We are pleased to recognize Dr. Rachel Peacock!
This month’s DFSME Shining Light Award honors Dr. Rachel Peacock. Rachel teaches chemistry and Advanced Placement chemistry at Cape Henlopen High School in Lewes, Delaware. Bringing a passion for learning to the classroom, Rachel encourages her students to find joy and pride in mastering challenging scientific content.
Guided by the belief that all students can succeed in a rigorous classroom environment when provided consistent and appropriate supports, Rachel develops grit and resiliency within her students. She also serves as the faculty advisor for the National Honor Society chapter, the building level co-leader for the Justice League and on the Secondary Grading and Assessment committee at Cape.
Within all her classes, students are encouraged to ask questions, problem solve, and engage with rigorous content. She believes all students should be exposed to challenging coursework that will prepare them for STEAM-related majors in college. Dr. Peacock has single-handedly increased the number of students taking AP Chemistry from 12 students to over 50.
Rachel began teaching in 1998. She pursued her Doctor of Education in critical pedagogy where she studied the school-to-prison pipeline and now works with academic tracking, discipline policies and special education practices that facilitate disparities in education and beyond. She has come to regard the classroom as the most powerful space to disrupt the perpetuation of inequities within our society.
Dr. Peacock was nominated by Rita Vasta, New Castle County Vocational School District Assistant Principal.