Emily Wright, a science teacher at Sussex Central Middle School, has been named the Indian River School District’s Teacher of the Year for 2026-2027.
The announcement was made at the district’s annual Teacher of the Year ceremony on May 7 at the Seed and Sapling events venue in Frankford. Emily was chosen as the district’s overall winner from a pool of 15 candidates, one from each school.
Mrs. Wright has been a science teacher at Sussex Central/Millsboro Middle School since 2020. Prior to joining the Sussex Central Middle School staff, she spent three years as a dually-certified teacher at East Millsboro Elementary School. From 2014-2019, she also served as a teacher and paraprofessional at the district’s Howard T. Ennis School summer program.
Mrs. Wright holds a bachelor’s of science degree in elementary education from Salisbury University and a master’s of education degree in school leadership from Wilmington University.
“Her classroom is fun and students are always doing their best because of the environment she has created,” said Brad Breasure, Sussex Central Middle School principal. “Mrs. Wright establishes great relationships from the beginning. She connects with families and fosters positive relationships with families throughout the school year. In turn, students do well in her classes academically and socially. This can be observed in walkthroughs, formal observations and casually walking into her classroom. Students in her classroom are always happy and willing to take risks with their learning.”
Mrs. Wright is a member of her school’s Instructional Leadership, Positive Behavior Interventions and Support (PBIS) and Multi-Tier Systems of Supports (MTSS) teams. During her teaching career, she has also been active as a Girls on the Run coach, student council advisor and the organizer of numerous student field trips, including one to the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
“Through student-centered learning, where inquiry, collaboration, and critical thinking are seamlessly integrated into daily lessons, Mrs. Wright ensures the needs of individual students are met,” said SCMS Assistant Principal Rebecca Hagan. “Through data-driven decision-making, Ms. Wright utilizes student assessment data to redefine her instruction and learning. Ms. Wright is a dedicated, compassionate and creative educator whose impact extends well beyond the classroom.”
Mrs. Wright has also earned high praise from her teaching colleagues.
“I have had the privilege of working alongside Emily for four years as an eighth-grade science teacher and I currently serve as the science department chairperson,” said SCMS teacher Lance Lavelle. “During three of those years, Emily and I also served as team leaders together. In my 18 years in education, I have worked with many excellent educators, and Emily Wright stands out as one of the most student-centered, collaborative and effective teachers I have had the opportunity to work with. Emily is an expert educator who consistently guides students of all backgrounds and ability levels toward success.”
Teacher of the Year winners from each district school are as follows:
Lindsey Barton, Long Neck Elementary School
Madeline Brandt, Howard T. Ennis School
Hunter Clifton, North Georgetown Elementary School
Sara Colmorgen, Georgetown Elementary School
Donna Cushing, Phillip C. Showell Elementary School
Megan Foley, East Millsboro Elementary School
Laurie Hall, Selbyville Middle School
Christine Hutchins, John M. Clayton Elementary School
Elizabeth Johansen, Southern Delaware School of the Arts
Sarah Pappa, Georgetown Middle School
Anna Ruggiero, Sussex Central High School
Loriann Sentman, Indian River High School
Jennifer Sumski, IRSD Early Learning Center
Kathryn Sweetman, Lord Baltimore Elementary School
Emily Wright, Sussex Central Middle School Overall winner
As the district’s Teacher of the Year, Emily Wright is now eligible for the state Teacher of the Year Award, which will be announced in October.
