I agree with Sen. Eric Buckson, R-Camden, and the Senate Bill 52 he has authored (“Senate Bill 52 would aid educational staffing”).
Delaware needs experienced and competent teachers. So, reducing the separation of service from six to three months and lowering the age threshold for that separation requirement from 65 to 59 1/2, thus aligning Delaware’s rules with federal IRS guidelines, are good ideas.
This will especially help now that 400 or so teachers do not have their teaching certificates, or their certifications are not current.
I would also suggest that the state look at hiring retired police officers and military members to work in our education system. These retirees can learn the bookwork they need to teach the students, but they also bring a world of life experiences, including self-discipline, which would help children grow and develop good work ethics and personal responsibility.
Thank you.
Deirdre Taylor
Newark
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