Testimonials

KDP’s 47th Biennial Convocation was held October 29–31, 2009, in Orlando, Florida. The conference registered record attendance and rave reviews. This page features a snapshot of what attendees said about Convo 2009. Be there for Centennial Convocation 2011 in Indianapolis. Register Now!

CONVO ’09 – ABOUT THE LAUREATE PANEL

“WOW! To come to Convo and hear the leaders in Educational Research personally is outstanding. KDP has always been able to offer this fabulous experience at each Convo.” “These speakers are the reason I attended the convocation. I was definitely NOT disappointed. Their ideas are refreshing and gave me hope for the future of education in the United States! I read what each of them published in The Forum prior to coming to the conference and the article by David Berliner on No Curriculum Left Behind. Excellent reads and ideas.”

CONVO ’09 – OVERALL CONFERENCE EXPERIENCE

“This was my first time at Convo, and it was the best experience of my life. I can’t stop talking about it with all of my colleagues and grad-school friends! I don't even care if they are tired of hearing about it.” – Whitney Wesley, K–12 teacher, PA “KDP Convo was so inspirational. I am already planning to attend Convo 2011!” “Convo offers a way of reconnecting with KDP friends and colleagues. It is one important way that I stay informed and involved in the world of education, even in retirement.” “Convocation really exceeded my expectations with the workshops and speakers. It helped me to understand KDP better as a national organization.” “Convocation 2009 was a huge success—in general and for me personally. Destination Inspiration was my first Convo, and it was truly a wonderful experience. Not only was Convo a learning experience with a plethora of workshops on a variety of topics, but it was also enjoyable because I had the opportunity to meet and network with so many people.” – Keon Ruiter, 2nd grade teacher, MA “KDP Convo is a once in a lifetime honor that can actually be strived for many times. The knowledge and skills each attendee walks away with is priceless. To present at Convo is a milestone is one’s career.” – Tracey Cavaco, Xi Psi Chapter “Convocation enabled me to meet and exchange ideas with amazing teachers from all across the country. This experience not only allowed me to become closer with my own KDP chapter members, but also proved to me that teaching is not just a profession but rather a passion.” – Marla Cavarretta, Xi Psi Chapter “As always, I enjoyed my KDP Convo experience very much. The attendees at my session were wonderful and we had some great interactions. The venue was terrific and everything was beautifully organized (again, as always!).” – Mary Aspedon, Southwestern Oklahoma State University, OK “Convo 2009 was a very positive experience for my students and me—as usual. It is so nice to mentor our preservice and first-year teachers at this welcoming and well-planned professional conference. I especially appreciate your efforts to have local school children perform at one of the general sessions—it’s a good experience for the young students and is a great reminder to all why we remain in such a challenging profession. Looking forward to Indianapolis!” – Diane H. Jackson, University of Central Oklahoma, OK “I really enjoyed Convo! In addition to everything it offered (speakers, seminars, roundtables, etc.), it also gave me a chance to get to know my chapter members a little better. There were three of us from Jacksonville University that went. I am in a different program than everyone else, so I do not have classes with any of our other members—the KDP meetings are the only times I see them. Spending three days with them was a great way to get to know more about them and what they are involved in.” – Monica Greene, Alpha Alpha Phi Chapter “I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for all that you do. Convocation 2009 was, for lack of a better word, superb. It is quite clear how much time and effort went into planning the event and it, without a doubt, paid off. The attention to detail truly made it a wonderful experience. Additionally, the programming and speakers who participated were eye-opening, riveting, and thrilling. I am so delighted to be a part of an organization such as this one. As a young educator, I am happy to have Kappa Delta Pi as a resource and part of my ongoing education. I am very eager to continue to work closely with you in developing our professional chapter. Once again thank you for the life-changing experience. My chapter and I cannot wait for the centennial celebration in 2011.” – Kaitlin Dayton, Mu Sigma Past President “Just a note of sincere congratulations on an outstanding KDP Convocation. It was a wonderful event: the best speakers, attention to detail and professionalism at the highest level, and the materials that were all beautifully done. Destination Inspiration was the perfect theme!” –Barbara D. Day, former KDP President and member of the KDP Laureate Chapter, University of North Carolina, NC “What a wonderful Convo! It was great to have more sessions for current teachers! I cannot wait for Indianapolis!” – Gina Riley, 7th grade teacher, WI

WHY CHAPTER MEMBERS SHOULD ATTEND CONVO

“I was truly inspired at Convo, and I would like to get the chapter better involved, by living up to their induction vows. I think it is important for them to know that they do not have to stop attending, or being an active member, simply because they graduate. They still can motivate their peers, colleagues, and students in their classes.” – Andrew DiLeo, current member of the Graduate Student National Committee

VOLUNTEERING AT CONVO

“I thoroughly enjoyed volunteering with the Headquarters staff at Convo in Orlando. Loved Counselor Registration—it let me connect and say hello to fellow counselors as they came in. I really liked having the person there to greet the attendees at the sessions. Also, while volunteering to greet people, I attended one session that I might not have and LOVED it.” – Erin Cassity, IUPUI, Indianapolis, IN

PUBLICATIONS STAFF WORKSHOP

“While at Convo, I presented my DIBELS Distracters program for KDP and also sat in on your seminar on how to get published. I really REALLY enjoyed the session and it helped tremendously to get me re-focused and on track with my research writing.” – Sarah Rodgers (formerly Sarah Sesser)