Overview:
Dr. Sharon Bennett Delesbore’s career exemplifies a sustained commitment to equity-driven, culturally responsive science education that empowers students and educators through inquiry, leadership, and systemic advocacy at local and national levels.
Dr. Sharon Bennett Delesbore’s journey in education began on the basketball court. As a Division I athlete, she learned early that leadership extends beyond personal achievement. Her team’s commitment to community service, reading to students, mentoring youth, and serving as role models instilled in her a profound 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, consultant and Top 50 Educator for The Educator’s Room. Across roles, her mission has remained constant: to create environments where students and educators feel valued, supported, and empowered to explore the world through inquiry.
Defining Moment
A defining moment in Dr. Delesbore’s career came in a chance encounter at a Walmart. A former student, once a challenge in her classroom, approached her to say that her guidance helped him become a better person and fueled his curiosity in science, eventually shaping his path to become a mechanical engineer. “Teaching is never just about the lesson in front of you—it’s about planting seeds that may bloom years later,” she reflects. This encounter reinforced her lifelong commitment to education and highlighted the lasting impact of cultivating confidence, curiosity, and resilience in students.
In the classroom, Dr. Delesbore emphasizes culturally responsive instruction, connecting science to students’ identities, cultures, and lived experiences. Inquiry, collaboration, and real-world problem-solving are central to her approach, ensuring students see themselves as scientists and innovators. Beyond the classroom, she mentors educators, leads professional development, and engages with national science organizations and community programs to support youth leadership and college readiness. For her, education thrives when schools, families, and communities collaborate, with relationships at the heart of student success.
What Makes her a Trailblazer?
As a trailblazer, Dr. Delesbore has navigated the challenges of challenging long-standing systems. Advocating for equity, representation, and access in science education often required courage and persistence. She grounded her work in research, collaboration, and purpose, keeping students at the center of every decision. Her philosophy is clear: when the focus is on what is best for students, change becomes not only possible but imperative.
For educators feeling stuck or burned out, Dr. Delesbore emphasizes the importance of reconnecting with one’s “why,” seeking mentorship, engaging in professional learning, and celebrating small victories in the classroom. She advocates for thoughtful, research-based advocacy for both students and teachers, emphasizing collaboration with administrators, families, and community partners to drive systemic change over time.
What Would She Do As Secretary of Education?
If she were leading the Department of Education, her first initiative would ensure equitable access to high-quality STEM education for all students, including enhanced teacher training, upgraded science labs, and partnerships that provide real-world learning opportunities. She also underscores the need for trust, professional support, and autonomy for educators, recognizing that teacher well-being directly impacts student outcomes.
Beyond her school walls, Dr. Delesbore has influenced policy and practice through leadership roles, consulting, mentorship, and advocacy at the local, state, and national levels. She currently serves as President of the Association for Multicultural Science Education, on the Board of Directors for the National Science Teaching Association, and as a Board Member of the Innovation Collaborative, championing inclusion, representation, and equity in science education. She is also the founder of Science Mama Enterprise, a venture dedicated to empowering educators and students alike.
What is Dr. Delesbore’s Legacy?
Dr. Sharon Bennett Delesbore’s legacy is one of opportunity, access, and empowerment. She inspires educators to nurture inquiry, celebrate diversity, and lead with compassion, ensuring that students not only gain knowledge but also confidence, curiosity, and the belief that they can succeed. Her work demonstrates that the impact of education extends far beyond the classroom, leaving lasting ripples that shape communities, careers, and lives.
