We’re thrilled to feature Sofia E. Hardman, President of the Theta Alpha Chapter at Howard University. Sofia shares her experiences as a chapter president and the impact KDP has had on her growth as a future educator and leader. Read more about her inspiring journey and impact in the education community.
Q: How has your KDP community helped you thrive in the classroom?
A: I recognized early on that being an exceptional educator requires more than just passion and inspiration—it also demands a solid academic and professional foundation. Kappa Delta Pi National Honor Society in Education has been instrumental in helping me build that foundation by providing professional development opportunities that have genuinely expanded my educational toolkit. Through KDP, I've gained access to invaluable resources, mentorship, and a thriving community of high-achieving preservice teachers. This organization has offered continuous support, guidance, and collaboration, all of which have further enriched my growth as an educator.
These experiences and resources have strengthened my ability to advocate for underrepresented students, broadened my understanding of diverse learning needs, and equipped me to create culturally responsive, nurturing environments for my future classroom. Kappa Delta Pi will always be a part of my teacher candidacy and continuous in-service development, empowering me to inspire my students and nurture their growth so that they, too, can become our future leaders.
Q: What inspires you to teach?
A: I aspire to teach because education is the most powerful tool for change, especially in underprivileged urban communities. My experiences working with children have shown me the immeasurable impact a dedicated and culturally responsive educator can have on students' lives. I strive to be the teacher I needed growing up—one who not only pours into students learning but empowers them to see their potential, celebrate their identity, break the cycles of inequity, and provide them with the tools to thrive in a world that may not always understand them. By prioritizing the whole child—academically, socially, and emotionally–I am committed to helping students flourish beyond the classroom. Teaching is my calling, my purpose, my passion, and the way I plan to make a lasting impact on the world.
Q: Outside the classroom, what hobbies or interests do you enjoy?
A: Outside the classroom, I channel my God-gifted talents into various artistic and community-focused endeavors as a natural creative and servant leader. I work on mural art projects to beautify inner-city school sites, develop art programs tailored for students with special needs, and advocate for creativity as a healing practice—a typically non-traditional way of self-expression in the Black community. Additionally, I am passionate about digital illustration and painting and am a huge children's book lover! With a goal to write, illustrate, and publish a series of children's books in the near future, I aspire to use my creativity outside the classroom to promote inclusivity, positivity, and cultural competency, ultimately empowering our next generations through literacy and the arts.
Member Spotlights showcase KDP members who are making an impact both in and out of the classroom, whether they’re currently teaching or preparing to enter the field. If you or someone you know would like to be featured, fill out this form for a chance to be highlighted!
Connect with Sofia and the Theta Alpha Chapter at Howard University:
LinkedIn: Sofia E. Hardman
Instagram: @soffsun, @Kappadeltapi_hu