Celebration of Teaching Award Recipients

Ashland University’s Kappa Nu Chapter went all out to thank every K–12 teacher in the Ashland City School District. Their “Tokens of Gratitude” project reached more than 280 educators with gifts and handwritten notes that said loud and clear: teachers matter. In just a few hours, chapter members turned simple thank-yous into a wave of support that made teachers feel truly appreciated.

This project wasn’t just about handing out items, it was about building a culture of gratitude. The chapter invested time, effort, and over $300 of chapter funds to make sure teachers knew they had a community cheering them on. The smiles and feedback from educators showed the success of their mission: to honor teachers while strengthening the bond between future and current educators.

Through creativity and care, the Kappa Nu Chapter lifted spirits and reminded everyone why teaching matters. Their project is proof that even small acts of appreciation can go a long way in sustaining the teaching profession.

The Tau Nu Chapter at Elmhurst University brought storytelling to center stage with their powerful project, Voices of Change. This short film highlighted the personal stories and everyday experiences of mentor teachers who guided KDP members through their journey to becoming educators. By weaving together candid interviews and authentic classroom moments, the film captured the heart of teaching—its challenges, triumphs, and life-changing impact.

Creating the film was a true team effort. Six chapter members dedicated their time to filming, editing, and producing, while the premiere event brought together thirty members, professors, administrators, and community partners. Guests enjoyed dinner, conversation, and raffles before watching the film during Teacher Appreciation Week. Thanks to support from COOP, the night became a heartfelt celebration of teachers’ voices and a reminder of the profound influence mentors have on the future of education.

With Voices of Change, the Tau Nu Chapter not only honored their mentors but also sparked meaningful dialogue about why teaching matters. The project lifted up the profession, inspired others, and created a lasting tribute to the educators who continue to shape lives every day.

The Alpha Theta Zeta Chapter at Middlesex College knows that the best way to inspire future teachers is through real stories. Their Spotlight on Stories of Success project gave high school students and KDP members the chance to hear from alumni who had just stepped into classrooms of their own. These new teachers shared honest experiences about what it takes to thrive in the profession, offering a mix of encouragement and practical advice.

The chapter also set aside time to mentor local high school students interested in teaching. Members talked with them about their goals, answered questions, and showed what it looks like to be part of a supportive teaching community. By combining celebration of alumni with outreach to future educators, ATZ students created a project that connected generations and left everyone motivated to keep teaching strong.

Shower Card

North Brunswick Presentation

The Eta Phi Chapter at the University of Nebraska at Kearney came together to celebrate educators in a fun and personal way. Their “Postcards & Candy Tumblers” project was all about showing gratitude—with handwritten thank-you notes, candy-filled tumblers, and even a bright banner to remind teachers and administrators how much they matter.

Nearly 50 chapter members pitched in—writing postcards, assembling tumblers, and making deliveries to schools across several Nebraska districts, as well as to administrators at UNK. The group also spread appreciation online through Instagram, keeping the celebration going beyond the classroom.

For the chapter, this wasn’t just about candy and crafts. It was a chance to connect with educators in their community, thank cooperating teachers who guide preservice teachers, and spotlight the joy of teaching. They proved that small, thoughtful gestures can leave a big impact on schools and future teachers alike.

The Alpha Epsilon Sigma Chapter at Western Governors University took a creative approach to building community with their project, Connected Classrooms: A Daily Challenge Calendar. With more than 110 members contributing, the chapter designed a digital calendar full of daily challenges teachers could use to foster connection and engagement in their classrooms. The calendar also featured real photos and captions from members’ classrooms, turning everyday teaching moments into shared inspiration.

To make the project even more practical, the chapter added two printable bookmarks with quick community-building activities teachers could keep at their fingertips. From start to finish, this effort was shaped by a committee of chapter members who wanted their peers’ voices to shine. The project not only gave teachers fun and ready-to-use tools but also celebrated the creativity and value of KDP members themselves.

By centering member voices and highlighting the KDP Core Value of Community, this project created a meaningful sense of belonging across schools, even in a digital space. The chapter showed how small, daily practices can make a big impact on classroom culture and on the teaching profession as a whole.

Calendar

Bookmarks

The Alpha Lambda Lambda Chapter at Lake Erie College kept Teacher Appreciation Week sweet—literally. Chapter members brought treats and heartfelt thanks to twelve educators at Our Shepherd Lutheran School, making sure teachers felt seen and valued for the difference they make every day. With a small budget and big spirit, the team used this simple gesture to show gratitude and build goodwill with local educators.

What stood out was the intention behind the kindness. Members planned, funded, and delivered the surprise themselves, focusing on personal connection over flashy production. Along the way, they discovered that the school’s new principal is a fellow KDP member—an unexpected connection that made the experience even more meaningful for the chapter.

This project shows how a modest idea—thoughtful treats, a sincere thank-you—can spark joy and create new opportunities for future teachers to connect with the educators they admire. It’s the kind of hands-on, people-first work that helps chapters grow their network, learn from practicing teachers, and celebrate the profession together.

Future teachers at Lindenwood didn’t just cross the finish line—they got a full-on victory lap. The Tau Phi Chapter’s Celebration of Teaching Events wrapped Education Program completers in campus pride with a lively ceremony, shout-outs, and small gifts (think pennants and certificates) that made the moment feel big. It’s a student-centered tradition on the rise, powered by KDP teamwork and the kind of “you’ve got this” energy every new educator deserves.

Tau Phi didn’t stop at cheering on peers—they lifted up the mentors who got them there. Four standout cooperating teachers were honored and spotlighted publicly, showing future teachers exactly what professional excellence looks like. With campus leaders, faculty, K–12 administrators, and even high-school future-teacher groups in the mix, the celebration connected aspiring educators to a broader community that can open doors and spark next steps.

All together, the chapter mobilized volunteers, secured funding support, and created a welcoming space where new educators felt seen, mentors felt appreciated, and the whole community felt invested in the future of teaching. It’s a smart, high-impact way to retain talent, build confidence, and send teacher-candidates into the profession with momentum.

The Sigma Tau Chapter at Mount Saint Mary College put their hearts into Growing a Love of Learning. Chapter members surprised twenty professors on campus with flowers and notes of gratitude, recognizing the incredible impact these educators have had on their students. What started as a simple “thank you” turned into something bigger—an effort that not only celebrated professors but also raised funds to help children visit the college with their teachers.

With just fifty flowers, thoughtful teamwork, and creative fundraising, members built a project that blended appreciation with advocacy. Professors were touched by the unexpected recognition—one called it “such a lovely and unexpected treat”—and future teachers gained the chance to practice gratitude while supporting access to higher education. This project captured the spirit of the Celebration of Teaching initiative: honoring those who inspire while lifting up the next generation of learners.

The Tau Omega Chapter at St. Joseph’s University made it their mission to recognize the vital role cooperating teachers play in shaping the next generation of educators. Chapter members organized thoughtful gestures of appreciation, highlighting the guidance, mentorship, and encouragement these teachers provide to preservice students during their field experiences.

Working together, the chapter built connections across campus and local schools, creating a celebration that lifted up both mentors and future teachers. The project was a reminder that teaching is a team effort, and that saying “thank you” goes a long way in strengthening the profession and building community.

The Zeta Delta crew at Sul Ross State University turned Teacher Appreciation Week into a West Texas road show—Alpine to Marfa to Marathon to Fort Davis—celebrating the mentors who make classrooms click. Armed with a camera, a plan, and a lot of school spirit, student teachers flipped the script and put cooperating teachers center stage.

Their short film, The Future, spotlights student voice—quick takes, candid reflections, and big dreams for the kind of classrooms they want to lead. After the premiere, everyone gathered for a laid-back reception where teachers were thanked by name, roses were handed out, and relationships got stronger over conversation and refreshments.

Best of all, the project sparked real talk about teacher agency—voice, choice, and the courage to try new ideas in real classrooms. With filming support from the SRSU Media Center and invites from the Education Department, the chapter showed how a simple, student-led idea can build a bridge between campus and community—and make appreciation feel personal, memorable, and fun.

Invite to Event

Picture a Saturday that feels like a career cheat code: the Epsilon Eta Chapter turned Central Michigan University’s Education and Human Services Building into a buzzing mini-conference for future teachers. Students built portfolios, practiced interview skills, and swapped real-world tips with current Michigan educators—all in quick, 30-minute sessions designed to keep things moving and keep energy high.

Across the morning, attendees chose from multiple breakout options, jumped into a candid teacher panel, and even heard from CMU’s Provost. The vibe was welcoming and practical: raffles, photo ops, and lots of networking that actually felt useful. With 35 KDP members running point and more than 60 participants in the mix, the day delivered exactly what teacher-prep students asked for—hands-on prep, confidence boosts, and a clear look at how KDP can power their professional journey.

Best of all, the impact showed up right away. Post-event surveys highlighted favorites like interview coaching and the variety of sessions, and several students left ready to join KDP. Mission accomplished: professional development that’s student-centered, faculty-supported, and fun to be part of.

Future teachers at Clarion didn’t just talk about great teaching—they spotlighted it. The Lambda Eta Chapter gathered reflections from student teachers about the mentors who shaped their practice, then crowned a “Golden Eagle Educator” to honor one exceptional cooperating teacher who models the craft every day. With teamwork that felt like a mini-award show, members pooled ideas, assembled a celebratory basket, and secured a complimentary Kahoot! subscription to boost the winner’s classroom toolkit.

The project was small on budget but big on heart. Six chapter members coordinated outreach, compiled feedback from 23 student-teaching placements, and turned those stories into a meaningful recognition moment. Along the way, candidates sharpened their eye for quality teaching—naming the strategies, relationships, and classroom moves they hope to carry into their own careers.

This celebration didn’t end at the podium. By lifting up a cooperating teacher who goes above and beyond, the chapter elevated the power of mentorship and reminded everyone—faculty, candidates, and community partners—that great teaching grows when we notice it, name it, and celebrate it.