Teaching with Heart and Rooted in Purpose
Shelby Borst (M.S. in curriculum and instruction) never imagined becoming a teacher. There was no childhood dream of teaching, only a love for learning. While taking AP Psychology in high school, she found herself fascinated by the human mind. This curiosity led her to pursue psychology at the University of Delaware. It wasn’t until she met professors, Dr. Hannah Kim and Dr. Barry Joyce, who encouraged and guided her, that she found her way to education and discovered her true calling.
For Shelby, teaching is exactly where she is meant to be. In addition to teaching social studies at William Penn High School, she also teaches an after-school dual enrollment course at Delaware State University called the Philosophical Foundations of Education, where students explore the inequities that plague our education system. Over a 14-week period, she guided her students to analyze and compare the works of amazing philosophers. By the end of the course, her students were tasked with creating a profile of a great teacher using their knowledge base and their own philosophy on education.
During one presentation, a student stood up and proudly stated they wrote a letter to a teacher who exemplifies what it means to be a great teacher, “Dear Ms. Borst...” She recalls the moment as one where time had seemed to stop. It was this moment that reaffirmed her “why” and served as a powerful reminder that teaching isn’t just about curriculum, but impact.
In October 2024, Shelby was named Delaware’s 2025 State Teacher of the Year, an experience she describes as transformative. She has spoken candidly about dealing with impostor syndrome, feeling overwhelmed by the honor of being selected among many other incredible educators. Since being named, she has connected with students, educators, and changemakers across the state. From delivering keynotes to speaking with lawmakers and future educators, she sees this recognition not as a spotlight but as a platform to elevate her students’ experiences and advocate for meaningful change.
WGU played an important part in Shelby’s educational journey. One of her colleagues heard she was trying to continue her education and struggling to find a master’s degree program, so she suggested WGU. Thanks to that suggestion, Shelby found an affordable, flexible option that allowed her to complete coursework on her own time. She credits her program mentor as an influential part of her success. “I truly appreciated the support from him as he cheered me on to the finish line,” she said. “He was my number one fan and my rock throughout the experience.” In the end, she walked away with a deeper understanding of what kind of teacher she wanted to be and a reminder that educators need champions, too.
Today, Shelby’s teaching philosophy centers on empathy, joy, and student identity. She believes learning becomes meaningful when students see themselves in the curriculum and feel truly seen by their teachers. She strives daily to make her classroom a space where every student feels valued, empowered, and inspired to grow personally and academically. “At its best, education is not just preparation for college and career readiness, it’s life,” she said. “It’s rich with culture, relationships, and the opportunity to create positive change in the world around us.”
As Delaware Teacher of the Year, Shelby now has a platform to amplify student voices and challenge the fear often surrounding true student empowerment. She has witnessed the magic that happens when students take ownership of their learning and step into their roles as leaders and change makers. Her hope is to create opportunities for others to be able to see what she sees – students who are courageous, brilliant, and powerful, standing by the belief that young minds uplift and inspire us all.
To those pursuing teaching, especially through online degree programs like WGU, Shelby’s advice is simple: “Bring your full, authentic self into the classroom.” A teacher’s background, identity, and expertise are strengths, not setbacks. It’s not about perfection. It’s about connections. Students need real people – people who make mistakes, laugh with them, and grow alongside them.
Shelby is excited to see where this journey takes her. Over the next few months, she will give remarks in front of the Delaware General Assembly and will be speaking at William Penn High School’s graduation ceremony. She will also represent Delaware when all state teachers of the year head to NASA’s Space Camp in July. But no matter where the journey leads, one thing remains the same, her students will always be at the heart of her work.
