Kappa Delta Pi - Educational Honor Society

Table of Contents

From the President Get the scoop from your Society prez. Greetings from your new leadership	Question of the Quarter KDP asks the question—you get to answer! How will you use your summer?
New 4 You Find out the latest KDP benefits and more. Identity-theft protection; discounts on insurance	Chapters 2 Watch Read about various types of KDP chapters and their successful initiatives. NSTOY Chapter; Epsilon Tau Chapter
In the Know Keep updated on general KDP happenings that affect you. Choice Hotels; Telling Stories	Educational Foundation Learn about giving and receiving the KDP Educational Foundation way. Chapter challenge; Wolfe fund
News from You See what other members and chapters are doing. Send your activities! Reading carnival; happy anniversary!	Who’s Who Learn about Headquarters staff, members, and big names in education. The Counselor
Your Enrichment Connection Find links to educational and professional resources. Summer reading, discussion board, and Ideas to Go	FAQs You ask; KDP answers. It’s easy to renew your membership!
We Get Mail See what members are saying. A happy graduate; recognition

YOUR CONNECTION TO KAPPA DELTA PI
Summer 2006

Get the scoop from Karen Nicholson, your Society prez.

Greetings from Your New Leadership

This is an exciting time to be a member and an officer of Kappa Delta Pi. I enjoyed serving as your president-elect during the past biennium; for those of us who have been serving as Society officers, the past two years have flown by. As you know, there were continuations of existing initiatives and relationships, and the introduction of exciting new ones. As we go forth into the next biennium, beginning on July 1, I assume the presidency and Dr. Pamela K. Buckley becomes the Executive Director of Kappa Delta Pi.

As president, I will head up your newly elected Executive Council. That’s a group of nine officers who oversee the work of all Society committees and the KDP Headquarters staff, providing inspiration and a sense of direction for Society activities. Let your leadership hear from you! For a list of officers, photos, and contact information, go to www.kdp.org/about/excouncil0608.php.

Pamela K. Buckley has been named the new Executive Director, following the retirement of Michael P. Wolfe. Dr. Buckley will move into the KDP Headquarters offices, where she will take charge of operations as well as serve the Council, the Educational Foundation, and the membership. To learn more about Dr. Buckley, go to www.kdp.org/about/drbuckley72.php.

Hope you have a reflective and enjoyable summer!

Find out the latest KDP benefits and more.

Identity-Theft Protection. Identity theft is the fastest growing crime in America, affecting millions of people each year. It only takes seconds for someone to steal and use your personal information, but it could take years to completely restore your identity. KDP, working with Forrest T. Jones and Co., has arranged to provide this valuable protection for you. For more information, call (800)265-9366. To enroll online, go to www.ftj.com/TIE/idtheft.

Discounts on insurance. Get covered! As a member of KDP, you are eligible for discounts on GEICO auto insurance, health insurance, professional liability insurance, and life insurance. Getting a quote is easy and free. Take advantage of this benefit, as well as all your other membership discounts! www.kdp.org/membership/benefitdiscounts.php

Keep updated on general KDP happenings that affect you.

Choice Hotels. As a KDP member, you are entitled to discounts at Choice Hotels. In addition to discounts, members can take advantage of other special offers through Choice Hotels International. To get news about special offers, subscribe to Choice’s e-newsletter, the S.O.S. Sentinel, by sending an e-mail to ndija_kakumba@choicehotels.com with the word Subscribe in the subject line and a note that you are a KDP member.

Telling Stories. Do you have a “telling story” about your teaching or learning that is close to your heart and that gives meaning to your professional career? Send your personal story, no more than 600 words, to Kathie-Jo Arnoff, Managing Editor, at kathiejo@kdp.org or Kappa Delta Pi Record, 3707 Woodview Trace, Indianapolis, IN 46268.

See what other members and chapters are doing. Send your activities!

Reading Carnival. Members of the Rho Chapter of Kappa Delta Pi at Central Missouri State University in Warrensburg used their RIF (Reading Is Fun) grant to put on a reading carnival for children in the community. During the week prior to the carnival, area children recorded their reading minutes to earn carnival tickets and a free book. Among the carnival stations were activities such as a cookie walk where students answered questions about books they had read, a beach ball reading game, and “Twister with a Twist” that involved questions related to reading.

Happy Anniversary!
50 years—Stark County Alumni Chapter (Ohio) celebrated its 50th anniversary by recognizing 50-year members and awarding two annual scholarships. One of the recipients was Rho Tau (Malone College) chapter member, Jordan Parks.

35 years—Ponderosa Alumni Chapter of Northern Arizona University (NAU) recognized its 35th anniversary at its annual banquet on April 20. At the meeting, members paid special tribute to three devoted members whose recent deaths left a heartfelt void within the membership. Chapter President James Sims presented a scholarship check to retiring KDP Executive Director Michael Wolfe in memory of William and Helen Hodge. The chapter also presented a plaque honoring the late Dr. Elinor Clemons Kyte to his children and donated money to KDP’s Resource Center in his name. Additionally, the first William and Helen Hodge Scholarship was awarded to NAU student Anna Brown, and KDP’s “Educators Make a Difference” award was presented to Cecilia Owen, KDP member, former Flagstaff teacher, and current Coconino County Superintendent of Education.

Find links to educational and professional resources.

Summer Reading. Is reading on your summer agenda? Read for fun, to challenge yourself, or to be better informed. For books on professional development, check out the reading list suggested by the staff at Education World: www.educationworld.com/a_curr/profdev/profdev138.shtml. If that’s not sufficient, you’ll find many other suggestions through Education World’s List of Lists: www.educationworld.com/a_curr/curr244.shtml.

KDP Discussion Board. Share your ideas, concerns, and questions with others. Just click the red button at the bottom of the KDP Online home page or select Discussion Board from the menu. Some current topics are Staying Refreshed and New Teacher Blues.

Ideas to Go. Did you try something new this past school year that worked like a charm? Don’t keep it a secret. E-mail your ideas to membership@kdp.org. As a KDP member, great ideas come to your e-mail inbox every month.

See what members are saying.

A Happy Graduate
“Thank you so much for letting me know that a KDP member needed something for graduation. I was not able to check e-mails on Friday afternoon because of a power outage on my street (a tree came down on some wires). So, without your phone call, I couldn’t have come through for this student. As a follow-up, I was able to find her in the graduation lineup, and I gave her a pin. She was very appreciative. Here is another example of why I love working with KDP. Everyone in this organization is always so friendly and helpful in every way. I love this organization because of all of you! Thanks and have a great summer.”

Laurie DeRosa, Xi Psi Chapter Counselor
Fitchburg State College, Massachusetts

Recognition
“Many school systems and other groups recognize KDP and ask if you are a member. There is a national recognition. A great benefit is belonging to a group of peers and having them as a resource, support system, network base.”

Terry Hamka, Beta Iota Chapter
Western Michigan University

KDP asks the question—you get to answer!

How do you use your summer months to grow and renew yourself professionally?
Please send your brief reply to membership@kdp.org, indicating your teaching level. Your feedback helps KDP shape its membership programs. If you prefer, go to the KDP Discussion Board and reflect on this question with others.

Read about various types of KDP chapters and their successful initiatives.

NSTOY Chapter. Kimberly Oliver, a Maryland kindergarten teacher, is the 2006 National Teacher of the Year. She and the various State Teachers of the Year were recognized by President George W. Bush at a White House ceremony on April 26. Oliver will serve as banquet speaker at the annual NSTOY Conference in July. Read more about the newest TOY at www.marylandpublicschools.org /MSDE/programs/recognition-partnerships/toy_1/kimberly_oliver_2006_toy. Learn about your state’s teacher of the year at www.atech.org/nstoy/state.html.

For 15 years, KDP and NSTOYs have had an alliance that has included NSTOY members writing for KDP publications, speaking at local and national KDP meetings, receiving a special NSTOY rate to join KDP, and having joint sponsorship for sessions at our respective national conferences. However, this collaboration goes beyond these original goals. NSTOY members frequently respond to questions at KDP’s Teacher Hotline, advise teachers through the “Apples from the Teacher” mentoring program, and present workshops to preservice and practicing teachers.

KDP appreciates the willingness of recognized educators to share their expertise with those growing in the profession. In turn, I hope that my NSTOY colleagues take advantage of opportunities presented in the partnership with KDP. This partnership provides ways for educators to gain affirmation of their knowledge and abilities, to grow professionally, to find collegial support, and to expand their professional network. After all, community enriches learning; sharing expands knowledge and empowers individuals.

Art Peekel
NSTOY President
a_peekel@yahoo.com

Epsilon Tau Chapter
SUNY–Geneseo
Counselor: Michael Rozalski
President: Kristina Dion 2006–2007
Web site: www.geneseo.edu/~KDP

Acting on their pledge of fidelity to the KDP Ideal of Service, members of the Epsilon Tau Chapter at State University of New York (SUNY) at Geneseo participate in a number of service projects. The chapter’s 60 students, faculty members, and board members give back to their community on an ongoing basis.

Of their service projects, chapter members most enjoy “Paperbacks and Pajamas.” Because the chapter has done this project for a few years, members have formed bonds with the kids, and many of the children look forward to reading with the same members they did the last time. Other service projects include a Pen Pal program with elementary students, an ESL project where chapter members tutor international students in English language and writing skills, and an art contest for K–12 students from area schools.

What’s the secret to conducting successful service projects? According to Marilyn Deignan, past president of the chapter, “We have steps to conducting each program. They were put in place and written down so they can just be passed each year to the new board. Contact information, checklists, and general description and information are included. It is all laid out for them to follow.”

Chapter members are highly encouraged to participate in one service project per semester. Members have a choice of projects that meet their interests and match their certification areas. They also have a say in what the chapter plans.

	Members at Large
	Are you a practicing professional who would like to network with other KDP members in your community? Then you may want to open a Chalk Talk Café!

Learn about giving and receiving the KDP Educational Foundation way.

Chapter Challenge. Thanks to the many chapters of Kappa Delta Pi for their participation in the 2005 Chapter Challenge. Each chapter was asked to donate at least $100 to the KDP Educational Foundation. For a full list of 2005 Chapter Challenge participants, go to www.kdp.org/scholarships/cptrchallenge.php. The total raised, $34,191, exceeded the goal of $25,000. Chapters participated by sending in funds from their chapter treasury, spearheading fund-raisers, or asking alumni to contribute on the chapter’s behalf. Chapter donations to the Foundation help Kappa Delta Pi better fulfill its mission of recognizing scholarship and enhancing professional growth for members.

The 2006 Chapter Challenge is now underway, and each chapter again is being asked to donate at least $100 to the Educational Foundation. For full information about how your chapter can participate in this year’s Chapter Challenge, visit www.kdp.org/pdf/2006ChapterChallenge.pdf.

Wolfe Fund. As you may know, Dr. Michael P. Wolfe, Executive Director of Kappa Delta Pi for the past 16 years, retires on June 30, 2006. In his honor, the Educational Foundation Board has established the Dr. Michael P. Wolfe Fund. Dr. Wolfe has expressed his desire to use this fund to sponsor the biennial ACE awards and the regional counselors of the year awards. This is a fitting tribute to a man who has been tireless in his efforts to grow the KDP chapter network and promote the important work of the chapter counselor. In his own words: “The ultimate goal of the chapter is to recruit, engage, promote, support, and retain Kappa Delta Pi members for the Kappa Delta Pi experience.”

If you or your chapter would like to contribute to this important fund, gifts can be made online at www.kdp.org/forms/foundationdonation.php; sent through the mail to Kappa Delta Pi Educational Foundation c/o Michael Wolfe Fund, 3707 Woodview Trace, Indianapolis, IN 46268; or charged by phone at (800)284-3167, ext. 228.

Learn about Headquarters staff, members, and big names in education.

Who’s the “Sweetest Thing in the Southeast?” It’s Delta Delta Counselor Betty Lou Land! She exudes old-style southern hospitality in whatever she does, and her sweetness could rival that tea for which the south is known. Yet, she’s no pushover. There’s a reason that her associates at Winthrop University in Rock Hill, SC, dubbed her Queen Bee!

“My students have told me they know I care, but that I can be very demanding,” Betty Lou said. “I have high expectations of my students, and I have high expectations for myself.” Perhaps because of her genteel style, those in her presence tend to live up to those expectations. “You always want to do something to make Betty Lou proud,” commented Alison Billings, KDP’s Southeast Chapter Resource Consultant.

The Kappa Delta Pi Counselor is the official representative of the Society in a collegiate or community setting. The leadership provided by the chapter counselor/associate counselor is vital to a successful chapter. The chapter counselor:

•	provides information about chapter life;
•	makes recommendations for chapter programming;
•	provides counsel to the officers and members in the chapter;
•	assists chapter officers with program planning; and
•	must be on the staff of the college or university.

Read Betty Lou’s ideas for counselors here!

After 22 years as a KDP counselor, however, Betty Lou is passing her Queen Bee role to new counselor Dr. Lisa Johnson and retiring from her position as Professor of Reading Education at Winthrop University. At her retirement party, Delta Delta Chapter associate counselor Carol McNulty described her colleague as someone who exemplifies all that it means to be a teacher and member of Kappa Delta Pi.

“Dr. Land has taught each of us that, to be a truly great teacher, you must teach not only with your mind, but most importantly with your heart. By her example, we have learned how to inspire, encourage, and support our students. She has been to us a strong and quiet leader, a mentor, and a role model. And though she has been honored with the KDP Regional Counselor’s Award and the prestigious Rose Counselor’s Award, it is her daily teaching and everyday example for which she will always be remembered.”

In her everyday example as the Delta Delta counselor, Betty Lou worked to empower her officers by helping them achieve their goals as both chapter officers and individual members. She let them choose and set up chapter projects, guiding them when needed, but allowing them to take charge confidently. One way that Betty Lou helped build confidence and leadership skills was to have students present at an annual early childhood education conference. She mentored them, but they carried out the presentation. According to Betty Lou, this experience had multiple benefits: Students gained a positive experience in leadership and professionalism, and she learned about the potential leadership capabilities of the chapter’s members. Betty Lou believes in orchestrating win-win situations to build confidence and ensure success.

She also believes that dedication to the Society’s ideals—Fidelity to Humanity, Science, Service, and Toil—is crucial. Without that, she said, “not much will happen.” And Betty Lou doesn’t take those ideals or the Society mission lightly. She’s fond of formal, traditional ceremonies anyway, and KDP’s initiation ceremony is what made her want to become a counselor. The mission and goals of the Society resonated with her; they represented who she wanted to be as a person. Therefore, to this day, Betty Lou gets a catch in her throat during the initiation ceremony and tears up when the KDP motto is read.

You ask; KDP answers.

How do I renew my KDP membership?

It’s easy to renew:

•	Renew online through our secure Web site;
•	Download the online renewal form;
•	Call (800)284-3167 to renew on the phone; or
•	Mail in your renewal form.