Kappa Delta Pi

Kappa Delta Pi, officially known as Kappa Delta Pi Honor Society in Education (ΚΔΠ), is a US nonprofit organization that serves as an international honor society for education. It was founded on March 8, 1911, at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, with the goal of fostering excellence in education and promoting fellowship among educators.

History

Kappa Delta Pi emerged from the Illinois Education Club, which was established in 1909 by Dr. William Bagley (often misspelled as Begley) at the University of Illinois. The society was officially registered under its current name on June 8, 1911. Initially, it functioned as an educational fraternity, providing a supportive community for students of education and advocating for excellence in the field.

In 1912, the Beta chapter was established at the University of Colorado, followed by Gamma at the University of Oklahoma in 1915 and Delta at the University of Texas in 1916. The Laureate Chapter was formed in 1924 to honor distinguished contributors to education, and notable figures like John Dewey were among its early inductees.

By 1930, Kappa Delta Pi had expanded to 62 chapters, and by 1963, it had grown to 294 active chapters. The society's publication, The Educational Forum, began in 1936. Kappa Delta Pi was affiliated with the Association of College Honor Societies from 1974 until 2008.

Mission and Values

Kappa Delta Pi's mission is to promote excellence in education by recognizing outstanding scholarly contributions and scholastic achievements. The society's name is derived from the Greek words for "knowledge," "duty," and "power," aligning with its motto: "Knowledge. Duty. Power." The organization is built around the pillars of Community, Belonging, Leadership, and Celebration.

Symbols and Traditions

The society's insignia features a key in the form of a scroll with the Greek letters ΚΔΠ on it. The colors of Kappa Delta Pi are purple and gold, and its official flower is the violet.

Membership

Membership in Kappa Delta Pi is reserved for the top twenty percent of those entering the education field. Undergraduates must have a minimum GPA of 3.0, while graduate students require a GPA of 3.50. Membership is also available to active professionals in education, with varying criteria.

Activities

Kappa Delta Pi chapters provide members with opportunities for networking, leadership development, service, and professional growth. Members can access professional development resources through the organization, which also solicits donations to support educational initiatives.

Governance

The society is governed by an executive council consisting of nine elected members. These members are selected by chapter delegates at the biennial national convention.

Chapters and Global Reach

As of recent years, Kappa Delta Pi has chartered over 650 chapters. While initially focused in the United States, it has expanded internationally to include members from multiple countries, reflecting its commitment to global education initiatives.

United Nations Partnership

In 2010, Kappa Delta Pi became an official United Nations Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), aligning itself with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 4 (Quality Education). Through its UN representatives, Kappa Delta Pi champions global education initiatives and promotes quality, equitable education worldwide.

Notable Members

Kappa Delta Pi has a diverse array of notable members, including educational theorists, politicians, and scholars. Notable figures include Michael Apple, Harry Broudy, James B. Conant, J. William Fulbright, Howard Gardner, Henry A. Giroux, Maxine Greene, Alfie Kohn, and Jonathan Kozol.

Partnerships

Kappa Delta Pi partners with both nonprofit organizations and for-profit businesses that share its commitment to educational excellence. These partnerships support teachers in PK-12 settings and help expand resources and services for educators.

Publications

The society publishes several educational journals, including The Educational Forum, The Teacher Advocate, and the peer-reviewed The Kappa Delta Pi Record (published until 2023). These publications contribute to ongoing professional development and scholarly discourse within the field of education.