School District, has been named Delaware’s 2025 State Teacher of the Year. Borst, in her eighth year of teaching, will now represent Delaware as the nominee for National Teacher of the Year. Her recognition came during a ceremony in Dover honoring the state’s top educators from various districts and charter schools.
Borst is known for her advocacy in creating more equitable learning environments. After analyzing her classroom demographics, she noticed disparities in the representation of students in higher-level courses. Determined to address this, she worked with school counselors to recruit students traditionally underrepresented in Advanced Placement (AP) courses and developed outreach materials to promote these opportunities. Her efforts resulted in a significant increase in student participation, with more students enrolling in challenging coursework and earning college credits.
In addition to her work in the classroom, Borst has been recognized for her positive impact on her students’ personal lives. Former students, such as Aubrey Bing, credit her for providing support during transitional periods and fostering a welcoming environment. As State Teacher of the Year, Borst will continue to advocate for education and represent Delaware’s teachers at various events while also competing for the National Teacher of the Year title.
