Polls close tonight
April 21
at 11:59 pm edt!




Dear Kadelpians:

Per the recommendation of the Nominations Committee, the nominees for the Society’s 2008–2010 Executive Council election are presented here. Data about each candidate follows—including service to Kappa Delta Pi, professional accomplishments, thoughts on benefits of KDP membership, and statement of direction. For each office, vote for one candidate—except for vice president, vote for two.
Vote! Exercise your privilege to select Executive Council officers. Cast your vote online at www.kdp.org/forms/election.php. Alternately, if you do not have online access, you may contact KDP Headquarters at 800-284-3167 to request a paper ballot. Voting begins on March 10, and ballots must be cast by the end of the day April 21.

Karen Nicholson
President (2006–2008)


Pamela Kramer Ertel
President-Elect (2008–2010)

By virtue of offices already held, Dr. Karen Nicholson will assume the office of Past President and Dr. Pamela Kramer Ertel will serve as President for the 2008–2010 Biennium.


Nathan Bond
(Ph.D. in Foreign Language Education, University of Texas at Austin) Associate Professor of Curriculum & Instruction, Texas State University. Formerly taught Russian at middle and high school levels.
Service to Kappa Delta Pi: Locally, for the past seven years, I have served as the Counselor of the Eta Zeta Chapter. Our chapter has presented sessions at four Convocations, and we received an ACE Award in 2007. Nationally, I have served as Vice President of the Executive Council. Also, I have served as a reviewer for the Scholarship Committee and the ATE/KDP Student Teacher/Intern of the Year Award, and as a member of an ad hoc technology implementation committee.

Professional Accomplishments: As a leader in the classroom, the Russian program I founded in my high school grew to more than 150 students. As KDP Counselor, my efforts have brought recognition to my students and my university. As President of the Texas Foreign Language Association, I coordinated two successful conferences and learned the significance of professional organizations and their role in professional development, networking with other educators, and advocacy at the state and national levels.

Benefits of KDP Membership: KDP has given me opportunities to work with many outstanding education students in my department, recognize their academic accomplishments, cultivate their leadership skills, and introduce them to a larger community of professional educators who will support them throughout their careers. I have been honored to share these experiences with these incredible students.

As I work with KDP members, I always remember that it’s not about me. It’s about developing leadership skills in my KDP students and helping them to succeed. As a veteran educator, I realize that my focus should be on my students and their personal and professional growth.

Statement of Direction: For nearly 100 years, Kappa Delta Pi has recognized excellence in education, provided ongoing professional development through its outstanding conferences and publications, and offered numerous scholarships for continuing education. As it approaches a milestone—a century in existence—Kappa Delta Pi is poised for continued growth and success.

If chosen as President-Elect, I would build on the organization’s current efforts, which include expanding the materials available to members through the Web site, increasing the number of collegiate and professional chapters, and supporting the administrative staff at our national office as they, in turn, support the local chapters.

In addition, I would focus energy on initiatives for teachers who are in the first five years of their teaching careers. Kappa Delta Pi does a great job with preservice teachers, and reaching out to teachers in their first five years is a strategic way to expand the organization. This goal could be accomplished by creating special recognitions, providing targeted sessions at Convocations and articles in publications, and establishing scholarships specifically for these beginning teachers.

Kappa Delta Pi is a wonderful organization with a rich legacy and unlimited possibilities for the future. I would be honored to serve in this leadership role.

Kimberly W. McAlister
(Ed.D. in Curriculum & Instruction, University of Louisiana–Monroe) Coordinator of Assessment & Undergraduate Studies and Assistant Professor, College of Education, Northwestern State University, Natchitoches, LA. Formerly, taught math at high school level.
Service to Kappa Delta Pi: Since 1998, I have been privileged to serve as the Counselor of the Gamma Phi Chapter and have increasingly become involved with the national organization. I have attended and led Counselor Academies across the United States. As part of the planning cadre for Counselor Academies, I have worked with many counselors to plan, assess, and modify this program. I currently serve as the National Membership Committee chair, 2006–2008. This committee has examined trends in KDP membership, instituted the Teacher of Honor program, and worked collaboratively with the Chapter Services Committee to provide services for our organization.

Professional Accomplishments: I worked collaboratively to develop and implement a unit assessment system for accreditation by NCATE. I am primarily responsible for all faculty data requests for all standards. In fall 2005, the NCATE visit resulted in all standards passed. I traveled to Chungham province, South Korea, to assist in the establishment of a cooperative agreement between Northwestern State University and the Chungham Department of Education.

Benefits of KDP Membership: I can directly attribute my professional and personal growth to my work with KDP. Not only have I had the privilege of working with educational professionals within my local chapter, but also my horizons have been broadened through the opportunities afforded to me at the regional and national levels.
I have presented workshops geared to beginning teachers at several different Convocations. I have worked with chapter counselors in several capacities, including Counselor Academies, roundtable discussions held at Convocation, and national committees, and I read manuscripts for KDP publications. My leadership skills have been honed through the opportunities I have sought and been given.

Statement of Direction: I believe Kappa Delta Pi is the organization to support educators as they face the challenges of today’s classroom. All contributors to our profession must work to prepare students to embrace change and commit to lifelong learning. This requires educators to model these behaviors. Changes in technology, school operations, and legislative mandates are a few of the myriad challenges facing teachers and administrators. Burdened with so many issues, teachers are leaving the classroom in record numbers.

KDP has responded to this challenge—offering innovative methods to provide teachers with best practices (e.g., podcasting), publishing research to stimulate dialogue, assisting members to continue their education (e.g., scholarships), and providing novel methods to reward teachers (e.g., Teacher of Honor program). As a member of KDP, I want our organization to continue providing these services. This invaluable partnership between teachers and KDP can provide scaffolding to nurture the education profession.

However, KDP must remain fiscally healthy to support the membership. This organization is NOT simply an honor society; rather, it is a committed professional organization. Therefore, all members must renew their annual membership. This infusion of resources is necessary and vital in assisting teachers in their professional growth.
Thank you for your consideration.


Lynn Burlbaw
(Ph.D., The University of Texas at Austin) Associate Professor, Texas A&M University. Formerly taught history at high school level.
Service to Kappa Delta Pi: I have served as President of two chapters—Omicron Upsilon (ENMU) and Delta (UT Austin). Since 1990, I have been the Chapter Counselor at Texas A&M University. I have served on the technology committee and made numerous presentations at Convocation. Since becoming a member in 1984, I have attended all but one of the Convocations. I have published in the Kappa Delta Pi Record and contributed to the KDP book They Led by Teaching.

Professional Accomplishments: I am proud of the number of students I have taught who are classroom leaders and have administrative positions ranging from high school department chair to university department chair to vice-president of a junior college. I am proud that about 10 former members of Mu Chi Chapter have become chapter counselors at other institutions. I also have raised, with the help of my wife, four wonderful children who are successful in life.

Benefits of KDP Membership: Through membership in Kappa Delta Pi, I have met and become friends with educators across this nation. I have had the opportunity to learn from nationally renowned educators such as Ralph Tyler, John Goodlad, and Ned Flanders. Membership also has allowed me to develop as a leader and provided opportunities to further my education (as a scholarship recipient) and career through publishing in KDP organs.

Statement of Direction: As Kappa Delta Pi enters the 21st century and approaches its 100th anniversary, several challenges face the Society. Kappa Delta Pi should seriously consider whether it is an honor society or a professional society. These two are not necessarily the same thing, and how we answer this question will determine the direction of the Society’s work in the coming years.

Kappa Delta Pi needs to continuously evaluate its finances and work toward fiscally sound and conservative policies. The cost of Convocations, membership, membership benefits, and chapter establishment must be reviewed and evaluated; scholarships must become individually fully endowed; new chapters must benefit both the Society and institutions where established. Headquarters staff must be respected, be supported, and participate in planning for the future.

Chapters that become inactive and have their charters suspended are expensive luxuries, something Kappa Delta Pi cannot continue to experience. Innovative and responsive programs must be developed to maintain, rescue, and fortify chapters once they have been established.

I would like to be a part of the conversation with other Kadelpians, on and off the Executive Committee, to develop and implement short- and long-term goals and strategies to make Kappa Delta Pi the premier organization that recognizes excellence in education.

Mary C. Clement
(Ed.D. in Curriculum & Instruction, University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign) Associate Professor of Teacher Education, Berry College, Mount Berry, GA. Formerly directed beginning teacher program, supervised student teachers, and taught high school.
Service to Kappa Delta Pi: Academic editor and reviewer, New Teacher Advocate, 10 years. Record reviewer since 2006. Foundation scholarship reviewer since 2000. Author, KDP book The ABC’s of Job-Hunting for Teachers. Co-author, Chapter 3 of KDP book The Life Cycle of the Career Teacher. Author, section of Life Cycle material on KDP Web site. Interim chapter counselor, one semester. Presenter at every Convocation since 1995. Foundation and chapter donor. Guest speaker at two chapter initiations.

Professional Accomplishments: 1. Chair, faculty assembly, Berry College, 2007–2008, preside over monthly meetings of 150 faculty members, represent the faculty to administration and board of trustees. 2. Chair, promotion and tenure committee, Berry College, 2006–2007, preside over deliberation meeting for review of dossiers, report faculty evaluations to president and provost. 3. Director, Beginning Teacher Program, Eastern Illinois University, 1991–1997, organized and taught programs for beginning teachers and for administrators.

Benefits of KDP Membership: Kappa Delta Pi is the best professional association for networking that I can recommend. I didn’t know about Kappa Delta Pi until I finished my doctorate and was struggling to publish. My first publication was with KDP, and the editors have helped me tremendously with my research since then. By attending the Convocations, I have found a network of mentors who have been role models for my teaching, service, and leadership. Being able to transfer membership to a local chapter helped me to become established when I changed jobs. KDP provides support for all levels of an educator’s career.

Statement of Direction: Kappa Delta Pi is an intergenerational association, with members who are preservice teachers, student teachers, new teachers, veteran teachers, and college level educators. Having a membership that represents all levels of educators is both a challenge and an opportunity. Much work has been done by the association to assist new teachers with their entrance into the profession, and now is a good time to support initiatives to raise membership interest among practicing and veteran teachers. Master teachers can contribute so much to the association by helping new teachers and becoming the link to those who work in teacher preparation.

Convocation is a time-honored tradition of the association, and the preservice teachers bring tremendous energy to the biennial meetings. Convocation is a wonderful way for educators at all stages of their careers and in all levels of educational work to come together and network. I would like to work on the planning of Convocation, encouraging active participation by members who all can find sessions of high interest to them.

Lastly, since I began my association with Kappa Delta Pi through publications, I feel that I can contribute ideas and much support to the association in this area.
Judy M. Fiene
(Ed.D. in Reading and Language, National-Louis University, Evanston, IL) Assistant Professor of Education, Elmhurst College, IL. Former Adjunct Professor and elementary teacher.
Service to Kappa Delta Pi: I have been a Chapter Counselor for the past seven years and, throughout the years, have provided service to this organization in a number of ways. In 2005, I hosted a Counselor Academy on my campus, an experience that allowed me to see how I could expand my role as a Counselor. I have continued to offer my professional services to KDP as a member of an ad hoc committee and the Chapter Services Committee. In addition, I am a member of the Editorial Review Panel for the Record and have been published in New Teacher Advocate.

Professional Accomplishments: I coordinate the Elementary Education Program at Elmhurst College, where I collaborate with faculty to help more than 200 students become elementary school teachers. I have worked with Elmhurst College alumni to help novice teachers become teacher leaders. I participate in an online mentoring program for new teachers through the Associated Colleges of Illinois. This opportunity allows me to lead the next generation of teachers by demonstrating how they can be proactive in their profession.

Benefits of KDP Membership: This organization has supported my growth as a professional by awarding me the Hollis L. Caswell Laureate Doctoral Scholarship in May 2003. In addition to acknowledging my professional efforts to further understand my research interests, this scholarship supported me financially, which allowed me to complete my dissertation in a timely manner. I carefully choose my professional organizations in which I would like to play an active role. KDP is an organization that honors the teaching profession and demonstrates to its members what it means to be a teacher. For this reason, I believe it not only benefits me, but the teaching profession as a whole.

Statement of Direction: Convocation is a tremendous asset to our members. This past Convocation, I helped to plan and also participated in a fabulous workshop titled “Secrets to Chapter Success,” designed to help new counselors understand their role. We tried something new by offering a workshop that was planned and presented by active counselors. The excitement in the room was contagious! Ideas were being shared by everyone in the room! I believe THIS is the new direction for Kappa Delta Pi. That is, encouraging and providing opportunities for more members to become actively involved in THEIR organization. I would like to see Headquarters and the Executive Board continue to look for a variety of ways to offer these types of participatory experiences to our members.

A good challenge we face is that KDP is a large organization. However, because it is large, we should explore the idea of forming KDP regional boards that would help shape the local efforts. Just as we hold a biennial Convocation, I would like to see the excitement of Convocation extended during our off-year by “experimenting” with the idea of offering a state and/or regional conference. This type of forward thinking will take much time and effort to develop.
Kellie Hammers
(MAT in General Education, Marygrove College, Detroit, MI) Provide individualized tutoring for five different families with students ranging from ADD-identified to gifted-and-talented tracked. Former elementary school teacher.
Service to Kappa Delta Pi: Became a member during collegiate studies at The University of Michigan in 1993. Served as Chapter President, 1994–1995. Serve as current University of Michigan Chapter Counselor/Associate Counselor (since 1995). Current Counselor for the newly implemented e-Chapter, serving all KDP professional members who are unaffiliated with chapters through Internet technologies. Current member of the Society’s Web Site Committee. Member of New Teacher Advocate Advisory Panel.

Professional Accomplishments: a) Recognizing the need to reduce overall school violence in my Detroit Public School, and becoming a certified Conflict Resolution Coach and Mentor to start a peer mediation program, which became the pilot program for all DPS buildings. b) Researching, developing, writing, and implementing authentic assessment strategies and practices within the state of Michigan. c) Compiling information and sessions for a 22-hour training course for KDP leadership teams, including a handbook with supplemental materials.

Benefits of KDP Membership: My membership has been crucial—beginning in my collegiate studies; moving through my provisional to teacher certification; and continuing outside the classroom. I take pride and satisfaction in belonging to an organization dedicated to supporting my efforts, my goals, and me. Whether gleaning from or contributing to articles in various publications, or sharing experiences at conferences and on discussion boards, or even saving money with commercial discounts, I know that there is an answer for any question or problem I may have as well as an outlet for my educational potential. KDP has the resources—all I have to do is use them.

Statement of Direction: My desire to join the Executive Council is twofold. First, continuing to spread to others the rich tradition of support I have experienced. Continue to aid in the production of resources and availability of materials and networks that are relevant, useful, and ultimately necessary for anyone wishing to succeed and gain satisfaction in their educational career. All the while remembering and helping others to understand that education is fundamentally about process and rarely sees an end result in a timely manner.

This leads to the second part—enhancing the growth of all Kadelpians, both individually and as a collective whole. Aiding each person with his or her primary needs while looking beyond the immediateness of “what is” and envisioning “what can be.” Supporting the educated educators who contribute to the knowledge, research, curriculum, practices, and evaluation of the entire system. The challenge is to move beyond simply recognizing to actually connecting institutional students and faculty to classroom teachers to alumni and members-at-large. Building this part of the Kappa Delta Pi legacy is a process of which I want to be a part!

Nancy Steffel
(Ed.D. in Reading/Language Education, Special Education, Indiana University) Assistant/Associate Professor and Coordinator of Elementary Education at University of Indianapolis. Former literacy/reading specialist at elementary and secondary levels and adjunct faculty member.
Service to Kappa Delta Pi: I have served as a Chapter Counselor at University of Indianapolis for the past five years (2003–2007). We have been awarded ACE chapter in 2005 and 2007. I hosted an I Teach conference in the fall of 2006 for central Indiana with Marian College, Butler University, and IUPUI. I served on the planning committee for the past Convocation in Louisville, KY, and also as a scholarship reader for the Noyes Scholarship in 2006. Recently, I came to Headquarters to help brainstorm new mission, vision, and goals for KDP with Board officers, executive director, membership director, and resource individuals.

Professional Accomplishments: I coordinate the elementary education program at University of Indianapolis to prepare candidates for licensure as teachers. Our program has a 95 percent hiring rate upon graduation. I serve as President-elect of the Indiana State Reading Association, and I am planning its 2008 annual conference. I served as President of the Indiana Reading Professors, helping to increase membership among faculty and students, and assisting students to create poster sessions for presentation at regional and state meetings.

Benefits of KDP Membership: I am excited about Kappa Delta Pi because it enhances our teacher education program. First, it teaches our members how to conduct meetings, set agendas, take minutes, manage budgets, write grants, and network as professionals. This helps to create leaders for schools, because they know how to contribute both as effective members and leaders.

Second, it has helped to create a stronger culture of activities and opportunities for our teacher education students. Third, personally it has helped me develop my own skills to mentor and guide students to become effective leaders. It is so exciting to see what they can accomplish.

Statement of Direction: Like all professional organizations, Kappa Delta Pi struggles to retain its members and keep up with their needs and desires throughout the stages of their teaching career. Current students don’t always see KDP membership as something they can’t turn down. They are not enamored by the invitation to join as past students may have been. This honor needs to be maintained and developed to demonstrate how the KDP title next to one’s name means excellence with a supportive body of educators connected to each member.

I hope to work with Faye Snodgress to research our newly graduated members to see whether their work in schools demonstrates better ability and that by maintaining their membership, they stay in the teaching profession longer. If we could show this connection, we would strengthen the desirability for individuals to join and maintain their memberships as well as employers would seek out our members as faculty.

After talking this fall to Arthur Levine about his new Woodrow Wilson Fellows program, I agree with him that America needs to focus on putting the esteem back into teaching so we can get our best and brightest to become and stay teachers in our schools.


Paul Haupt
(M.A. in Educational Administration, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces) Consultant to the College of Education, University of Texas at El Paso; New Teacher Induction Mentor for the Socorro Independent School District, El Paso; and President of Professional Development Associates. Former classroom teacher and instructional specialist administrator.
Service to Kappa Delta Pi: Chapter President; Past Chapter President and Counselor; Counselor; Membership Chair; Foundation Representative and Advisor to the Scholarship Committee; Audit Committee and Advisor to the Treasurer; KDP Alumni and Professional Chapters Coordinator; KDP Foundation Board of Directors; KDP Record Editorial Review Panel.
Professional Accomplishments: Texas State Reading Association Past Presidents Circle of Honor, Texas State Reading Association Distinguished Service Award, El Paso Reading Council Distinguished Service Award, International Reading Association State Convention Coordinator to Texas.

Benefits of KDP Membership: Networking with other professionals. Leadership training and related opportunities. Convocation presentation opportunities and networking opportunities with colleagues. Foundation and scholarship opportunities to share with others. Opportunities for community involvement.

Statement of Direction: Kappa Delta Pi is at a crossroads. We continue to grow in number with new member installations, but we continue to have large numbers of members that do not renew their memberships. We believe in the philosophy of once initiated into KDP, the member is either an active member or an inactive member depending on dues status. Too often our members become members of preservice chapters, but once graduated from the university, have few professional chapters to continue active membership with professional growth opportunities.

I believe every preservice chapter should have a local professional chapter available for continued networking and professional growth opportunities. This can be accomplished with foresight and direction. Our current at-large and e-Chapter are beginning to grow, but these two chapters never will replace the opportunities members are afforded in face-to-face chapters. I want to help develop energies to provide assistance for growth opportunities for professional chapters across the country to help the professional be the best professional possible in the educational community. I truly support the concept of the life cycle of the career teacher.

Melissa Pierczynski
(M.A. in Teaching and Leadership, St. Xavier University, Chicago) 8th-grade Reading and Language Arts teacher in Wildwood, MO. Former middle school teacher and librarian/gifted reading teacher.
Service to Kappa Delta Pi: Through KDP, I have been able to give back by communicating my experiences and knowledge of teaching through both written and verbal formats. I am proud to have two articles published in the New Teacher Advocate, sharing my experiences with new teachers. Recently, I also was able to create and present a workshop on using differentiation in Middle School Language Arts classrooms at Kappa Delta Pi’s Convocation in Louisville, KY, November 2007.

Professional Accomplishments: My most significant accomplishments are ways that I have been able to share my experiences with others. I have had three education articles published, two in New Teacher Advocate and one in Instructor. I also was able to present a workshop on using differentiation at KDP’s Convocation in 2007. Lastly, I was able to participate in the review and publication of a new Literature Series by McDougall Littel as a Missouri Teacher Advisor.

Benefits of KDP Membership: As a professional member, I have been able to utilize numerous areas of benefit throughout KDP. As a recipient of a Classroom Teacher Grant, I was able to fund a project in my classroom that encouraged the use of creativity through a Webquest. I now have the opportunity to be a reviewer in the selection process for this year’s grant proposals. I also have had the ability to move into the literary field by being published in Kappa Delta Pi’s publication, New Teacher Advocate. Lastly, I have had the privilege of being a workshop presenter in Louisville, KY, in 2007.

Statement of Direction: As a professional member, I have had the ability to partake in the many opportunities Kappa Delta Pi offers its current teachers. KDP offers many resources and opportunities to practicing teachers, and simply many of my colleagues across the nation are not using them as they could be. Compared to collegiate involvement, I feel that KDP is underutilized by professional members across the country.

By combining my teaching experiences with my leadership skills gained through the opportunities from KDP, I would be able to be an effective and well-rounded Executive Council member. As an Executive Council member, I would like to work on increasing involvement and retention of professional members nationwide. I would strive to communicate the numerous opportunities available to these members and enlighten them to the various resources that are available to them through KDP.

Keeping professional members active would allow the Society to be more complete, with equal participation from both pre-service and practicing teachers. Combining the experiences and needs of preservice teachers, practicing teachers, and university-level professionals is necessary to service the needs of all members. Allow me to use my experiences and leadership to represent other professionals on the Executive Council.


Jason Ampel
(M.A. in Social Science Education, University of Central Florida; Ed.D. in progress) Fifth-year teacher, Clermont Middle School, Lake County, FL.
Service to Kappa Delta: I am working on my second year as President of the Omicron Lambda Chapter at UCF and also have served one year as the Foundation Representative.
Professional Accomplishments: Elected President of the Omicron Lambda Chapter of KDP at University of Central Florida in 2006. Gained my first publication in 2006. Most recently, asked by my principal to take on an intern and be a facilitator for our Professional Learning Community at my school, where I train our teachers on effective teaching techniques and practices.

Benefits of KDP Membership: Within the first three years of Kappa Delta Pi, I have learned to represent myself and what I believe in. My knowledge, motivation, and ideals have fostered and paralleled those of KDP. My officers and I are forming relationships and collaborating with additional Professional/Educational Organizations at the University of Central Florida. We have instituted biweekly workshops, panel discussions, and seminars. I have worked on planning, collaborating, and building partnerships with Orange, Lake, and Seminole County Public Schools. I also have instituted our yearly formal induction ceremonies at the Rosen Plaza Hotel (site of the 2005 Induction Ceremony).

Statement of Direction: While most professional and educational organizations encounter certain functional and developmental issues related to growth, retention, participation, and collaboration, Kappa Delta Pi should not be considered similar to “most.” We consist of some of the most distinguishing students, professors, and professionals, who have dedicated their lives to perfection, leadership, and stride. As Student Counselor, I will do my best to ensure that all of our chapters have whatever they need to make sure their students are fully equipped with the tools necessary to fulfill the epistemology of being a part of Kappa Delta Pi.

Our ideals must radiate throughout the nation. We are losing the battle and must rise to the forefront of educational debate. This is done by making our name known. Our student leaders must retain worthy, knowledgeable societal members. Students must take a stand on their campuses through student service projects, workshops, and debates. Students, along with chapter counselors, must represent the ideals of fidelity to humanity, science, service, and toil. Also, all chapters should have some funding available, via fund-raiser or grant, to send a minimum of one student to each Convocation. We are not like other educational organizations. We are Kappa Delta Pi.

Heather Caldwell
(M.Ed., Texas A&M University, College Station) Doctoral student and assistant lecturer, Texas A&M University. Formerly taught 3rd and 6th grades.
Service to Kappa Delta Pi: Chapter Treasurer, 2005–2006; Chapter President, 2006–2008; Member of the National Graduate Student Committee, 2007–2008; Presenter at Convocation 2005 and 2007.

Professional Accomplishments: Member of the KDP National Graduate Student Committee—representing graduate student members from across the country. Teaching Internship Supervisor for two graduate students at Texas A&M University. I was chosen for my excellent teaching practices and experience. President of my KDP Mu Chi Chapter for two years—leading our chapter to earn the ACE Award at Convocation 2007.

Benefits of KDP Membership: Being a member of KDP has been extremely beneficial to me. I have grown as a person in the past three years of my membership, learning to lead a large chapter. Conducting meetings, organizing programs, communicating with members, etc., have allowed me to become a better leader and facilitator. Professionally, I have made new connections and friendships with colleagues in my field. I have formed relationships with fellow graduate students, professors, and even two laureates. Their passion for KDP has enhanced my belief in the mission of this organization, and I know that I will be an active member for life.

Statement of Direction: In the three years that I have been a chapter officer, as member of the KDP National Graduate Student Committee, and after attending two Convocations, I have discovered several areas that I believe need attention. As a graduate student, I have seen KDP work hard to improve opportunities and resources for graduate students, but more can still be done. Possibly at the next Convocation—incorporating job interview sessions, more graduate student sessions, and better organization and publicity at events planned. KDP also can offer extra conferences or presentation/publication opportunities.

For chapter members, KDP needs to make sure that ALL students’ needs are being met. I have seen chapters that cater to either undergraduate or graduate students, but not both. If a chapter has both types of students, it needs to make sure to provide opportunities for both types of members. I also think that KDP needs to make sure that members realize that they are part of a special tradition of excellent educators and that they should strive to be better than the average—using our laureates as inspiration.

Cherie McMurray
(A.A., Manatee Community College, Brandenton, FL) Student, Technology Education, St. Petersburg College, FL.
Service to Kappa Delta Pi: I served as President of the Alpha Beta Zeta Chapter from May to December 2007. During that time, I organized and led chapter and officer meetings, helped plan and participated in a Scholastic Book Fair, attended Convocation officer training and information sessions, and developed recruiting materials and plans to boost chapter meeting attendance.

Professional Accomplishments: I attended officer training sessions at Convocation and brought back great ideas for our chapter. I sought information for the Technology Education Collegiate Association about conference scholarships that are available through our campus Student Advisory Board. I developed a lesson plan for use in a joint project with college students from Japan. I taught the lesson while the Japanese professors were on a visit to the United States in November.

Benefits of KDP Membership: Involvement in Kappa Delta Pi has afforded me the opportunity to meet and collaborate with many other professional educators. I have shared ideas with other education students, and I have gained insight from current teachers and from some that are retired. I brought back many ideas from Convocation sessions, and I have contact information for many peers who will be available when needed. I also have learned to set priorities and to keep a detailed schedule so that I could get tasks done quickly as I juggled class assignments, my personal life, and KDP activities.

Statement of Direction: Kappa Delta Pi has the opportunity to expand services to help members collaborate and communicate effectively. I would support and encourage the addition of new communication methods through the KDP Web site, such as teacher blogs, streaming video tutorials, and member chat rooms. As chapters find it difficult to get members to participate in meetings and activities, we need to help them utilize available resources and/or develop new ways to allow members to participate. The technologies are probably available at most colleges to broadcast and record live meetings so students can participate from remote locations, but some chapters may not know how to utilize these resources.
Kappa Delta Pi should help chapters find ways to access all of the available resources.

I also would like to see a mentoring network set up for new KDP officers. New officers should get an e-mail with contact information for several possible mentors within the first two weeks. I think the national office also should develop some attractive posters and brochures that could be used for recruiting efforts. Though many colleges have printing facilities, they may not be available for chapter use or, again, students may not know how to utilize these resources.


Kathy A. Brown
(Ph.D. in Applied Behavioral Studies, Oklahoma State University) Professor, Professional Teacher Education, University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond. Former elementary school counselor and elementary health and physical education teacher.
Service to Kappa Delta Pi: Counselor, Gamma Omega Chapter, 2001–present; Associate Counselor, 1998–2001. Executive Council Member, Vice-President 2006–2008. Member of The Educational Forum Editorial Review Panel, 2004–2007. Assisted with Counselor workshop at two Convocations. Served as Kappa Delta Pi Counselor Academy Facilitator four times. National Chapter Services Committee Member, 2004–2006. Hosted a combined Leadership Academy and Counselor Academy. Organized and hosted Regional I Teach Conference. Hosted Oklahoma Cluster Meeting.

Professional Accomplishments: I have found leadership most effective when shared among a group of people with a common vision and direction for reaching the vision. My significant leadership accomplishments have occurred as a result of working with a team of dedicated individuals and include serving as vice-president of KDP during a time of change; being part of the leadership team of the Gamma Omega Chapter; and helping education majors transition successfully from their roles of students to teachers.

Benefits of KDP Membership: When I attended my first Convocation as a relatively new faculty member in 1999, I knew immediately that KDP was the professional organization with which I wanted to align myself, but I had no idea then what a profound influence KDP would have on my life. Opportunities for professional growth have included serving on an editorial review board, presenting at international conferences, networking with other professionals, and serving on various committees. On a personal level, I have developed friendships with Kadelpians throughout the United States and established enduring relationships with student officers and leaders of our Gamma Omega Chapter.

Statement of Direction: As with any organization, there are opportunities and challenges. We have a wonderful opportunity to strengthen our influence in the educational community. With aspiring young teachers, dedicated professionals, higher education faculty, and the wisdom of our Laureate Chapter, Kappa Delta Pi has the resources and credibility needed to make a true impact on our educational system by continually promoting excellence and being a “voice of reason” during educational debates. One of our challenges is finding ways to promote our organization within the educational community so that we are viewed as more than “an honor society.” Membership in Kappa Delta Pi represents so much more than a GPA; it represents a commitment to excellence in all we do—teaching, serving, and living.

As one of the vice-presidents of KDP for the past 18 months, I have realized the importance of the Executive Council’s role in carrying out the mission of KDP. I believe that I now have a much better understanding of the workings of KDP; as a member-at-large representative to the next Executive Council, I would be able to continue the work this council has already begun in finding ways to increase membership retention and creating a stronger voice for Kappa Delta Pi.
Lynne Haberstroh
(M.S. in Education, Bridgewater State College, MA) Office manager. Former education specialist at Kappa Delta Pi Headquarters.
Service to Kappa Delta Pi: During my collegiate years, I served as the Epsilon Iota Chapter Secretary, Treasurer, and President. After I completed my Master’s degree, I served and worked for KDP as a member of the Headquarters staff. I began my 10-year tenure as a regional consultant and grew to develop several initiatives still in place within the national Chapter Services Department.

Professional Accomplishments: Two of my most significant professional accomplishments involve my work at KDP Headquarters. They are the development and successful implementation of the Leadership Forum and the Chapter Resource Notebook, both being award-winning programs. The other most significant accomplishment would be the completion of my master’s degree, which I hope to be replaced by the completion of my doctoral degree.

Benefits of KDP Membership: Through my interaction with educators of different backgrounds and disciplines, I was enriched both personally and professionally. I was able to see different viewpoints and ideologies. I have been fortunate to experience Kappa Delta Pi not only at my local level, but on a national level through Convocation and my travels to more than 400 campuses across the country. The rich variety I witnessed allowed me to stretch my idea of how Kappa Delta Pi can be an effective change agent in the education profession. These viewpoints have encouraged me to further my own knowledge base.

Statement of Direction: Kappa Delta Pi is one of many organizations that collegiate and professional members have available to them. One of the challenges is to find a specific niche in which Kappa Delta Pi can become an “expert” through service, publications, etc. While current and future members might be able to find similar benefits or services with other organizations, either the value or the quality is not comparable.

One of the truly unique opportunities that KDP has is the humanity it brings to the profession. As technology deepens its hold on the profession, educators need to have increased contact with one another. Kappa Delta Pi can provide that opportunity through its professional development and service. While for many this begins at the chapter level, a chapter-like experience should be provided to those that join through the member-at-large program. Out of the four ideals, I think the most important to stay true to and not to loose sight of in this advancing technological age is fidelity to humanity. While this is many times the most difficult to maintain, it is many times the most vital and also the one that will separate Kappa Delta Pi from its competitors.


Alan H. Schoenfeld
(Ph.D. in Mathematics, Stanford University, CA) Elizabeth and Edward Conner Chair of Education, Graduate School of Education, University of California at Berkeley.
Alan H. Schoenfeld’s research deals with thinking, teaching, and learning, with an emphasis on mathematics. He is Senior Advisor, Education and Human Resources Directorate, National Science Foundation; as well as Principal Investigator, Diversity in Mathematics Education (DiME) Center, Berkeley Graduate School of Education. He has authored and edited numerous articles and books, including Assessing Mathematical Proficiency, published by Cambridge University Press.