Longtime educator Dennis Loftus wins State Chamber award

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 At the Superstars in Education & Training Awards Reception last week the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce’s workforce development affiliate, The Partnership, Inc., honored Dr. Dennis Loftus with the John H. Taylor, Jr. Education Leadership Award for his commitment, leadership, guidance, and contributions to the education system in Delaware. 

Over the course of his 50-plus-year career, Loftus was a teacher, principal, superintendent, supervisor, mentor, and a friend. He reworked the New Castle County Vocational-Technical schools into a model that was copied around the country; mentored more than half the superintendents in the state; helped develop the educational leadership program at the University of Delaware; and worked on committees to improve education in Delaware. 

“He’s a wonderful man,” said Robert Rescigno, assistant vice president of partnerships and community affairs for Wilmington University. “He never takes credit for himself.” 

Loftus served in various administrative and teaching positions throughout his career, including Delaware Technical Community College, New Castle County Vocational Technical School District, Middletown High School, University of Delaware, and the Delaware State Board of Education. During his tenure as superintendent of the New Castle County Vocational-Technical School District, he was recognized as the Delaware Superintendent of the Year. 

Loftus has also served on various committees and boards, including the Models of Excellence Committee, the State Compensation Commission, and the Delaware Workforce Development Board. At 81, he’s been retired for seven years, but still contributes to state education committees as a volunteer. 

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“All I did was ask and listen a lot, and a lot of collective energy went together to maybe help a lot of kids and teachers and administrators become better at serving others,” Loftus said. “I look at that and I’m not really sure that’s deserving of recognition or award, but it sure was a fun journey.” 

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