Skidmore Follows Passions of Teaching and Learning

Hard work, determination, and perseverance are three characteristics that have followed Katie (Warrington) Skidmore throughout her life. Now she is passing those characteristics down to the next generation as an elementary school teacher.

Skidmore, 22, is currently a second grade teacher at East Millsboro Elementary, part of the Indian River School District. After graduating valedictorian from Sussex Central High School, Skidmore completed the elementary education program at Delaware Tech in just a year and a half. She immediately enrolled in the accelerated elementary education program at Wilmington University, graduating in spring 2016. Skidmore is now pursuing her master’s degree in teaching and learning from Wilmington University.

Skidmore said the connected degree between Delaware Tech and Wilmington University helped her pursue her goal of higher education.

"The transition was so smooth," she said. "They have such a great partnership, and the Wilmington University coursework built upon what I learned at Delaware Tech."

Since she already had completed observation hours with a teacher for her Delaware Tech degree, Skidmore said she felt more prepared for her student-teaching hours at Wilmington University. She also credits her instructor Dr. Bob Kime with helping her be a successful student.

"Everything I learned at Delaware Tech was practical, and I can bring that into my classroom now," Skidmore said.

As she continues through her teaching career, Skidmore would eventually like to move into administration. She would also like to remain with the Indian River School District, where she has been a student, substitute teacher, student teacher, and now elementary school teacher.

"It’s really a place where I am committed to staying and building a career," she said.

But she doesn’t plan on giving up classroom teaching anytime soon. After completing her first year as a second grade teacher, Skidmore remembered starting the year off more nervous than her kids were. But in the end she worked with them on teamwork, individual responsibility, and respect, and she enjoyed seeing the growth in each student.

"I really love children," Skidmore said. “I feel like you need to have a love and passion to do this job. It's exactly what I was meant to do."

For more information on the education programs, visit go.dtcc.edu/ee.