Appoquinimink Education Association

08/29/2026

In a world overflowing with celebrity and fame, Dolly Parton was different.

Born into poverty in rural Tennessee, Dolly achieved spectacular heights and inspired millions of fans across multiple generations.

Her songs touched millions. Her career opened the door for countless performers. But Dolly’s greatest legacy may be her generosity and her choice to share the joy of reading with millions of children – one book at a time.

Inspired by her sharecropper father who never learned to read or write, Dolly began sending free books to children in her native county before expanding the Imagination Library program nationwide in 2000. At the time of her passing this week, Dolly had sent over 300 million books to children worldwide, including thousands of children here in Delaware.

Children enrolled in the Imagination Library receive a free, age-appropriate book every month from birth until they turn 5. When that journey comes to an end, the final book sent to each child includes a special goodbye message that feels especially relevant now.

“You and your friends are very special,” Dolly wrote. “There is no limit to what you can do or how far you can go. Just remember the lessons my family taught me: Dream big dreams, learn everything you can and care for those who care for you. You do all of these things and you can be anyone you want to be. You are terrific! Remember, I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU! ”

Thank you, Dolly, for touching our lives and the lives of our students!

Click here to learn more about the Imagination Library program in Delaware: https://lib.de.us/imagination/

08/28/2026

Late yesterday afternoon, AEA President, Steven Byers, sent an all member email that included the Tentative Agreement and information about the ratification vote that will take place on September 8. Please look over the Tentative Agreement document and mark your calendars for the vote. If you have any questions, please reach out! Have a great weekend!

08/27/2026

Earlier this week, AEA President Steven Byers had an opportunity to join educators from across Delaware for a conversation with U.S. Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester facilitated by Delaware State Education Association, about the needs of our students, educators, and public schools.

A major focus of our discussion was something educators see every day: we cannot meet the academic needs of students without supporting the whole child.

That means strengthening wraparound services and ensuring students and families have access to mental health professionals, counselors, social workers, and other community-based services. Educators do incredible work every day, but schools cannot meet every challenge facing our students alone.

It was valuable to hear perspectives from educators across our state and to have the opportunity to share directly with Senator Blunt Rochester what our students and schools need to thrive.

Thank you to DSEA President Tameka Mays and NEA Director Gloria Ho for bringing educators together and creating the opportunity for our voices to be heard.

When we invest in the whole child, we strengthen our classrooms, our schools, and our communities.

08/26/2026

AEA mourns the lost of Dolly Parton, a friend of educators and an inspiration to all generations.

08/23/2026

What do you think AEA? Let us know your thoughts!

ICYMI: As state leaders encourage schools to incorporate new AI tools into their workday, district leaders, parents, and educators are asking how much technology is too much.

Spotlight Delaware recently spoke with over 50 people – including union educators, school administrators, parents, students and academics – about how technology is used in Delaware classrooms and whether students benefit from tech-heavy instruction.

Click here to read the full story: https://bit.ly/4zuKqkL

08/17/2026

We had a great time welcoming our newest members to the Appoquinimink family! Always a good day when our union grows! Welcome to AEA and the Delaware State Education Association!

08/17/2026

Welcome to our newest Union members!

08/13/2026

Support fellow Union siblings when you go back to school shopping! These back to school supplies are Union made!

07/31/2026

Congratulations, Caitie!

07/31/2026

AEA members, please check your email for an important bargaining update!