Dean For A Day
UD’s College of Education and Human Development hosts Delaware Department of Education Chief of Staff Michael Saylor as its inaugural Dean for the Day
The University of Delaware College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) was thrilled to welcome Michael Saylor, chief of staff at the Delaware Department of Education (DDOE), to its Newark campus as its inaugural “Dean for the Day” on March 30, 2026.
The new college initiative invites local leaders in education, human development or human services to serve as “Dean for a Day.” The visit includes time to meet with college leadership, visit classrooms and connect informally with students, faculty and staff.
“As interim dean, I’ve seen how meaningful it is for our students and faculty to learn directly from leaders in the community,” said Rena Hallam, interim dean of CEHD and professor in the Department of Human Development and Family Sciences (HDFS). “These connections bring our work to life and create valuable opportunities for conversation, reflection and learning.”
At DDOE, Saylor coordinates strategic initiatives across the agency, works with leaders to address challenges and serves as a trusted advisor and thought partner. As a recognized voice in workforce development and innovative staffing models, Saylor also presents nationally on Delaware’s efforts to build educator pathways and improve educator effectiveness. He is also a longtime partner of CEHD, often working with its School Center Center on initiatives that support the educator workforce, like the Governor’s Institute for School Leadership.
“My time as ‘Dean for the Day’ provided a valuable window into the strong partnership between the University of Delaware and the state’s schools,” Saylor said. “I was especially encouraged by the focus on preparing and supporting educators in ways that directly impact classroom instruction. The work happening in CEHD is clearly aligned with Delaware’s priorities and is making a meaningful difference for students.”
As dean, Saylor toured CEHD’s Children’s Campus, learning about the complementary missions of the Early Learning Center, the Lab School and The College School. Together, the Children’s Campus serves children from the ages of six weeks through eighth grade with high-quality, researched-informed early care and education. It also serves as a research and learning site for high schoolers, college students, researchers and professionals in education, human development and related fields.
Saylor met with college leadership, including Steve Amendum, director of CEHD’s School of Education (SOE) and Jason Hustedt, chair of HDFS.
He learned about the college’s pipeline programs and undergraduate offerings in early childhood education (ECE) and elementary and middle school teacher education from Jamie Bailey, recruiter for teacher preparation programs, Krissy Najera, assistant professor and associate director of undergraduate studies in the SOE, Kristine Ritz, senior associate dean of undergraduate services and Rosalyn Washington, assistant professor in HDFS and ECE program coordinator.
“As Delaware continues to experience a teacher shortage, we’re working hard to strengthen the teacher educator pipeline by inspiring students early, supporting their interests and helping them envision themselves as future educators,” Bailey said. “As of April 2026, we’ve seen a 37% increase in Delaware resident applications for our education bachelor’s programs.”
Over lunch, Saylor heard about innovative UD research and initiatives in literacy education that support Delaware schools from SOE faculty, including Assistant Professor Christina Budde, Professor David Coker and Professor William Lewis. He concluded his day with a visit to a literacy education class taught by Kristen Ritchey, professor in the SOE.
“It was a pleasure sharing our work in the science of reading and teacher preparation with Michael Saylor,” Amendum said. “Our partnership with the DDOE ensures that we remain aligned with Delaware’s needs while strengthening the educator pipeline.”
To learn more about CEHD pipeline initiatives, its undergraduate or graduate programs or the work of its centers for research, education and service, visit its website.
Header image caption: Saylor visits a classroom in CEHD’s Early Learning Center and talks with Jessica Peace, one of the center’s co-directors.
Article by Jessica Henderson. Photos by Shelly Silva.