Long Neck Kindergarten Teacher, Amanda Howard, Named IRSD Teacher of the Year
Image courtesy IRSD
A kindergarten teacher at Long Neck Elementary School has been named the Indian River School District’s Teacher of the Year for 2025-2026. Amanda Howard was named Teacher of the Year from a pool of 15 candidates during the annual Teacher of the Year ceremony on Thursday at the Seed and Sapling events venue in Frankford. Howard has been a kindergarten teacher at Long Neck Elementary since 2014. She is now eligible for the state Teacher of the Year Award which will be announced in October.
Additional information from the Indian River School District:
Prior to joining the Long Neck staff, she spent a year as a fourth-grade teacher at Shortlidge Academy in the Red Clay Consolidated School District.
Mrs. Howard holds bachelor’s of science degree in early childhood education from the University of Delaware and a master’s of education degree from Wilmington University.
At Long Neck Elementary and the Indian River School District, Mrs. Howard has served as a comprehensive induction program mentor, a kindergarten lead teacher, an instructional leadership team member, an Extended School Year teacher and an after-school tutor for kindergarten students. She has also utilized the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) to provide targeted interventions for students struggling academically, behaviorally, emotionally and socially.
Mrs. Howard has earned high praise from current and former colleagues.
“As an administrator who had the privilege of supervising Amanda for six years at Long Neck Elementary School, I have witnessed firsthand the extraordinary dedication, passion and expertise she brings to her role as a kindergarten teacher. Amanda is deeply committed to educating the whole child, ensuring that each student in her classroom feels supported academically, socially and emotionally. Her ability to differentiate lessons to meet the diverse needs of her students is exemplary, allowing every child to thrive regardless of their learning style or ability. Her classroom is a welcoming, engaging environment where students develop a love for learning and a strong foundation for future success.” – Clara Conn, principal, Milton Elementary School
“In my former role as a reading specialist at Long Neck Elementary School, where I spent 19 years, I had the pleasure of working closely with Mrs. Howard. When Mrs. Howard joined Long Neck Elementary School in 2014, she immediately became a highly-requested, wonderful kindergarten teacher. I had the privilege of witnessing Mrs. Howard’s commitment to her students’ growth and in working with their families and staff at Long Neck Elementary School. Mrs. Howard consistently went above and beyond to advocate for her students’ needs and to support them in their first of many years in school. Mrs. Howard understands the role that a kindergarten teacher has in nurturing and educating young learners. In my capacity as the former reading specialist, I was able to observe and appreciate the exceptional teaching style and passion that Mrs. Howard exhibits. She has a kind and caring manner, while holding students to high academic and behavioral standards. This results in tremendous growth of the students in her class and a love for school with Mrs. Howard as their teacher.” – Lori Brittingham, assistant principal, North Georgetown Elementary School
“Amanda’s never-ending belief in her students allows them to reach their fullest potential not only in the academic setting, but also in all aspects of their lives…I have been blessed to be surrounded by many amazing educators and professionals during my career with the Indian River School District. I passionately feel that Amanda is among the top tier of teachers in all evaluative categories…Amanda’s development of a safe and nurturing classroom environment encourages young learners to attend school and embrace new concepts. Within days of meeting her students, Amanda shows her innate ability to quickly identify a student’s current ability level and develop an individual plan to target areas of concern.” – Amanda Cordrey, mental health counselor, Millsboro Middle School
Teacher of the Year winners from each district school are as follows:
Teacher School
- Molly Abbott Phillip C. Showell Elementary School
- Ryan Blades Sussex Central High School
- Savannah Cahall North Georgetown Elementary School
- Conor Casey Millsboro Middle School
- Jordan Espada Southern Delaware School of Arts
- Ryan Goodwin Georgetown Middle School
- Lori Hansen IRSD Early Learning Center
- John Jaskewich Indian River High School
- Lindsay Kendrick East Millsboro Elementary School
- Sara Powell John M. Clayton Elementary School
- Sarah Pringle Howard T. Ennis School
- Nicholas Tretina Selbyville Middle School
- Kristin Turner Georgetown Elementary School
- Heather Wood Lord Baltimore Elementary School