Christopher K. Smith Memorial Future Teacher Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Delaware State Education Association

Overview

The Christopher K. Smith Memorial Future Teacher Scholarship is a Delaware State Education Association (DSEA) award established to honor the legacy of an educator and union advocate. It supports graduates who intend to pursue a degree in education at the college level. The scholarship reflects DSEA’s long-standing commitment to developing teachers for Delaware public schools and recognizing leadership in education.

Description: A memorial scholarship awarded by DSEA to support Delaware public high school graduates who plan to major in education.

• Established to honor Christopher K. Smith’s work as an educator and advocate.
• Targets aspiring teachers from Delaware public high schools.
• Designed to encourage careers in public education within the state.

History

Christopher K. Smith was a social studies teacher who led his colleagues in lobbying for contractual rights, including duty-free lunch, marking DSEA’s first organized member lobbying effort. He taught in the Georgetown and Colonial School Districts and later served two terms on the NEA Board of Directors as Delaware’s representative. Smith passed away unexpectedly in 1989, and the DSEA Executive Board created the scholarship the following year to commemorate his contributions. The award connects his advocacy legacy to investment in future educators.

History of the Award: Created by the DSEA Executive Board in 1990 to honor Smith’s career and advocacy for teachers.

• Roots in DSEA’s first organized member lobbying led by Smith in 1969.
• Reflects Smith’s combined roles as teacher and union leader.
• Established by the DSEA Executive Board after his death in 1989.

Eligibility and Award Details

The scholarship is available to graduates of Delaware public high schools who intend to major in education and who meet the academic requirement. Recipients must maintain a minimum 3.0 grade point average while enrolled in college. While graduates are encouraged to teach in Delaware public schools, doing so is not a requirement for receiving the award. The scholarship provides multiyear support to help recipients complete their education degree.

Eligibility: Open to Delaware public high school graduates who plan to major in education and maintain at least a 3.0 GPA.

Award Value: The scholarship awards $1,000 per year for up to four years.

• Must be a graduate of a Delaware public high school.
• Requires an education major and a 3.0 college GPA minimum.
• $1,000 annually, renewable for up to four years.

Selection Process

A committee composed of DSEA staff and members reviews applications and selects recipients. The committee evaluates academic performance, involvement in high school activities, and the applicant’s stated career plans. Applicants must submit two letters of recommendation from teachers that speak to leadership potential, personal character, and initiative. Decisions are made based on a holistic review of credentials and recommendations.

Selection Criteria: Evaluation focuses on academics, extracurricular involvement, career plans, and teacher recommendations emphasizing leadership and character.

• Selection by a committee of DSEA staff and members.
• Requires two teacher recommendation letters addressing leadership and initiative.
• Committee uses a holistic review of academic and extracurricular qualifications.