Kappa Delta Pi

Kappa Delta Pi (ΚΔΠ) is an American honor society for education, founded on March 8, 1911, at the University of Illinois. It was developed from the Illinois Education Club, established by Dr. William Begley in 1909, with the goal of providing fellowship for education students and promoting excellence in education[1].

History

Kappa Delta Pi was formally registered on June 8, 1911. The second chapter, Beta, was established at the University of Colorado in 1912, followed by Gamma at the University of Oklahoma in 1915 and Delta at the University of Texas in 1916[1]. The society's name is derived from the Greek words for knowledge, duty, and power, reflecting its motto: "Knowledge. Duty. Power." The Laureate Chapter was created in 1924 to honor significant contributors to professional education, with John Dewey as its first member[1].

Organization and Activities

As of 2025, Kappa Delta Pi has more than 20,000 active members and over 1.2 million lifetime members in multiple countries[2]. The organization has chartered 650 chapters, providing opportunities for networking, leadership, service, and professional development[1]. Kappa Delta Pi publishes scholarly journals such as The Educational Forum and The Kappa Delta Pi Record (1964-2023)[1]. Membership is open to the top 20% of those entering the education field, with specific GPA requirements for undergraduates and graduate students[1].

Participation in Global Initiatives

In 2010, Kappa Delta Pi became an official United Nations Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), aligning its mission with global education initiatives, particularly Sustainable Development Goal #4: Quality Education[3]. This affiliation allows the society to engage in international collaborations and advocacy for equitable education worldwide[3].

Notable Members and Partnerships

Notable members of Kappa Delta Pi include figures such as Michael Apple, Harry Broudy, and Howard Gardner[1]. The society also partners with both nonprofit and for-profit organizations to advance teaching excellence from campus to classroom, fostering mutually beneficial collaborations to support its mission[4][5].

Governance and Symbols

The society is led by an executive council of nine elected members. Its colors are purple and gold, with the violet as its flower[1]. The organization's insignia features a key shaped like a scroll with the Greek letters ΚΔΠ and a beehive[1].

Emphasis on Community, Belonging, Leadership, and Celebration

Kappa Delta Pi focuses on four core values: Community, Belonging, Leadership, and Celebration, aiming to build thriving communities through quality education[1].