Dr. Sharon Bennett Delesbore: Pioneering equity and excellence in science education
Overview:
The work of Dr. Sharon Bennett Delesbore exemplifies an ongoing commitment to equity-driven, culturally responsive science education that empowers students and teachers through inquiry, leadership, and organized advocacy at the local and national levels.
The journey of Dr. Sharon Bennett Delesbore’s education began on the basketball court. As a Division I athlete, he learned early that leadership extends beyond personal achievement. His team’s dedication to community service, mentoring students, mentoring youth, and being good role models instilled in him a deep understanding of the transformative power of education. That realization shaped her path, first as a middle school science teacher and later as an instructional specialist, assistant principal, principal, coordinator and Top 50 Teachers for Teacher’s Room. In all roles, her goal remains the same: to create environments where students and teachers feel valued, supported, and empowered to explore the world through inquiry.
Defining Time
A defining moment in Dr. Delesbore we came to a chance meeting at Walmart. A former student, once a challenger in his class, approached him to tell him that his guidance helped him become a better person and fueled his curiosity about science, eventually shaping his path to become a mechanical engineer. “Teaching isn’t just about the lesson in front of you—it’s about planting a seed that will blossom years later,” he recalls. This encounter solidified his lifelong commitment to education and highlighted the lasting impact of cultivating self-confidence, curiosity, and resilience in students.
In the classroom, Dr. Delesbore emphasizes culturally responsive instruction, linking science to students’ identities, cultures, and lived experiences. Inquiry, collaboration, and real-world problem solving are central to his approach, ensuring that students see themselves as scientists and innovators. Beyond the classroom, he mentors teachers, leads professional development, and engages with national scientific organizations and community programs to support youth leadership and college readiness. For him, education thrives when schools, families, and communities work together, with relationships at the heart of student success.
What Makes Him a Trailblazer?
As a trailblazer, Dr. Delesbore has navigated the challenges of challenging long-term projects. Standing up for equality, representation, and access to science education often required courage and persistence. He based his work on research, collaboration, and purpose, keeping students at the center of all decisions. His philosophy is clear: when the focus is on what is best for students, change is not only possible but essential.
For teachers who feel stuck or tired, Dr. Delesbore emphasizes the importance of reconnecting with “the person,” seeking training, engaging in professional learning, and celebrating small victories in the classroom. She encourages thoughtful, research-based advocacy for both students and teachers, emphasizing collaboration with administrators, families, and community partners to drive systemic change over time.
What Can He Do as Secretary of Education?
If he were leading the Department of Education, his first step would be to ensure equitable access to high-quality STEM education for all students, including improved teacher training, improved science labs, and partnerships that provide real-world learning opportunities. He also emphasizes the need for trust, professional support, and autonomy for teachers, noting that teacher well-being directly affects student outcomes.
Beyond the walls of his school, Dr. Delesbore has influenced policy and practice through leadership, consultation, advisory, and advocacy roles at the local, regional, and national levels. She currently serves as President of the Association for Multicultural Science Education, on the Board of Directors of the National Science Teaching Association, and as a Board Member of the Innovation Collaborative, which advocates for inclusion, representation, and equity in science education. She is also the founder of Science Mama Enterprise, a business dedicated to empowering teachers and students alike.
What is the legacy of Dr. Delesbore?
The legacy of Dr. Sharon Bennett Delesbore is one of opportunity, access, and empowerment. She encourages teachers to encourage inquiry, celebrate diversity, and lead with compassion, ensuring that students not only gain knowledge but also gain confidence, curiosity, and faith that they can succeed. His work shows that the impact of education extends beyond the classroom, leaving lasting ripples that shape communities, careers and lives.
