Kappa Delta Pi

Introduction

Kappa Delta Pi (ΚΔΠ) is an American nonprofit honor society for education, established to recognize excellence among education professionals and students. Founded on March 8, 1911, at the University of Illinois, it is one of the earliest discipline-specific honor societies in the United States.

History

Kappa Delta Pi evolved from the Illinois Education Club, founded by Dr. William Bagley in 1909. Initially, it was established as an educational fraternity to foster a community among education students and promote educational excellence. The society officially became Kappa Delta Pi with its registration in the state of Illinois on June 8, 1911. Over the years, it has grown to include numerous chapters across the United States, with a Beta chapter at the University of Colorado in 1912, Gamma at the University of Oklahoma in 1915, and Delta at the University of Texas in 1916. By 1930, Kappa Delta Pi had chartered 62 chapters.

In 1924, the society established its Laureate Chapter to honor individuals who have made significant contributions to professional education. Notable inductees include John Dewey, who was the first member of this prestigious chapter.

Mission and Values

The mission of Kappa Delta Pi is centered around its motto: "Knowledge, Duty, Power." The society emphasizes four core pillars: Community, Belonging, Leadership, and Celebration. These values guide its activities and initiatives aimed at supporting and recognizing educators and education students.

Symbols and Traditions

• Insignia: The society's insignia is a key shaped like a scroll, adorned with Greek letters ΚΔΠ, where Δ is placed atop a beehive.
• Colors: Purple and gold are the official colors of Kappa Delta Pi.
• Flower: The violet is the society's flower.
• Publication: Kappa Delta Pi publishes The Educational Forum, a scholarly journal, and The Teacher Advocate (previously The New Teacher Advocate), focusing on supporting early-career educators. Until 2023, it also published The Kappa Delta Pi Record as a peer-reviewed journal.

Membership and Activities

Membership in Kappa Delta Pi is selective, generally open to the top 20% of students entering the education field. Undergraduate students must have a minimum GPA of 3.0, while graduate students require a 3.50 GPA. Active professionals may also join based on specific criteria.

Local chapters offer various opportunities for professional development, leadership, service projects, and networking. Members enjoy benefits such as honor cords for graduation, certificates for portfolios, and access to national resources and scholarships.

Governance and Structure

Kappa Delta Pi is governed by an executive council composed of nine elected members, who are chosen by chapter delegates at the society's biennial national convention. As of recent years, the society has chartered over 650 chapters across the United States.

Notable Members

Notable members of Kappa Delta Pi include influential figures in education and beyond, such as educational theorists and activists.

Partnerships

Kappa Delta Pi collaborates with various nonprofit organizations and businesses to advance its mission of promoting teaching excellence.

Chapters and Growth

As of 2025, Kappa Delta Pi boasts more than 20,000 active members and over 1.2 million lifetime initiates, reflecting its broad influence in the educational community. The society has expanded internationally, fostering a global network of educators committed to excellence in teaching and learning.