You're Invited! KDP’s Founders Day Celebration 2026
March 9, 2026, from 6:00 p.m.–7:30 p.m. EDT
Founded on March 8, 1911, by a group of educators at the University of Illinois as an inclusive organization, KDP was dedicated to encouraging and recognizing that women are excellent educators whereas other national honor societies were only recognizing male educators. We are excited to celebrate 115 years of teaching excellence in 2026. ✨
We invite you to a live, virtual Founders Day Celebration for KDP members and stakeholders on Monday, March 9, 2026, from 6:00 p.m.–7:30 p.m. EDT via Zoom. 🎉
We will induct new members into the esteemed Eleanor Roosevelt Chapter and honor three champions of KDP and education with KDP’s highest recognition: the Founders Awards. 🏆
Attendees are encouraged to have their webcams on, type into the chat, and use the reactions during the Founders Day Celebration on Zoom. We are excited to celebrate with the KDP community! 💜
2026 Founders Awards
Dr. Clarissa Gamble Booker, Dr. Thomas E. Musselman Award for Service Excellence
Dr. Rick Breault, Dr. Truman L. Kelley Award for Scholarship Excellence
Dr. Susan Trostle Brand, Dr. William C. Bagley Award for Leadership Excellence
2026 Eleanor Roosevelt Chapter Inductees
Dr. Albertaeve Abington-Pitre
Dr. Irene Aiken
Ms. April Fletcher
Dr. Deepti Kharod
Dr. Crystal Mallett
Dr. Barbara Meyer
Ms. Laurie Ann Ross
2025 Dr. Marilyn Nicholas National Student Teacher of the Year