Kappa Delta Pi

Kappa Delta Pi (ΚΔΠ) is an American nonprofit organization that operates as an international honor society in education. It was founded on March 8, 1911, at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign as one of the first discipline-specific honor societies. The society's mission is to recognize and promote excellence in the field of education, fostering a community that supports teachers and educators worldwide.

History

Kappa Delta Pi evolved from the Illinois Education Club, established by Dr. William Begley in 1909. Initially, the club affiliated with Pi Kappa Mu but later formed an independent coeducational national honorary educational fraternity after Pi Kappa Mu planned to merge with Phi Kappa Delta. This decision led to the formation of Kappa Delta Pi, which was registered with the State of Illinois on June 8, 1911. The first chapter, Alpha, was installed at the University of Illinois on March 8, 1911.

In the following years, additional chapters were established at the University of Colorado (Beta, 1912), the University of Oklahoma (Gamma, 1915), and the University of Texas (Delta, 1916). The society's Laureate Chapter was established in February 1924 to honor individuals who have made significant contributions to education, with John Dewey as its first inductee.

Activities and Programs

Kappa Delta Pi supports its members through various activities, including networking opportunities, leadership development, service projects, and professional growth initiatives. Members have access to webinars, conferences, research publications, and workshops that enhance their teaching skills and educational leadership. The society also publishes The Educational Forum, a journal that features articles on educational topics.

Governance and Structure

Kappa Delta Pi is governed by an executive council composed of nine elected members. These members are chosen by chapter delegates at the society's biennial national convention.

Chapters and Membership

As of 2025, Kappa Delta Pi has over 543 active collegiate chapters and numerous alumni chapters across the globe. The society boasts more than 20,000 active members and over 1.2 million lifetime initiates.

United Nations Recognition

In 2010, Kappa Delta Pi became an official United Nations Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), aligning itself with global education initiatives, particularly Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education. The organization's UN representatives advocate for inclusive and equitable quality education worldwide.

Partnerships

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

Pillars and Values

The society operates under four key pillars: Community, Belonging, Leadership, and Celebration. Its motto is "Knowledge. Duty. Power." The official colors are purple and gold, and the violet is the symbolic flower associated with the organization.

Laureates

Since the establishment of its Laureate Chapter, Kappa Delta Pi has honored numerous educators for their outstanding contributions to education. Notable laureates include Jane Addams, Mortimer J. Adler, and Grace Abbott. These individuals have significantly influenced education, social work, and community development.