As a pediatric trained anesthesiologist and critical care physician, Dr. Mike Katz understands the critical role that early childhood and secondary education play in enabling children to discover and develop their interests and talents, and for preparing young minds for success in both academic and life pursuits.
Dr. Katz believes that the United States education system has failed to ensure universal access to high-quality education for every child. This systemic shortcoming has hindered America from realizing its full potential in terms of overall well-being, prosperity, and the enduring sustainability of our society. Dr. Katz prioritizes commitments to addressing and rectifying these educational disparities to foster a more prosperous future for every child, regardless of zip code.
Early childhood education plays a critical role in shaping a person's success throughout life. The experiences and learning opportunities provided during a child's earliest years have a lasting impact on all aspects of their development. Quality early childhood education programs facilitate cognitive, emotional, and academic development by providing experiences that facilitate neural connections; this early foundation sets the stage for future learning.
Key Positions
- Expand access to quality early childhood education, recognizing its critical role in lifelong success
- Ensure every child, regardless of socioeconomic background, can discover and develop their talents
- Prepare students not just for academic success but for life: employment, civic participation, and personal well-being
- Invest in workforce and education alignment so Delaware students graduate ready for 21st-century careers
- Treat education as the foundation it is, for individual prosperity and Delaware's long-term competitiveness
Children who receive a strong early childhood and secondary education are more likely to pursue higher education that directly impacts their health and economic success throughout life. A healthy, well-educated society makes for a strong, competitive America.
Delaware's public school performance varies dramatically by zip code, and that gap has widened. The Wilmington schools crisis has persisted for decades, documented, debated, and largely unresolved. Delaware ranks near the bottom nationally for fourth-grade reading proficiency among low-income students. Workforce misalignment is a real economic drag: Delaware employers consistently report difficulty finding qualified candidates for skilled trades, healthcare, and technical roles, even as young Delawareans struggle to find good-paying work. Federal education policy, including Title I funding formulas, workforce training block grants, and early childhood program investment, directly shapes what Delaware schools can offer. A Senator who understands both child development and economic competitiveness can push for the resources and reforms that move the needle.
Dr. Katz's perspective on education begins in the clinic. As a pediatric physician, he has seen firsthand what happens to children who enter school without a strong early foundation, and what becomes possible for those who do. His work in healthcare has made him deeply familiar with the connection between education, health outcomes, and economic opportunity. He doesn't approach education as a culture-war battleground. He approaches it as a physician and a parent who believes every Delaware child deserves the chance to develop their full potential, and is prepared to fight for the federal investments and policy changes that make that possible.