Kappa Delta Pi

Kappa Delta Pi (ΚΔΠ) is a prominent nonprofit educational honor society in the United States, dedicated to recognizing and fostering excellence in teaching and education. Founded on March 8, 1911, at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, it was originally conceived as a coeducational national honorary educational fraternity with the aim of providing fellowship for education students and promoting excellence in education.

History

Kappa Delta Pi evolved from the Illinois Education Club, which was established in 1909 by Dr. William Begley. Initially, the club aimed to affiliate with Pi Kappa Mu, but due to concerns over maintaining its coeducational status during a proposed merger between Pi Kappa Mu and Phi Kappa Delta, the members decided to form an independent organization. This decision led to the establishment of Kappa Delta Pi as a society emphasizing scholarship, honor, and service in education. The organization has grown significantly since its inception, with its Alpha chapter installed at the University of Illinois on March 8, 1911, and subsequent chapters established at various universities nationwide.

In 1924, Kappa Delta Pi established its Laureate Chapter to honor individuals who have made significant contributions to the field of education. Over the years, notable figures such as John Dewey, Jane Addams, and Mortimer Adler have been inducted into this prestigious chapter.

Mission and Activities

Kappa Delta Pi is committed to fostering a community that supports the development of excellent teachers and educators. It focuses on community, belonging, leadership, and celebration as core pillars, aiming to inspire and equip teachers to build thriving communities through high-quality education. The organization provides numerous benefits to its members, including:

• Networking Opportunities: Members participate in local chapters that offer networking, leadership growth, and professional development.
• Professional Resources: Access to educational research, workshops, job listings, and mentorship programs.
• Community Engagement: Opportunities for service and community involvement.
• Scholarships and Grants: Exclusive funding opportunities for educational pursuits.

Kappa Delta Pi also offers its members opportunities to participate in local chapter events, conferences, and webinars, enriching their educational experiences.

Governance and Chapters

As of 2025, Kappa Delta Pi has more than 20,000 active members and over 1.2 million lifetime members across multiple countries. It operates over 543 active collegiate chapters and maintains a professional executive council that oversees its operations. The organization's governance is vested in an elected council responsible for strategic planning and leadership.

Publications

Kappa Delta Pi publishes The Educational Forum, which has been a cornerstone of the society since its first publication in 1936. This publication provides a platform for educational discourse and research.

Symbols and Traditions

• Colors: Purple and Gold
• Flower: Violet
• Motto: Knowledge. Duty. Power.

Kappa Delta Pi's history and mission are deeply rooted in fostering excellence and scholarship in education, making it a significant and respected organization within the educational community.