All across the globe, teachers are shifting how they teach students amid the current Covid-19 pandemic. Virtual, in-person, or hybrid, teachers are doing everything they can to ensure their students are actively learning while in the safest environment possible -- and that comes with a lot of challenges! Many of these teachers are members of Kappa Delta Pi: The International Honor Society in Education.

Founded in 1911 at the University of Illinois by a professor and four students, Kappa Delta Pi aims to “foster excellence in education and promote fellowship among those dedicated to teaching.” The organization’s mission is “to prepare all learners for future challenges” with a vision that “teachers create the future.” Kappa Delta Pi was one of the first discipline-specific honor societies and offers members networking, scholarship, and professional development opportunities through in-person and virtual conferences (though, we assume most are virtual  now!). Members are also given the benefit of job placement assistance upon graduation.

Membership to Kappa Delta Pi is exclusive, only accepting education students in the top 20% of his/her class. Additionally, undergrads must maintain a 3.0 GPA and graduate students must hold a 3.5 GPA to be accepted. KDP has three levels of membership, including Professional, Student/Chapter, and Institution, all of which must renew on a yearly basis to continue access to member benefits.

Currently, there are over 625 KDP chapters and 1.2 million members internationally. You’ll recognize them on graduation day by their purple and teal honor cords and custom stoles.

Are you a member of Kappa Delta Pi? Let us know in the comments! Thank you to our teachers!