Blogs

Board Spotlight: Dr. Leah Carruth

By Raevyn Harris posted yesterday
Meet Dr. Leah Carruth, who serves as KDP’s President-Elect, teaches as an Associate Professor of Teacher Education at Angelo State University, and mentors future educators as the chapter counselor of the award-winning Mu Gamma Chapter. A Surprising Path Into Education For many who knew her growing up, Dr. Carruth’s career in education may have seemed unlikely. Naturally quiet and reserved, she once imagined she would “finish my degree and be okay in a classroom.” But during her studies, something shifted, and she uncovered a vibrant enthusiasm for learning. “That enthusiasm pushed me to pursue a doctoral degree,” she reflects, “and I continue ...

More Than Colorful Stories: Reading Graphic Novels to Be a Better Teacher

By Kevin Wong posted 10 days ago
More Than Colorful Stories: Reading Graphic Novels to Be a Better Teacher By Heidi Sackreiter Trauma and loss. Microaggressions and discrimination. Anxiety and finding your truest self. These are issues felt among many learners in today’s classrooms. As a new teacher, you must realize there is more to the job than simply presenting content and evaluating student performance. You are staying sensitive to the individual needs and complex lives of the mosaic of learners in your classroom. This disposition might not come naturally to everyone, and it cannot be attained by simply listening to a lecture ...

How to Recognize Children’s Grief Awareness Day in Your School

By Michelle Melani posted 15 days ago
If you’re a preservice teacher, student teacher, or in your first few years in the classroom, you might feel like big schoolwide initiatives are someone else’s job. But when it comes to Children’s Grief Awareness Day, your voice and ideas matter— a lot . Children’s Grief Awareness Day happens every year on the third Thursday in November (November 20, 2025). It’s a reminder that grieving students are in every classroom, and that schools can be powerful places of comfort, connection, and healing. The Coalition to Support Grieving Students has created a practical guidance document to help schools recognize this day in meaningful ways. As part of KDP’s ...

Board Spotlight: Mr. Matt Bova

By Raevyn Harris posted 17 days ago
A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with over 10 years of experience in finance and accounting, Matt Bova brings both expertise and heart to his role as KDP’s National Board Treasurer. He currently serves as the Associate Director of Accounting at Verizon Communications in Lake Mary, Florida, where he leads a team responsible for consolidating, closing, and reporting for all of Verizon’s companies. Although Matt didn’t come from a traditional education background, KDP has become his bridge into a world he deeply admires. “ It’s my window into the challenges, triumphs, and pressing needs of today’s educators,” he shares. “For me, KDP is more than just ...

Congratulations to Nicholas McCoy, the 2025 Dr. Marilyn Nicholas National Student Teacher of the Year!

By Raevyn Harris posted 17 days ago
Each year, KDP and the Association of Teacher Educators (ATE) select the Dr. Marilyn Nicholas National Student Teacher of the Year to celebrate the exceptional contributions of a student teacher who demonstrates remarkable dedication, skill, and passion for the teaching profession. This prestigious recognition honors those who not only excel in classroom management and instructional strategies but also forge meaningful connections with students, parents, and colleagues. Through their commitment to fostering inclusive, engaging learning environments, these outstanding educators inspire others and set a high standard for the future of education. ...

KDP Board Spotlight: Dr. Nichelle Cook and Dr. Jeremy Coleman

By Raevyn Harris posted 18 days ago
Celebrating the Service of Dr. Nichelle Cook and Dr. Jeremy Coleman, Two Outstanding Directors-at-Large As we celebrate the close of a chapter, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to two remarkable leaders who have completed their service as Directors-at-Large on the KDP Board of Directors: Dr. Nichelle Cook (2020–2025) and Dr. Jeremy Coleman (2022–2025). Their contributions have shaped KDP’s growth and impact in meaningful and lasting ways. Dr. Nichelle Cook, Director-at-Large (served on the KDP Board from 2020–2025) Elected by members in 2020, Dr. Nichelle Cook served on the KDP Board for five impactful years. ...

“I Don’t Know What to Say”: A Grief-Aware Mindset for Teachers

By Michelle Melani posted 22 days ago
Picture this: You’re in your first year of teaching. You’ve just learned that one of your students’ caregivers died over the weekend. You care deeply, but your brain instantly panics: What do I say? What if I say the wrong thing? What if I make it worse? If that feels familiar, you’re not alone. Most educators never received formal preparation on how to support grieving students—yet almost all children ( about 90% ) will experience the death of a close family member or friend. Grief isn’t just something students “go through” at home. It shows up in classrooms every day—in the empty seat, the sudden tears, the short temper, the daydreaming, the drop ...

From Social Media to the Classroom: Assessing the Fit of Classroom Management Practices You Find Online

By Kevin Wong posted 23 days ago
From Social Media to the Classroom: Assessing the Fit of Classroom Management Practices You Find Online By Cynthia Deaton and Lydia Beahm Have you ever scroll ed through TikTok, Reddit, or a teacher blog and found a fun classroom management idea? Do you think you need to refine your current classroom management strategies to better engage and support your students ? Whether planning for the upcoming school year or trying to refine y our current practices, you may go to social media to find new ideas for keeping students on-task and motivated. But how do you know if they are the right fit for y our students? ...

Board Spotlight: Mr. Mitch Pletcher

By Raevyn Harris posted 30 days ago
As a Director-at-Large on the KDP National Board of Directors, Mitch Pletcher sees his role as both an honor and an opportunity to give back to a profession that has shaped his life in countless ways. For Mitch, education isn’t just a field. It’s a lifelong inspiration. With a mother who taught for over 40 years, he grew up witnessing the incredible dedication, creativity, and resilience that teachers bring to their classrooms every day. “My mother’s passion and commitment showed me firsthand the immense impact a great teacher can have,” Mitch shared. “Serving on the KDP Board is a way for me to honor her legacy and to support the next generation ...

EdTech to Empower ELLs in Any Classroom

By Kevin Wong posted 10-28-2025
EdTech to Empower ELLs in Any Classroom By Mac k enzie Shiau Imagine stepping into a classroom where half your students speak limited English, and a few have barely attended school. Their eyes are bright, but their voices are silent. You want to help—but how? Supporting English Language Learners (ELLs), especially Students with Limited or Interrupted Formal Education (SLIFE), requires more than translation. It demands tools that lower the affective filter, build confidence, and honor every student's journey. When used thoughtfully, technology can do precisely that. Strategic tech use can provide ELLs with access ...

Board Spotlight: Ms. Jessica Martz

By Raevyn Harris posted 10-20-2025
For Jessica Martz, KDP represents recognition, connection, and purpose. “KDP means so much to me because it was the first time I truly felt recognized for my academic achievements in higher education,” she shares. After silently struggling with undiagnosed ADHD during her undergraduate years, being invited to join KDP during her master’s program was more than an honor—it was a moment of validation and encouragement that reminded her she belonged in the field of education. Through KDP, Jessica found a community of educators who inspire and support one another to grow professionally and personally. “KDP connects me to a network of hearts ...

Member Spotlight: Dr. Brandy Daingerfield

By Raevyn Harris posted 10-20-2025
For more than five years, my KDP community has been a source of inspiration and connection. The shared passion for learning and leadership reminds me that education extends far beyond the classroom walls. KDP is a network of hearts and minds dedicated to growth. Through KDP, I’ve connected with educators whose ideas have shaped my own teaching philosophy and fueled my creativity as both an instructor and academic leader. It’s empowering to belong to a community that celebrates excellence, compassion, and innovation in education. The Spark That Inspires My Teaching Teaching gives me the privilege of witnessing transformation—specifically, the spark ...

Hands-On, Minds-On: How Interdisciplinary Learning Inspires Student Engagement

By Kevin Wong posted 10-14-2025
Hands-On, Minds-On: How Interdisciplinary Learning Inspires Student Engagement By Ana Figueroa Using hands-on learning strategies to increase student engagement and participation takes planning and dedication (Frank, 2020). Teachers are central to this work, as they must balance academic growth with student enjoyment by attending to both cognitive and emotional needs that extend beyond the classroom. Opportunities for active learning facilitate classroom management and captivate students in relevant and authentic ways. A powerful way teachers can effectively meet these demands is through interdisciplinary learning. When teachers develop ...

Board Spotlight: Mr. Chris Beaman

By Raevyn Harris posted 10-09-2025
For Chris Beaman, KDP has been far more than a professional organization. It has shaped his purpose, his leadership, and his belief in the transformative power of education. “KDP has been my professional home and personal compass. It’s where I found my voice as a student leader, honed my skills as a professional association staff leader, and has become a place for my investment to do important and good work. It’s more than an organization and association—it’s a movement that honors teachers and uplifts their futures.” Chris’s journey with KDP began as an undergraduate student member and chapter leader, and over time, it has become woven into every stage ...

Member Spotlight: Cynthia Valenti

By Raevyn Harris posted 10-07-2025
I recently joined KDP and have already found it to be an incredible source of inspiration, support, and professional growth. Through KDP, I’ve connected with educators who share a deep commitment to equity, student-centered learning, and the transformative power of education. Those connections remind me daily that teaching is not a solitary act—it’s a collaborative journey built on shared wisdom and continuous reflection. My experience contributing to The New Teacher’s Guide to Overcoming Common Challenges also deepened my connection to the teaching community. Writing for that publication pushed me to translate my own strategies for classroom management ...

As a Birdwatcher, Here’s What I've Learned About Classroom Management

By Kevin Wong posted 09-30-2025
As a Birdwatcher, Here’s What I've Learned About Classroom Management Birding taught me four ways we can better prepare our early-career teachers for the classroom By Ronak Shah During a quiz, two students whisper in the back of my room. I notice, but stay quiet. I have one chance to redirect them. Forty-seven seconds into their conversation, while my back is to them, I spin around, make eye contact, and say, “I know, right?” They pause mid-sentence, shocked. “How did you hear us?” “This may come as a surprise, but when the room is silent, I can hear you whisper.” ...

Board Spotlight: Dr. Pierre Lu

By Raevyn Harris posted 09-22-2025
Meet Dr. Pierre Lu, one of KDP's newest National Board Directors-at-Large and a Professor of Research Methodology at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV). A Passion for Learning and Teaching Dr. Lu’s path in education has taken him through some of the world’s most respected universities. He earned his Ph.D. from Columbia University, his M.Ed. from Harvard University, and his M.S. from Teachers College, Columbia University. Along the way, he discovered a passion for STEM education, the learning sciences, and global initiatives. But for Dr. Lu, it is not just about research, it is about people. “Many students look up to ...

Member Spotlight: Dr. Michelle Goodwin

By Raevyn Harris posted 09-22-2025
For more than three decades, Dr. Michelle Goodwin has been a proud member of KDP. She was first drawn as a college student in the early 1990s because she wanted to be part of an honor society that recognized academic excellence while also supporting innovative approaches to teaching and learning. Finding Her Voice at Convo Michelle attended her first KDP Convocation in Orlando, Florida in 2001 as a new chapter counselor and first-year faculty member in the School of Education. “Everything was new in higher education, and I felt like a new kid on the first day of school,” she recalls. She entered Convo as a newbie but left with growing confidence. ...

Facing the Truth: Conversations on Race, Identity, and Equity in Education

By Kevin Wong posted 09-16-2025
Facing the Truth: Conversations on Race, Identity, and Equity in Education By Kevin Cataldo Often, as teachers and school leaders, we do not get the chance to engage in conversations with one another to critically reflect on how our understandings of race, culture, and ethnic identities impact our students in the classroom. When teachers and school leaders reflect together on how their racial, cultural, and ethnic identities influence their practice, they recognize that authentic teaching cannot occur without such conversations. Drawing upon research , the four tips below will help teachers and school leaders ...

Board Spotlight: Dr. Michelle Singh

By Raevyn Harris posted 09-08-2025
For Dr. Michelle Singh, teaching has always been more than lesson plans and standards. It has been about restoration, identity, and belonging. “I was never taught that one day I’d become the kind of teacher who helps other teachers heal,” she reflects. “But my journey led me beyond instruction into creating spaces where educators can unlearn perfectionism, reclaim rest, and teach from a place of wholeness.” A Journey Shaped by Experience As a Jamaican immigrant navigating a new culture and language at nine years old, Dr. Singh knows firsthand what it feels like to be invisible in the classroom. Small but powerful moments, a teacher pronouncing ...