Kappa Delta Pi

Dear Kadelpians:

Per the recommendation of the Nominations Committee, the nominees for the Society’s 2012–2014 Executive Council election are presented here. You will find complete information—including professional accomplishments, service to Kappa Delta Pi, statement of direction, and unique perspective, skills, or expertise. For each office, vote for one candidate—except for vice-president, vote for two.

Vote! Exercise your privilege to select Executive Council officers. According to the procedures specified in the KDP bylaws, voting begins on February 15, and ballots must be cast by the end of the day March 31.

Nathan Bond
President (2010–2012)

Mary C. Clement
President (2012–2014)
By virtue of offices already held, Dr. Nathan Bond will assume the office of Past President and Dr. Mary Clement will serve as President for the 2012–2014 Biennium.

Sample Ballot

•	President-Elect Susan Trostle Brand Peggy L. Moch	•	Professional Representative Keon T. Ruiter
•	Vice President Laurie J. DeRosa James Howard Powell Clinton Smith Elizabeth A. Wilkins	•	Student Representative Zachary J Schroeder Chantal Shoemake
•	Member-at-Large Tara L. Drexler William J. Merriman	•	Laureate Representative (appointed position) Sonia Nieto

President-Elect

Susan Trostle Brand
(EdD in Early Childhood Education, Pennsylvania State University) Professor of Early Childhood Education, University of Rhode Island. Formerly, reading specialist and primary grade teacher.

Professional Accomplishments: For the past 20 years, I have helped my KDP chapter grow and become active. We have won ACE Awards for the past three bienniums and have participated in countless service, leadership, and programming events.

Serving as one of the Vice-Presidents of Kappa Delta Pi for the past two years has been a tremendous honor and privilege for me. I am thrilled to play a role in planning an exciting future of attainable, and yet ambitious, accomplishments for KDP.

Recently I was awarded the “Faculty Excellence in Leadership and Service Award.” My work in meeting the needs of diverse populations is the most fulfilling and important part of my 27-year career as a professor of education at the University of Rhode Island.

Service to Kappa Delta Pi: Leadership and service in KDP have comprised a major part of my life for the past 20 years. Many of my national and international presentations and articles, and much of my research and service have been directly or indirectly related to my work with Kappa Delta Pi. Beyond scaffolding my professional growth, Kappa Delta Pi has enhanced my personal growth in many significant ways. I have discovered that, through KDP, I can help to make a difference in people’s lives. Therefore, KDP has helped me to become a confident leader, promoting a worthy cause and an amazing fraternity that I believe in and support with all my heart. And, to quote KDP President Nathan Bond, this passion is contagious!

Statement of Direction: As Kappa Delta Pi enters the next 100 years, we members and officers face many new opportunities. Technology has made the world a much smaller place. Kadelpians now have the ability to reach out to others at home and abroad to “meet,” exchange ideas, and attend international meetings via Skype. Indeed, communication with our newest KDP chapters in China will surely benefit from these modern advances. It is my hope, however, that we never lose sight of the human factor. Technology cannot replace face-to-face program meetings and initiations, sharing stories from the heart, inner city teachers’ room makeovers, and lifelong friendships such as those made at KDP Convocations and chapter service events. This “human factor” is also sorely needed in our schools today. The standards and testing movement is seemingly at its maximum, while creativity and the arts are at their absolute minimum. It is contingent upon us, as learned members of Kappa Delta Pi, to become agents for positive change. As President, I will work diligently with other members of Kappa Delta Pi to continue our input into educational curriculum and humanistic policy. Through word and deed, we Kadelpians can and will return the “whole learner” to education, both at present and in the next 100 years.

Value-Added Qualities: As a classroom teacher for eight years, and a university professor of education for the past 27 years, I bring to the Executive Council the perspectives, insights, and experience needed to truly understand the nature of schools, teaching, learning, and learners.

As Vice-President of Kappa Delta Pi, my dedication and strong work ethic were continually in evidence. Serving on the Publications Committee of the Association for Childhood Education International (ACEI) for the past 29 years, I am an excellent collaborator with strong writing, reflecting, and communication skills.

Peggy L. Moch
(PhD in Curriculum and Instruction, University of Central Florida) Associate Professor, Mathematics and Computer Science Department, Valdosta State University, GA. Formerly, high school mathematics teacher.

Professional Accomplishments: Serving as the Kappa Delta Pi Constitution and Bylaws Chair for two bienniums was an incredible opportunity to learn and grow personally and professionally. My experiences in the KDP business meetings made my role as Valdosta State University’s Faculty Senate Executive Secretary one of confidence as I lead the Faculty Senate in its shared governance role. Finally, my role as KDP Vice-President was an amazing chance to work on a variety of committees.

Service to Kappa Delta Pi: “If you hang around with turkeys, you will never soar with eagles” is a favorite quote of mine from a medical technology journal. My service and leadership experiences with Kappa Delta Pi have not only helped me to become a better teacher and scholar, but a better person. Soaring with KDP eagles has given me the role models and mentors needed to help me aspire to my alma mater’s motto of “reach for the stars” as is evidenced by my application here to run for KDP President-Elect.

Statement of Direction: Kappa Delta Pi, like all organizations in today’s economy, has to carefully and thoughtfully look at recruitment and retention in order to keep the organization salient. Closely related to the challenge of retention is the need to identify and meet the needs of the professional members of the Society. These challenges can be addressed by taking advantage of opportunities to partner with other like-minded organizations, along with recruiting and expanding international chapters. Using emerging technologies to reach, support, and strengthen preservice and in-service teachers, administrators, the professoriate, and especially our professional members is both a challenge and an opportunity to empower the 21st century Kaldelpian.

Perhaps the greatest challenge facing our membership is the need to reestablish the reputation and respect for all teachers that seems to have gotten lost over the last few decades. As leaders in the field of education, we need to help our membership to develop and advocate for themselves as individuals and as professionals. A challenge, yes, but a marvelous opportunity to help our membership and indeed all teachers to more clearly define themselves and to find their voice as professionals through the rigors of science, toil, fidelity to humanity, and service.

Value-Added Qualities: I believe something positive can come out of every experience we have, even if it is to never do something again. I do not believe my glass is half empty or half full. My glass is full to overflowing, and I have plenty to share. I am a statistician by training, I like to think outside of the box, and I like to take the “long” view of things, to look at things holistically.

Vice President (vote for two)

Vice-President
Laurie J. DeRosa
(EdD in Education, University of Massachusetts, Amherst) Professor of Education, Fitchburg State University, MA. Formerly, elementary art teacher.

Professional Accomplishments: One significant accomplishment is my role as Chapter Counselor. Our chapter has earned multiple ACE Awards, which helped me earn an O. L. Davis Jr. Counselor of Distinction Award and Regional Counselor Award. A second accomplishment reflects my role as Faculty Director of our annual Special Olympics event. Thirdly, my role as a Department Chair during a significant time when two departments merged (Education and Special Education) to become one inclusive department was challenging, yet rewarding.

Service to Kappa Delta Pi: Since 2000 when I became a Chapter Counselor, I have grown to love KDP. I will never forget the first Convo I attended in 2003. I went alone, not knowing what to expect. I remember standing outside the final banquet hall and thinking that I was in the midst of the brightest future educators in the country. What a powerful moment! Since then, my service and leadership has helped our chapter grow. I have served on the National Membership Committee and Planning Committee for Convo 2011. Because of my KDP involvement, I have earned promotions and tenure at our University.

Statement of Direction: My membership in KDP began in 1978, although at the time, I was unaware of the opportunities that KDP had to offer. It was not until I became a Chapter Counselor, in 2000, that I realized that KDP was a highly professional organization that had much to offer, not only for our rising future educators, but also for professionals in the field. I have found that being active in KDP helps to keep one informed of current issues and practices, and allows many opportunities to get involved. The challenge I am embracing is exploring ways to keep our alumni connected with KDP both locally and nationally. There are many opportunities to foster relationships and nurture deep commitment. I foresee using technology in unique ways to connect people around the world in ways that were not possible ten years ago, thus growing both the national and international facet of our organization. As KDP enters the crossroads of a new century, I am one who will stand proudly to be an integral part of the direction KDP takes and will help to lead others to meet the goals and mission of promoting excellence in education as we foster global citizenship.

Value-Added Qualities: As an arts educator for over 32 years, I have a variety of experiences at all levels. My professional work has centered around developing creativity in oneself as well as fostering it in the people I meet. Brainstorming comes naturally to me, as well as using critical thinking and problem solving to evaluate processes. I am a “ready, set, go-getter” and would embrace the challenge of being an Executive Council Member.

Vice-President
James Howard Powell
(PhD in Curriculum and Instruction, Arizona State University, Tempe) Associate Professor and Department Chair, University of Alaska Anchorage. Formerly, middle school English teacher.

Professional Accomplishments: The revision of the elementary education program allowing students earlier and more significant access to elementary classrooms; the relocation and modernization of the National Executive Housekeepers national office; the design and implementation of distance delivered Unangax language lessons. Finally, it is critical to remember these accomplishments were the product of a team with which I had the privilege to work. It was through collaboration with dedicated and engaged colleagues that each of these was possible.

Service to Kappa Delta Pi: I have had the privilege of serving as the Rho Zeta Chapter Counselor or Co-Counselor for the last five years. This has provided me the opportunity to work closely with a number of outstanding future and current teachers on Literacy Alive! projects, membership drives, and meeting planning. All of these activities have connected me more closely to students, local educational institutions, and the community. Additionally, working on the Budget and Audit Committees reawakened my passion for association involvement and reaffirmed my belief in the power of professional associations to affect the lives of members and their communities.

Statement of Direction: The most pressing challenge facing professional associations today is meeting members’ expectations in a changing social and professional climate. Traditionally, a professional association was the sole provider of networking and continuing education. Most of these are now instantaneously available through social network sites: Facebook, Google, LinkedIn, etc. This means that KDP needs to become the virtual and personal arena for networking and professional development.

One area we are best suited to address is in helping our new graduates as they transition from school to their first teaching positions. We must be the professional network they rely on for accurate, timely information about their practice. We must embrace the technology that makes the power of our collective experiences available for every member. This will allow us to continue our service to the profession and our members for the next 100 years.

Finally, in turbulent financial times, we have to invest wisely in personnel, programs, and resources to retain our value to our members. KDP is on sound financial footing, and the only way to ensure we remain financially viable is to continue to be the best source for professional development and collegial support.

Value-Added Qualities: My skills and experiences in not-for-profit association management provide a better understanding of the opportunities and challenges, as well as strategies to address them, for KDP over the coming years. Forty years of teaching at secondary and collegiate levels has reaffirmed my belief in professional communities. We must share if we are to grow, and we must serve those who come after us if we want our profession and association to survive.

Vice-President
Clinton Smith
(EdD in Instruction and Curriculum Leadership, The University of Memphis) Adjunct Graduate Faculty, The University of Memphis, and middle school Behavior Intervention Specialist for Special Needs Students.

Professional Accomplishments: One accomplishment has been as President of the Lambda Gamma Chapter. We have moved from an initiation only chapter to a standard chapter by involving more members and participating in Literacy Alive! Another accomplishment is as KDP State Delegate where I represent the KDP members in Tennessee. Another accomplishment has been as President-Elect of the Tennessee Council for Exceptional Children where I helped coordinate and plan the proposals and presentations at the 2011 State Conference.

Service to Kappa Delta Pi: I have served as Vice-President and President of the Lambda Gamma Chapter as well as am currently serving on the KDP Communications Committee. My involvement has given me the opportunity to grow personally and professionally. I have had opportunities to teach in higher education as well as provide training for my fellow teachers using KDP as my reference point. I have also been encouraged and challenged to write and publish more on my research interests. My involvement has helped me become a more efficient and organized leader in my professional organizations, volunteering, and in my job.

Statement of Direction: One issue facing Kappa Delta Pi is that of continuing to give our members the most relevant and up-to-date resources. We must continue to stress to our members that KDP is more than an honor cord. I believe that KDP is one of the leaders in the educational field when it comes to providing the latest and greatest resources to our members. We should continue to strive to be the source of information and resources for our members.

One opportunity that I believe KDP can make an impact in is the area of public policy. I believe that the voice of KDP should be heard by our Departments of Education as well as our legislators. KDP represents the best of the best in education. Our voice needs to be heard when it comes to issues that affect our members and our students.

As a member of the Executive Council, I will work hard to make sure that our members are heard to provide the best opportunities for them and our students. I believe KDP has not only made history, but can continue to make history as we work harder to improve education in our country.

Value-Added Qualities: I believe my background in special education and behavior management could provide a unique perspective to the Executive Council. Many times students in the “subgroups” do not have a voice. I want to provide that voice to KDP. I have had teaching experiences in high school, middle school, and on the university level in these areas. I believe my interpersonal, organizational, writing, and communication skills can enrich the makeup of the KDP Executive Council.

Vice-President
Elizabeth A. Wilkins
(PhD in Curriculum and Instruction, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale) Professor of Education, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb. Formerly, middle and secondary music teacher.

Professional Accomplishments: Below are three of my most significant professional leadership accomplishments:

I have been a leader in the development of the Illinois New Teacher Collaborative, a statewide initiative to promote new teacher induction and mentoring programs.
In 2003, I was the KDP Counselor of the Epsilon Alpha Chapter when the first Ace of the ACE Award was given at Convo.
I helped initiate and continue to support KDP’s Graduate Student National Committee.

Service to Kappa Delta Pi: My KDP experience includes being a chapter member, counselor, national committee member, Convo/Webinar presenter, and author, all of which have involved leadership and service responsibilities. The opportunity to work in these various roles has helped me to grow professionally throughout my career (assistant to full professor). In each role, I have learned to utilize different leadership skills, strengthen written, face-to-face, and electronic communication, as well as positively interacted with P–20 students at the local and national levels. These opportunities have been personally fulfilling as lifelong friendships have been born from work with Kadelpians.

Statement of Direction: I believe KDP should consider pursuing three major opportunities as the organization begins its next century of service to the profession. First, there should be enhanced outreach and resources for all groups that comprise the membership, including undergraduate students, graduate students, classroom teachers, administrators, and higher education faculty/staff. Second, KDP should continue to support the membership with an eye toward utilizing technology in new and creative ways. Because of the day-to-day practicality and just-in-time support technology can provide, Kadelpians will benefit from more online resources, Webinars, social networking opportunities, interactive discussions, and phone apps. Third, the development of the new Special Interest Groups (SIGs) at the Centennial Convo will create opportunities for all KDP members to get involved based on personal interests as professional educators. Each Kaldelpian can now choose a specific area(s) of interest and become involved in specialized workshops, panel discussions, and resource development. The SIGs will also create new leadership opportunities for members at the local, regional, and national levels. I believe these three opportunities will help support, sustain, and enhance membership while encouraging all Kadelpians to share their talents with others.

Value-Added Qualities: The value-added qualities I would bring to the Executive Council would be commitment in moving the organization forward, hard work in whatever needed to be accomplished, positive rapport with all stakeholder groups, enthusiasm in encouraging others, and dedication to the new strategic plan.

Member-at-Large

Member-at-Large
Tara L. Drexler
(BA in Elementary Education, Idaho State University, Pocatello; BS in Business Administration, University of Montana, Missoula) Master of Education candidate in Instructional Technology, Idaho State University. Formerly, middle school social studies teacher.

Professional Accomplishments:My most significant professional leadership accomplishments include serving as a state delegate for KDP, helping to provide more opportunities for professional members to actively participate in the Society, facilitating professional development and self-care opportunities for new teachers as a SPARKs retreat planner/facilitator, and serving on the Constitution and Bylaws Committee, where I worked to preserve the ideals of the Society while addressing the needs of several outstanding groups of individuals.

Service to Kappa Delta Pi: Through my involvement in KDP as a leader and member, I have had many opportunities to advance my professional development through workshops and Convocation as well as participation in recognition programs at the chapter level. Through service on the Constitution and Bylaws Committee, I have learned about the Society and how we consistently strive to improve our organization and meet the ever-changing demands of the world in which we live and work.

Statement of Direction: Kappa Delta Pi has experienced phenomenal growth and success in the last 100 years. With growth, many challenges can present themselves. One such challenge is meeting the needs of an increasingly diverse membership. As Member-at-Large, I would work toward further developing strong international and professional communities of KDP members. Another challenge we face as educators is a decline in the perceived value of face-to-face education. It is critical that we present the public an image of great teachers positively influencing their students and the world. In this time of buzzwords such as “accountability” and “pay-for-performance,” we—as a Society—need to advocate for mastery teaching and caring as the best way to enhance achievement. One of our opportunities is the development of programs that draw on the success and experience of our professional members. Our professional members can provide valuable insight into meeting the needs of our students and the public. I want to use their knowledge and experience to help provide a model of excellence for new and aspiring teachers through panels and workshops provided regionally and mentoring opportunities for one-to-one professional development.

Value-Added Qualities: In addition to being an educator, I have a degree and background in business and a strong interest in the utilization of technology in education. I look for opportunities to develop my skills in all these areas. Additionally, I feel I approach my life and activities with dedication and strength of conviction. When I set my mind to something, obstacles become pebbles with which I initiate change.

Member-at-Large
William J. Merriman
(PhD in Special Education and Physical Education, New York University) Dean and Professor, Manhattan College School of Education and Human Services. Formerly, program director of an after-school rehabilitation program for children with disabilities, and program director of a U.S. Department of Education grant to train special education teachers.

Professional Accomplishments:

Led Manhattan College School of Education team that achieved TEAC accreditation of teacher prep programs;
Co-authored the lead article “Globalization and American Education” in The Educational Forum (vol. 72, #1, 2008); and
Co-edited two books (Understanding & Teaching Today’s Students and Using Technology in 21st Century Schools) that contained chapters by Manhattan College faculty.

Service to Kappa Delta Pi: I am a charter member of the Mu Sigma Chapter, inducted in 1971. As a faculty member at Manhattan College, I had been Co-Counselor of the Mu Sigma Chapter for several years. As a Dean, I have assisted the fundraising activities of the chapter and planned the chapter’s recent service trip to Namibia, Africa.

I am a speaker each year at the chapter’s initiation ceremony and have received several awards from the chapter. I have made presentations at the last two KDP Convocations and have funded student registrations at Convocations over the past ten years.

I co-authored an article, “Globalization and American Education” that appeared in 2008 in The Educational Forum.

Statement of Direction: 1. Challenge—KDP must become more global. As an officer, I would encourage more international chapters and activities. We should consider having Convo outside the United States.

2. Challenge—All “education” organizations should enter the debate on how to improve public education in the United States. As an officer, I would encourage KDP to sponsor regional forums, with the help of local chapters, on topics related to improving P–12 education. This would be a great service to the profession and to the American public.

3. Challenge—The graduating members of our chapters are entering a very difficult job market. At Convo, we see very enthusiastic education majors who love to teach, but will be entering a very difficult job market. As an officer, I would encourage KDP to get more involved in developing strategies and activities to help our members get teaching positions. Why aren’t large, urban school districts, who hire many graduates each year, recruiting at Convo? KDP has a treasure—the best candidates for teaching positions!

Value-Added Qualities: I have 41 years of experience in education, pre-K to graduate. My experience includes grantsmanship, leading groups on international trips to explore other educational systems, and teacher preparation. My résumé shows the breath of my diverse experience. I have taught in New York, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Michigan. I am currently very interested in 21st Century skills, teaching and learning for today’s students, and global education, and have published in these areas. I have three children at different stages of their higher education; this has given me some perspective on K through graduate education.

Professional Representative

Professional Representative
Keon T. Ruiter
(MA in Elementary Education, University of Massachusetts, Amherst) Elementary school teacher.

Professional Accomplishments: I am currently in my fifth year teaching and, while this is not very long, I was chosen as a “teacher leader” in mathematics within my school as we delve into the new Common Core Standards. Last year I was chosen as a regional teacher of the month. I also am a member of my school’s leadership team and school council. I have written our school’s School Improvement Plan for the past two years.

Service to Kappa Delta Pi: I am thankful to have had the opportunity to serve on the Graduate Committee since 2007. Joining this committee opened many doors for me in KDP. Since then I have served as chair on three committees, written for the New Teacher Advocate, presented a Webinar and at Convocation twice, and more. Being involved with KDP makes me feel like I am a part of something big. Knowing that I am working to improve resources for educators and the education of children is rewarding. My involvement with KDP has enhanced my leadership skills, ability to run meetings, write plans, and see them completed.

Statement of Direction: One of the biggest challenges that I have seen facing KDP through my involvement on the graduate student and professional committees is member retention. Oftentimes, members “slip through the cracks” after graduating because they are unaware of the resources and benefits that KDP offers to professionals. There is life in KDP after graduation. Through chapter outreach, state delegate communication, efforts from the Graduate Student and Membership committees, and continued improvements to resources offered by KDP, I think more members can be retained or even brought back into the fold.

I also believe that the new Common Core State Standards Initiative being adopted by many states is a huge opportunity for KDP on a classroom professional membership level. KDP has an opportunity here to provide professional development opportunities to its professional members to familiarize and help these educators initiate these new standards in their classrooms. Currently, the Common Core has been adopted by 44 states, thus affecting an enormous portion of KDP’s professional educators and creating an opportunity for KDP to continue to provide for the professionals within the Society.

Finally, I see integrating technology in the classroom and providing more professional development in this area as another opportunity for KDP.

Value-Added Qualities: I am closely connected with the graduate and professional members of the Society due to my service on both committees. As a professional, I have experience teaching in urban and rural settings, special education experience, and extensive training in ELL instruction. I am able to plan, run, and record conference calls and have a lot of experience doing so. I am comfortable with technology and am a quick learner when it comes to new technology.

Student Representative

Student Representative
Zachary J. Schroeder
Undergraduate student; Candidate for BS in Mathematics Education, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN; Undergraduate teaching assistant, Purdue University.

Professional Accomplishments: Assistant Director of the Wildcat Baseball League, Fort Wayne, Indiana: I report directly to the Site Director. I oversee the training and supervision of junior coaches, and I am responsible for over 400 kids ages 6–14, including behavior management, safety, and baseball instruction.

Undergraduate Teaching Assistant at Purdue: Through strong recommendations from professors, I was selected as a UTA for the Educational Technology course, assisting in and leading lab lessons for students.

Vice President of the Education Organizations Board at Purdue: The EOB oversees every educational society and club on campus. My role has chiefly involved unifying our efforts in recruiting, promotions, and organizing our yearly student-teaching scholarship.

Service to Kappa Delta Pi: I was elected Vice-President of our chapter in January 2011 and oversaw our after-school tutoring program at a local elementary school. In May 2011, I was elected President of the chapter. I made several changes to how we ran our chapter. I raised the number of initiates from four last spring to a projected 60 new members this fall through improved outreach. I am also developing a mentorship program with area teachers and alumni to strengthen retention and improve the reach of KDP in our local community. Being involved with KDP has given me invaluable experience as a leader through amazing professional development opportunities and as a person by reenergizing my passion for the teaching profession.

Statement of Direction: In the coming years, Kappa Delta Pi will face several challenges, including educational reform, improving teacher retention, and international expansion. If elected, I would help implement strategies that would put Kappa Delta Pi at the forefront of these and other education movements and opportunities.

The recent addition of the Public Policy Committee is a step in the right direction, but we must do more. I will provide our members with opportunities and strategies to effectively share their voice and influence policy at local and federal levels by a) getting KDP representatives involved in the research, development, and implementation of policy; and b) by creating similar policy committees at the state and local level.

The problem with retention is that all too often the careers of promising young teachers are cut short due to the difficulty and stress associated with the first years of teaching. We must reach out to new teachers and provide them with resources such as mentorship programs and teacher retreats to help them not only survive these crucial years, but thrive.

By expanding our reach internationally, we have the opportunity to build lasting relationships with renowned foreign institutions, impact education on a global level through mission trips and expanded research opportunities, and reform systems of education with the experience and insight of our international partners in education.

Value-Added Qualities: I am an outstanding speaker and communicator; I can especially understand and relate to college students and young teachers, giving me the ability to represent them well and share their needs. I am also proficient with technology. As an undergraduate teaching assistant in Educational Technology at Purdue, I have a certain skill set in maximizing the effectiveness of technology in the classroom and in Kappa Delta Pi as well.

Student Representative
Chantal Shoemake
Undergraduate student; Candidate for BA in Special Education in December 2011, Southeastern Louisiana University, Hammond.

Professional Accomplishments: Three of the most significant professional leadership accomplishments I have made have been during my service as Zeta Kappa Chapter President. I presented at KDP Convocation 2011 on Differentiated Instruction, grew Zeta Kappa Chapter’s leadership by adding an additional Vice-President and Graduate Liaison officer’s position, and installed the Blessings in a Backpack program. Blessings in a Backpack gives Title I students (schools) backpacks full of food and literature materials every Friday during the school year.

Service to Kappa Delta Pi: I have held various leadership roles: Student President-Elect of the state board of the Louisiana Council for Exceptional Children and President of KDP’s Zeta Kappa Chapter. I have grown personally and professionally by learning to delegate, network, and enhance my studies. Nothing is accomplished alone, and the best-made plans are created and implemented by a group of people. The value of networking—making connections—is vital in today’s world and will increase as our technology advances. Lastly, being an educational leader has added many strategies and methods to my teacher toolbox that were not learned in a college classroom.

Statement of Direction: Kappa Delta Pi faces various opportunities and challenges within the years to come. Our leadership needs to increase the diversity among our members. KDP must act to increase our minority and international membership. When I was at Convocation 2011, I noticed that the majority of KDP members present were white American women. Our membership and conference attendants must have more diversity, since KDP offers various services to educators. Once the minority number has been increased in membership and conference attendants, then we know the minority students are also being serviced. I would like to see that minority colleges and universities, here and abroad, are being notified of KDP’s existence and instructed on how they can install a chapter. Also, I would like to see KDP install technological conferencing capabilities. The opportunities that come with KDP increasing its use of technology are endless. Just think for a moment how technological networking will ultimately change the instruction commencing in today’s classroom. I am blessed and excited to be part of the generation that will witness these changes.

Value-Added Qualities: I have worked as a paraeducator, a teacher’s assistant, a student intern at the college level, a regular and special education major, and in the main office at the local school board. One of my children is in regular education and one is in special education. I have held various leadership roles in regular and special education. These experiences have enabled me to possess a well-rounded view of today’s education in America. I will also be a graduate student upon graduation of my bachelor’s degree.

Laureate Representative

Laureate Representative
Sonia Nieto
Professor Emerita of Language, Literacy, and Culture, School of Education, University of Massachusetts, Amherst.
(Invited to Laureate Chapter in 2011)

Sonia Nieto has taught students at all levels, from elementary through graduate school, and from many socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds. Dr. Nieto is one of the leading authors and teachers in the field of multiculturalism. She frequently writes and speaks on multicultural education, teacher preparation, the education of Latinos, and other culturally and linguistically diverse student populations. Her book Affirming Diversity: The Sociopolitical Context of Multicultural Education (6th ed., 2012, with co-author Patty Bode), is widely used in teacher preparation and in-service courses. Among her other books are The Light in Their Eyes: Creating Multicultural Learning Communities (1999; 2010), Language, Culture, and Teaching (2002; 2010), What Keeps Teachers Going? (2003), and three edited volumes, Puerto Rican Students in U.S. Schools (2000), Why We Teach (2005), and Dear Paulo: Letters from Those Who Dare Teach (2008).She was named a Fellow of the American Educational Research Association in 2011.