Kappa Delta Pi

Kappa Delta Pi (ΚΔΠ) is an American honor society focused on education, established on March 8, 1911, at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. This organization promotes excellence in education and serves as a fellowship for those dedicated to teaching. Initially forming as a coeducational honorary educational fraternity, it has since grown into an international society with a commitment to scholarship, leadership, and service in the educational field.

History

Kappa Delta Pi originated from the Illinois Education Club, founded by Dr. William Begley in 1909. The club initially sought affiliation with the Pi Kappa Mu honor society, but upon learning that Pi Kappa Mu planned to merge with Phi Kappa Delta—thereby compromising its coeducational status—Kappa Delta Pi was established as an independent organization. The first chapter, designated as Alpha, was officially registered in June 1911.

The society quickly expanded, initiating its second chapter, Beta, at the University of Colorado in 1912, followed by additional chapters at the University of Oklahoma and the University of Texas in the following years. A significant milestone was the creation of its Laureate Chapter in 1924, dedicated to honoring individuals who made remarkable contributions to the field of education, with John Dewey being its inaugural member.

Throughout the decades, Kappa Delta Pi transformed from a fraternity into a society and increased its membership remarkably, chartering 62 chapters by 1930. As of 2025, it boasts over 20,000 active members and more than 1.2 million initiated lifetime members.

Activities

Kappa Delta Pi chapters engage in diverse activities, fostering professional development, networking, and leadership among their members. The society offers educational programs, webinars, and other resources that contribute to the professional growth of its members. Contributions received by Kappa Delta Pi fund various educational initiatives and support the society’s mission of advancing quality education.

Governance

The organization is governed by an executive council, comprising nine elected members who are chosen by chapter delegates at national conventions. Kappa Delta Pi maintains its headquarters in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Membership and Chapters

As of 2025, Kappa Delta Pi has established more than 860 chapters worldwide, including 543 active collegiate chapters and several active professional or alumni chapters. Membership in Kappa Delta Pi signifies a lifelong connection to a network of distinguished educators and leaders.

Laureates

Since its founding, Kappa Delta Pi has inducted numerous eminent educators into its Laureate Chapter, recognizing their substantial contributions to education. Notable members include:

• Grace Abbott (1936), director of the United States Children's Bureau
• Jane Addams (1932), activist and sociologist
• Mortimer J. Adler (1992), philosopher and educator

Kappa Delta Pi continues to honor educational excellence and inspire future generations of educators through its legacy of leadership and service.