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Best Practices by Category

Chapter Programs
Community Service Project
Educator Recognition
FEA (Future Educators Association)
Fundraising
Meeting Incentives (CEU, graduate credit, door prizes, raffles)
Member Recognition
Member Recruitment
Mentoring
Outreach Project
Professional/Academic Development
Scholarships
Special Event
Student Recognition
Use of Region Project Grant Monies
Walk for Education Event/Fundraiser
Other

Chapter Programs

Jonesboro, AR
Arkansas State University PDK Chapter
Noted Arkansas political columnist John Brummett was the guest speaker for Arkansas State University's annual Paul Couch Lecture on Education. The lecture was sponsored by the Arkansas State University PDK Chapter and the College of Education. Brummett is a columnist for the Arkansas News Bureau.

Hayward, CA
CSU East Bay-Diablo PDK Chapter
Invited a children's book author to campus for the annual joint professional development workshop/PDK meeting and ice cream social. This year's featured author was Uma Krishnaswami. She spoke to an audience of 30 about the writing process and pointed out that often, in the classroom, students aren't taught writing, but simply told to write. She stressed celebrating our diverse identities and building communities within the classroom.

Simi, CA
East Ventura County California PDK Chapter
The chapter hosts an annual wine tasting event from which all proceeds go into the scholarship fund to support community educators. This year, the chapter awarded four-$500 scholarships to prospective and continuing educators.

Toronto, Ontario, Canada
University of Toronto PDK Chapter
Sponsored a four-part series on advocacy for public education called The Treasure That is Public Education. Each part focused on a different aspect of public education and the panel discussion sessions were: 1) In Defense of Public Education What are the Challenges, 2) Inner City Model Schools: The Process, Purpose and Vision of the Inner City Model School Project, 3) Can Leadership “Solve all School Problems,?” and 4) The Public's Perception of Public Education.

Danbury, CT
Western Connecticut State University PDK Chapter
The chapter members at the March meeting were treated to a tour of a Magnet School.

Ft. Myers, FL
Southwest Florida PDK Chapter
The chapter recognized the Naples-based Ronto Group as the 2007 Outstanding Organization. The building and development company received the honor at the awards ceremony in Ft. Myers on April 30. The award recognizes the company's efforts to promote and enhance education in Southwest Florida.

Lakeland, FL
Florida Southern College PDK Chapter
Chapter members spent an enjoyable evening renewing acquaintances and sharing in the wisdom of a remarkable individual and Florida's longest serving teacher, Miss Hazel Haley. It was a one-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn first hand how to avoid burn out in the teaching profession.

Marietta, GA
Kennesaw Mountain Georgia PDK Chapter
The chapter hosted a wonderful end-of-the-year event at the Marietta Country Club. Fifty attended with a number of new inductees. Scholarships were awarded as well as other awards and recognition for membership longevity and leadership service. A service key was awarded to Joanne Lee. The chapter celebrated its many accomplishments of the past year. Among other things, the chapter raised funds for local scholarships and supported a sister chapter in Panama by donating books and teacher supplies. (photos below)

Agana, Guam
Guam PDK Chapter
Phi Delta Kappa, Guam chapter 1302 will celebrate its 25th anniversary of the Guam Educators Hall of Fame this year. The following were inducted into the Hall of Fame on May 6: Alvaro (Al) Mabugon Abaday, Patricia Santos Sison, and Esther Taitano Underwood. Abaday, a teacher for 34 years, organized the mock trial program for the Department of Education; was co-author of the social studies curriculum and performance standard for DOE, Guam Teacher of the year 2001 finalist. He was on the board of directors for the Guam Humanities Council, IRA membership and Read-A-Thon committees, the Governor's Commission on Educational Excellence, and others. Sison, a school librarian for 28 years, received the Chief Gadao award, a certificate of recognition for Rainbows for All Children, a certificate of appreciation for the Committee to Computerize Dededo Middle School. She is member to the Guam Library board, the Guam Library Association, the Guam Women's Club, the Guam Memorial Hospital Volunteers Association, and others. Underwood, a teacher for 35 years and a school principal for five years, is one of the island's pioneer teachers. She started teaching at age 15 and was an elementary teacher before, during, and after World War II.

Bloomington, IN
Indiana University PDK Chapter
Along with the League of Women Voters, the Indiana University Chapter sponsored a school board candidate forum in the PDK Rose International Conference Center in Bloomington, Indiana. PDK Executive Director Emeritus Lowell Rose moderated the discussion.

Naples, Italy
Vesuvius PDK Chapter
Parents of K-12 students, educators, and members attended an afternoon workshop, “Desert Penquins,” that was presented by PDK author Tom Keating. The author shared an animal fable to discuss myths, facts, and truths about the teaching learning process. The event was granted through the PDK Traveling Scholar Program.

Seoul, Korea
Seoul Korea PDK Chapter
Sponsored a workshop for teachers and parents of “third culture kids” – students/children that have spent a significant part of their developmental years outside the parent's culture. The workshop, “Discipline Without Stress,” was presented by Marvin Marshall through the PDK Traveling Scholar program. Approximately 70 people attended the workshop.

College Park, MD
University of Maryland PDK Chapter
On April 16 the University of Maryland PDK Chapter celebrated its 65th anniversary and inducted new members.

Cambridge, MA
Harvard PDK Chapter
The Harvard Chapter sponsored four remarkable events this Spring. Henry Louis Gates, Jr., spoke on W.E.B. Dubois and the Encarta Africana; Vivian Paley presented A Common Meeting Place: How Children Invent Community Through Story and Play; A discussion of Afghanistan: Reclaiming Rights Through Music and Play was led by Louise Pascale and Zach Warren; and, Kappan editor Bruce Smith joined a distinguished panel discussion on Encouraging Educators Through the Printed Word.

Worcester, MA
Central Massachusetts PDK Chapter
At the Spring meeting the chapter awarded scholarships, longevity awards, and Service Keys. Recognitions and awards were made in the following categories: Outstanding Administrator, New Teacher, Paraprofessional, and Community Service in Education.

Duluth, MN
University of Minnesota/Duluth PDK Chapter
Partnered with the Duluth Association for the Education of Young Children and the Duluth City-Wide PTA to organize the first “University for Parents” in the area. A seminar on “Healthy Children Are Ready To Learn” informed parents and teachers about health issues that have a detrimental effect on learning. The idea came from PDK Traveling Scholar, Rosemary Potter.

Hattiesburg, MS
Pine Belt PDK Chapter
The chapter sponsored a forum on the campus of William Carey University focusing on predictions for the public school system in the coming decades and on improving teacher education for the benefit of all Mississippi school children. Speakers included former Governor Ronnie Musgrove, education administrators from Carey and the University of Southern Mississippi.

Hattiesburg, MS
Pine Belt PDK Chapter
Pine Belt Chapter (Hattiesburg, MS) committed itself to rebuilding one of the older chapters in Mississippi. The PDK programs were set to coincide with graduate and undergraduate evening classes. The first meeting with 90 guests introduced Chris Cherau and the PDK/Gallup Poll Survey results to these graduate and undergraduate students. It was a great beginning with 10 new members that first evening. The second meeting had 150 guests and students from 7 classes. The 21st Century Schoolhouse panel with the State Director of Special Education, a former governor, two Deans, and the State Director of Licensure attended. The membership campaign moved across two campuses (University of Southern Mississippi and William Carey University). One month later our officers voted to begin a membership campaign at the local community college. Within six months membership had grown to 39 new members and a large number of reinstatements. The executive board has grown from three officers to 12 in the past year. Young Authors Celebration was a PDK sponsored event inviting 355 elementary and middle school students to the university campus. Each student brought a book he/she had written and shared the work with 14 illustrators and authors. Over 20 PDK members and 25 university students helped with the celebration meeting students from 15 schools and 6 school districts. This celebration is a first of its kind in the state.

Meridian, MS
Meridian Area PDK Chapter
The Meridian Area PDK Chapter and Mississippi State University-Meridian Campus teamed up to honor outstanding teachers in Lauderdale County. An Excellence in Education teacher recognition banquet and awards ceremony was held on May 3 and all teachers, private or public, preschool through grade 12 were eligible for nomination. “This is an opportunity for our teachers to receive a pat on the back for all the good that is being done in schools,” said Tory Shirley, lecturer at MSU-Meridian and a coordinator of the awards banquet. To raise funds for the recognition program, an Excellence in Education/Tennis for Teachers doubles and combo mixed tennis tournament was held at the Northeast Park Tennis Center at Northwood Country Club.

Lincoln, NE University of Nebraska/Lincoln PDK Chapter “It was an awesome opportunity for student teachers and veteran Kappans,” said area leader Harriet Gould. She is speaking of the audience of 70 that gathered to hear speaker, Dr. Marvin Marshall, present “Discipline Without Stress.” The author was hosted by the chapter through the PDK-sponsored Traveling Scholar Program. (photos below)

Mancester, NH
Southern New Hampshire PDK Chapter
The March meeting of the chapter featured guest speaker Kathy Samenfeld who addressed the topic of Health and Wellness of Educators.

West Long Branch, NJ
Jersey Shore PDK Chapter
The chapter sponsored guest speaker, Dr. Nel Noddings, for a free event opened to students and the public. The event was held in the auditorium at Monmouth University. Dr. Noddings is the author of fifteen books and numerous articles on ethics and moral education. She most recently served as associate dean and acting dean at Stanford University.

Albany, NY
College of St. Rose PDK Chapter
Three remarkable students with diverse backgrounds from St. Rose's master's program in Educational Leadership spoke at the chapter's January meeting. Wilfrid Ndzaba, a Fulbright Fellow from Congo; Alfiya Rahimova, a Muskie Fellow from Uzbekistan; and Xu Kejin, a Ford Fellow from China, shared interesting and revealing accounts of education in their homelands. This highly informative program and multicultural experience, coordinated by Perry Berkowitz, was titled Comparative Understandings Across Educational Settings.

Albany, NY
State University of New York/Albany PDK Chapter
The chapter has started a monthly book club. The group meets for an evening of delicious food and lively conversation lead by a School of Education faculty author. The current discussion is on the book Choice Words: How Our Language Affects Children's Learning by Peter Johnston (Stenhouse Publishers).

Garden City Long Island, NY
Long Island PDK Chapter
In March the chapter welcomed Dr. David Stern of NCC who presented Teaching Environmental Sciences through Henry David Thoreau. The chapter hosted Dr. Eric Freidman at the April meeting. Freidman spoke on Character Education.

Jamaica, NY
St. John's University PDK Chapter
More than 200 attended a forum cosponsored by the St. John's PDK Chapter with the New York City Board of Education and St. John's University, which featured guest speaker Dr. Diane Ravitch. The topic, A Dissident View of the Bloomberg (NYC's mayor) School Reforms, was interesting and controversial.

Miller Place, NY
Suffolk County PDK Chapter
At the March meeting Dr. David Makowski, director of School Consultation Services of the Cody Center, gave a talk on Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders.

New York City, NY
Pace University PDK Chapter
Pace PDK Chapter hosted a joint meeting for all New York chapters in March. The title of the program was Operation Respect “Don't Laugh at Me.” Mark Weiss, executive director of Operation Respect, gave a moving presentation on the issue of bullying.

Canton, OH
McKinley Ohio PDK Chapter
Offered CEU credit for attending monthly meetings and college credit for attending six chapter meetings & the completion of a report. All meetings were education-focused with ideas that participants could use in the classroom.

Huron, OH
Firelands College PDK Chapter
The Spring banquet was held at the Sandusky Yacht Club. Guitars Unplugged, entertained during the “meet and greet” time. After dinner and induction of new members, Scott Stephens, education writer for the Cleveland Plain Dealer, was the featured speaker.

Philadelphia, PA
Temple University PDK Chapter
The chapter held roundtable discussions on the results of the latest PDK/Gallup Poll at the March meeting.

Philadelphia, PA
University of Pennsylvania PDK Chapter
The University of Pennsylvania Annual Awards dinner was held at the Nittany Lion Fireside Room. New members were inducted and recipients of the Kozak Awards were recognized.

Pittsburgh, PA
University of Pittsburgh-Three Rivers PDK Chapter
It was great! was the reaction of the chapter members to Joan Kowal's presentation to the chapter on What's Right With Public Education! The members learned realistic strategies to follow to bring about positive change for public education. Dr. Kowal's presentation was sponsored by the PDK Educational Foundation Traveling Scholars program.

Taipei, Taiwan
Taiwan PDK Chapter
Forty-five Taiwan Chapter members were treated to an amazing presentation by Traveling Scholar, Douglas Smith. Replete with interesting stories, his insight into realignment of world powers and cultural and religious regions is fascinating. The Traveling Scholar program is funded by the PDK Educational Foundation.

Nacogdoches, TX Stephen F. Austin State University PDK Chapter “What a wonderful opportunity to hear Dr. Ricardo Garcia speak,” said Sharon Ninness. Over 70 educators attended two sessions where Garcia was the featured presenter. Garcia spoke on The Loop: Learning/Testing/Storytelling at the first session; and, Building Community in Schools and the Classroom at the second session. Attendees also enjoyed a dinner that was hosted by the chapter as part of the second session. Garcia was provided for the chapter event through the Traveling Scholar program sponsored at PDK International. (photos below)

San Antonio, TX
San Antonio PDK Chapter
The San Antonio Chapter invited all Region C Kappans and their guests to a special event marking the 100th birthday of our association. The evening featured Dr. Richard Lipka, professor of education at Pittsburg State University in Kansas who spoke on Assessing Student Achievement: Ambiguous, Conflicting, and Debilitating. Dr. Lipka is a Traveling Scholar and was sponsored by the PDK Educational Foundation.

Waco, TX
Baylor University PDK Chapter
Local educators, students, and the public were invited to attend the Baylor Chapter meeting at which Dr. Roland Hernandez, the new superintendent of the Waco Independent School District, was the guest speaker.

La Crosse, WI
La Crosse Wisconsin PDK Chapter
Co-sponsored, with the School District of La Crosse, a presentation on Internet Predators. A special agent with the Wisconsin Department of Justice spoke to the group about the dark side of the Internet.

River Falls, WI
University of Wisconsin/River Falls PDK Chapter
Dr. Perry Zirkel, professor of education and law at Lehigh University, spoke to the members of the University of Wisconsin-River Falls Chapter. He presented a fast-paced update on court decisions on critical school issues such as student drug testing, student interrogations, peer harassment, teachers' academic freedom, NCLB, and special education: inclusion, discipline, and RTI. The program was sponsored by the PDK Educational Foundation Traveling Scholars program.

Community Service Project

Harrison, AR
Ozark Mountain PDK Chapter
Partnered with the 20th Century Club to provide dictionaries to all third grade students in Harrison.

Dominguez Hills, CA
California State University-Dominguez Hills PDK Chapter
“Thank you for letting us tour colleges. I thought I would not be able to go to the “good” colleges because I did not have the money; but, now I know that I can.” This student was one of many that expressed gratitude for being selected to participate in a tour to commuter, research, and private college campuses. The tour was supported by a PDK Regional Project Grant to help first generation college-bound students from the Los Angeles area expand their perspective on college choices. Forty-five students were bussed to college campuses where tours and scholarship information were provided.

Redlands, CA
Redlands California PDK Chapter
The chapter provided staff to serve as judges for the Academic Decathalon, supported the Reading Rally with workers, and held a book drive.

Redlands, CA
Redlands California PDK Chapter
Sponsored a Scholarship Clinic at which chapter members assisted area students applying for college scholarships refine their skills in completing applications and writing essays. Applications and essays are proofread and critiqued.

San Diego, CA
San Diego California PDK Chapter
The chapter tapped into the “Points for Profit” program to raise funds. Receipts from participating local businesses are turned-in by members, totaled, and returned to the Points for Profit Program for cash. The program was founded in 1970 and is committed to helping local clubs and charities raise money for their causes. The program is nationwide.

San Luis Obispo, CA
San Luis Obispo PDK Chapter
Sponsored a “Lay Citizens Recognition and Scholarship Luncheon” that recognized volunteers in the 13 school districts that the chapter serves. Superintendents, principals and other district personnel presented plaques to the honorees. There were 65 educators, volunteers, and family members present. The chapter's $1,000 scholarship recipient was also present. The chapter was recognized many times through out the luncheon for making the program possible.

Tampa, FL
Tampa Florida PDK Chapter
Reached out to the Tampa community by engaging in two service projects. The chapter collected over 850 toys for the Holiday Toy Drive; and, members helped to paint a needy person's home in the citywide “Paint Your Heart Out, Tampa!” program.

Savannah, GA
Savannah Georgia PDK Chapter
The chapter has undertaken several projects aimed at service, fundraising, and building camaraderie among members. Members participated in the PDK Walk for Education, gathered children's books and toiletries for battered women, wrapped Christmas gifts to benefit Greenbriar Children's Center, gathered Beanie Babies for the troops, raffled off “Claudia's Creations” baskets at each meeting, and held a very successful silent auction.

Peoria, IL
Bradley University/Heart of Illinois PDK Chapter
Sponsored an incentive based summer reading project, “Winning Together Through Reading,” for children from the inner-city schools. Parental involvement was required for students to register for the program. Two celebrations were held; the first event was a hot dog picnic held at midpoint during the summer; and, the second and final event was a sub-sandwich luncheon where the grand prize incentive drawings were held. Students, parents, and local librarians were present at the events.

Rockford, IL
Sinnissippi Illinois PDK Chapter
Members donated books to vote for the winning chili recipe at the chapter's Chili Shoot Out/Book Drive fundraiser. Over 100 books were donated.

Evansville, IN
Evansville Indiana PDK Chapter
As part of efforts to increase PDK's visibility in the community and the local chapter's involvement in area activities, the chapter hosted a table at the annual Family Literacy Day event, organized through the Evansville Literacy Coalition. A PowerPoint presentation of the latest Gallup Poll played continuously at the booth and the chapter provided bookmarks with helpful reading and parenting tips. The chapter also gave away several books and past issues of the Kappan.

Okinawa, Japan
Okinawa Japan PDK Chapter
Books for Tots is the chapter's service project. Books are taken to the Lester Naval Hospital and new parents receive an informational pamphlet explaining the benefits of reading aloud to children from day one, as well as three books they can use to begin their family's read-aloud journey.

Columbia, MO
University of Missouri PDK Chapter
Sponsored a community round table on ‘No Child Left Behind.' Parents, students, teachers, college professors, school administrators, and government officials attended.

Las Vegas, NV
Las Vegas Nevada PDK Chapter
Based on research supporting the effectiveness of using theater and drama to promote student literacy, the Las Vegas Nevada Chapter organized a staff development day for Drama/Humanities Specialists with a presenter from the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. Through the workshop, participants experienced ways to introduce drama/theater strategies to students, suggestions for coaching students to be focused and expressive in their dramatizing, and an understanding of the processes and applications of the workshop strategies. This was funded partially by a PDK Region Grant.

Las Vegas, NV
Las Vegas Nevada PDK Chapter
Assisted the Nevada Arts Council to obtain a NEA grant for the Nevada Association of Art Educators. The Arts Collective serves 15,000 Clark County students and teachers. Excited about what has happened, the chapter is exploring additional ways of interacting with local organizations and local, county, and state arts officials.

Buffalo, NY
Buffalo-South PDK Chapter
The chapter's service project this year was support for the Deaconess Pediatrics Unit, the only unit of its kind in New York State that cares for children on ventilators. The last meeting of the year enjoyed Lori Sabo who spoke on Create a Laughter Club – the perfect topic to discuss as the school year came to a close.

Buffalo, NY
Buffalo-South PDK Chapter
The chapter's service project for this year is “Becca's Closet.” This organization was started by a 16-year old Florida cheerleader and honor student who was killed in an automobile accident. Before her death, she had started a dress bank that provided dresses and formal accessories to high school girls who did not have the resources to purchase these. The Buffalo-South PDK Chapter donated 110 formal dresses/gowns to the Becca's Closet chapter in Williamsville.

Alliance, OH
Carnation Northeast Ohio PDK Chapter
This year's service project for this year is bringing children's books to donate to the Domestic Violence Shelter.

Berea, OH
North Coast Ohio PDK Chapter
Honored students who collected & donated books to a local elementary school. Students were bussed to the celebration, made holiday crafts, heard a storyteller, and sang songs. Parents also attended. The event was called “Butternut Honor Night.”

Elyria, OH
Golden Crescent Ohio PDK Chapter
Sponsored a “PDK Political Night.” A state school board member and assistant superintendent addressed the issues of achievement and funding. Participated in the Walk for Education and raised $860 for scholarships. Prepared Christmas baskets for 100 senior citizens and gave them to the Office on Aging.

Wilmington, OH
Wilmington College PDK Chapter
PDK undergraduate student members participated in an activity to raise awareness about homeless people and how they live. For six hours, students lived in cardboard boxes they had made. While some luxuries were available that the homeless would not have, students walked away with an insight about homelessness. The PDK students won the prize for most original with their School of Hard Knocks cardboard box.

Ponce, Puerto Rico
Ponce Puerto Rico PDK Chapter
Sponsored a “Parents and Students Speak Project” to enable parents to study and work with their children to enhance English speaking skills. The group met monthly over a period of one-year. Participants received certificates of participation with some participants receiving medals of recognition. Articles were published in local newspapers about the project.

Harrisonburg, VA
Shenandoah Valley Virginia PDK Chapter
Conducted the “First Annual Regional Leadership Conference for Future Educators.” Included FEA Clubs from area schools, a student teacher panel, and sessions. FEA Clubs shared respective activities which included Christmas bags delivered to inner city children, Thanksgiving baskets complete with turkeys delivered to needy families, and food drives for local food pantries. “The conference was inspiring for students and advisors alike!”

Educator Recognition

Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix Arizona PDK Chapter
Chapter President Carol McCall represented PDK in partnership with Underdown Junior High School in Avondale as the chapter sponsored this year's National Junior Honor Society induction ceremony and provided refreshments for 125 guests. The newest chapter member, math teacher Sheila Eccles, was welcomed and awarded a two-year membership in PDK and was named the Phoenix Arizona PDK Chapter's NJHS Teacher of the Year.

Los Angeles, CA
San Fernando Valley California PDK Chapter
The chapter hosted the 5th annual Valley Superintendent's Meeting. Each district's attendees collaborated to draw illustrations and write songs that celebrated their superintendent and district. Each superintendent was given a token of appreciation from the chapter. A dozen raffle prizes were awarded to lucky ticket holders.

Daytona Beach, FL
East Central Florida PDK Chapter
The chapter awarded a $300 scholarship to an area high school senior pursuing a degree in education; donated $500 to Futures to help supplement a grant that helps a Volusia County employee with a two-year degree to pursue a four-year degree; and recognized and presented a plaque to each of the following: Educator of the Year, Researcher of the Year, and Layperson of the Year.

Des Moines, IA
Des Moines Area Iowa PDK Chapter
Governor and Mrs. Vilsack were presented with Educator of the Year awards for their “commitment and focus on education.” Grand View College President, Kent Henning, welcomed the Vilsacks and chapter president, Lee Anderson, presented the awards on behalf of PDK. Dr. Robert Meyers, Region B Representative, also was present and provided remarks about the organization.

Rolla, MO
Big Springs of the Ozark PDK Chapter
Every year the chapter recognizes outstanding new educators who have demonstrated initiative, creativity, and dedication to their profession. This year, the awards went to Tin Marie Wnuk of Owensville High School, Tina Fortner of Laquay Middle School and Lori-Ann Chance of Mark Twain Elementary School.

Toledo, OH
Toledo Ohio PDK Chapter
The Toledo Chapter is teaming with the University of Toledo Education Alumni Association to provide awards and recognize educators.

Pittsburgh, PA
University of Pittsburgh-Three Rivers PDK Chapter
The chapter annually presents three awards to recognize those who had made a difference in education. The Lay Leader Award goes to the person whose contribution to publication education has been made from outside the profession. The Paul L. Narnum Award (named for the 44th president of the local chapter) honors a chapter member who is judged to have made outstanding contributions to public education and who exemplifies in his or her professional life all of Phi Delta Kappa ideals. The Service Key Award goes to the PDK member who has made an outstanding contribution to the chapter.

FEA (Future Educators Association)

Walnut, CA
Mt. San Antonio California PDK Chapter
The Mt. San Antonio Chapter held a successful fundraiser for scholarships at a local dinner theater and awarded two $300 scholarships to prospective educators. A student whose application was submitted by the chapter was the winner of a $1,000 PDK Educational Foundation prospective educator scholarship. In addition, the chapter paid expenses for the Whittier FEA students to attend the national conference in San Diego.

Toronto, Ontario, Canada
University of Toronto PDK Chapter
The University of Toronto Chapter installed the first Canadian FEA Chapter. The installation luncheon was in the sixth grade classroom of the counselor/teacher who advises the group. The full installation ceremony was performed with candles and words, gave each student a notebook and a certificate, and had remarks from the teacher, the principal, and the superintendent, as well as the PDK president and foundation rep. The room was filled with student display boards and they were invited to ask questions and hear more about FEA and the what goes into a career choice. The chapter will follow this group and will continue to interact more with various career-related activities. The sixth graders were selected as the pilot group because they will serve as role models for the next three years. (photos below)

Toledo, OH
Toledo Ohio PDK Chapter
The chapter paid the annual charter renewal of $65.00 each for four area FEA Chapters: Morrison R. Waite High School (Toledo); Sylvania Northview High School (Sylvania); Clay High School (Oregon); and Penta Career Center (Perrysburg).

San Antonio, TX
San Antonio Texas PDK Chapter
The chapter has sponsored the start-up of a FEA Chapter at Stevens High School by presenting a check for $100 to the group to be used for the initial charter. This is the third FEA Chapter the San Antonio Texas Chapter has helped to establish. Students from all three FEA Chapters have been invited to attend a PDK Chapter meeting.

Blacksburg, VA
VPI and State University PDK Chapter
The chapter sponsored the establishment of an FEA chapter at Christiansburg High School in Christiansburg, Virginia.

Fundraising

Los Angeles, CA
University of Southern California PDK Chapter
Sponsors a monthly raffle to benefit the PDK Educational Foundation. Tickets cost $1 each or eight for $5. A free raffle ticket for that night's prize package is given to both the sponsoring member(s) the new initiate(s).

Plantation, FL
Broward County Florida PDK Chapter
The annual auction held in March raised more than $4,100 for the chapter's scholarship fund!

Marietta, GA
Kennesaw Mountain Georgia PDK Chapter
Reached out to future educators and the community through a variety of projects. Members volunteered for the “Future Educators On-Campus Retreat” where 430 high school students participated in mini-workshops, lunch, interactive breakout sessions, and heard keynotes. Members supported an outreach to high school students considering teaching as a career by volunteering to serve as speakers, mentor students, help with field trips, and donate magazines and books to students. The undergraduate student club conducted a bake sale and raised $500 for the Heart Association, coordinated a Supply Drive for a local school, and helped with the chapter's Silent Auction fundraiser.

Valdosta, GA
Valdosta State University PDK Chapter
The VSU Chapter sold raffle tickets for “A Taste of the South” spa package at Lemongrass Day Spa, as well as dinner for two at The Ravine Grille and Dinnerhouse at Kinderlou Forest. Proceeds from this project were used to establish a scholarship fund for area teachers pursuing advanced degrees. “….. Most educators in our area are teaching full-time and working on their advanced degree part-time. This new local scholarship will enable the recipient to be able to continue teaching while going to school part-time in order to pursue their advanced degree,” said PDK member Marcie Swank.

Rockford, IL
Sinnissippi Illinois PDK Chapter
Members donated books to vote for the winning chili recipe at the chapter's Chili Shoot Out/Book Drive fundraiser. Over 100 books were donated.

Okinawa, Japan
Okinawa PDK Chapter
The chapter initiated over 20 members and the annual auction garnered over $6,000 to be used to support scholarship applicants going off to college in teacher preparation programs.

Dobbs Ferry, NY
Mercy College PDK Chapter
More than 250 attended the Mercy College PDK Chapter annual Scholarship Dinner Dance. Dr. Esther Wemuth and Dr. Michael Yarurlo were honored and the chapter raised over $500 for prospective teacher scholarships.

Potsdam, NY
St. Lawrence Valley PDK Chapter
Awards and fundraising have been the most recent focus of the chapter. Special awards were presented to outstanding student teachers, sponsor teachers, and prospective educators in the United States and Canada during a recent awards event. The PDK Walk for Education, designed to help raise local funds for projects and awards, included assembling a group of American educators and supporters at their end of the international crossing from Massena to Cornwall and a like group of Canadians on their side. The groups walked across the bridge and met with a group of educators from Akwesasne in the middle!

High Point, NC
High Point University/Central Carolina PDK Chapter
A silent auction was held to raise money to provide a scholarship to a prospective teacher. The items auctioned were donated and it is fun to watch the different strategies members used to outbid one another.

Alliance, OH
Carnation Northeast Ohio PDK Chapter
Members will raise money for the chapter's mini-grant project by filling M&M candy tubes with quarters.

Richmond, VA
Virginia Commonwealth PDK Chapter
The VCU Chapter added $500 to their scholarship fund in a shopping event sponsored by Macy's Department store. Macy's invites local non-profit organizations nationwide, to participate to raise money for a cause. The chapter, as a participating organization, sold $5.00 shopping passes, provided by Macy's, and was able to keep 100% of the proceeds from the ticket sales. Macy's offers this opportunity twice annually.

Meeting Incentives (CEU, graduate credit, door prizes, raffles)

Hayward, CA
CSU East Bay-Diablo PDK Chapter
As of July 1, 2006, the California State University-Hayward and the Diablo California PDK Chapters merged into one chapter. They bring together the strengths of a university-based chapter and a community-based chapter, and expand the area covered by the new chapter. With the merging of the two chapters, the year's theme is Linking the University and Community and programs and activities will reflect the theme in order to better meet the needs of educators and schools and their students and families in the area.

Simi, CA
East Ventura County California PDK Chapter
As a cost-saver benefit to members, the chapter uses a prepaid dinner system. If a member opts to use the prepaid system a savings of $15.00 is realized and the member may choose the dinner meetings for which that payment is used.

Missoula, MT
University of Montana PDK Chapter
Chapter partnered with the School of Education to offer a research symposium series. The series focused on student learning, parents, and preventative health. Two hours of professional growth credit was offered.

West Long Branch, NJ
Jersey Shore PDK Chapter
Sponsored two events for educators. The first, “Experiences of a First-Year Teacher Panel Discussion,” included topics such as job interviews, salary considerations, mentoring, lesson plans, discipline, developing relationships with veteran teachers, and evaluations. The second event was a mini-workshop and dinner entitled “Sharing Instructional Insights — An Educator's Workshop.” The workshop was “hands-on, practical, and inspirational.” Three hours of CEU credit was granted.

Durham, NC
University of North Carolina PDK Chapter
Providing professional development for educators by bringing together all sectors of the educational arena to discuss instructional and policy issues crucial to education. The first event was a one day seminar on equity issues. The seminar included a keynote address, breakout sessions, and closing expert panel. Registration for PDK members was $10 and included a light breakfast and buffet lunch. Participants received a certificate of participation for five hours of CEU credit.

Dayton, OH
University of Dayton PDK Chapter
The chapter meeting format has been changed in order to provide a variety of time and location options to members. Three meetings will be held in the early evening on a week night on campus. Snacks are provided at no cost. The other three meetings will be held off campus at a restaurant on Saturday morning. Members may order breakfast fare if they so choose.

Huron, OH
Firelands College PDK Chapter
Co-sponsor of a math and science symposium designed to build excitement for incorporating these subjects into the curriculum in grades K-12. The symposium was kicked off by a speaker from the Smithsonian Institute's National Air and Space Museum. Four contact hours and a certificate awarded to attendees. College credit also was available.

Member Recognition

Agana, Guam
Guam PDK Chapter
Phi Delta Kappa, Guam chapter 1302 will celebrate its 25th anniversary of the Guam Educators Hall of Fame this year. The following were inducted into the Hall of Fame on May 6: Alvaro (Al) Mabugon Abaday, Patricia Santos Sison, and Esther Taitano Underwood. Abaday, a teacher for 34 years, organized the mock trial program for the Department of Education; was co-author of the social studies curriculum and performance standard for DOE, Guam Teacher of the year 2001 finalist. He was on the board of directors for the Guam Humanities Council, IRA membership and Read-A-Thon committees, the Governor's Commission on Educational Excellence, and others. Sison, a school librarian for 28 years, received the Chief Gadao award, a certificate of recognition for Rainbows for All Children, a certificate of appreciation for the Committee to Computerize Dededo Middle School . She is member to the Guam Library board, the Guam Library Association, the Guam Women's Club, the Guam Memorial Hospital Volunteers Association, and others. Underwood, a teacher for 35 years and a school principal for five years, is one of the island's pioneer teachers. She started teaching at age 15 and was an elementary teacher before, during, and after World War II.

Madison, WI
University of Wisconsin/Madison PDK Chapter
The chapter has teamed with the University of Wisconsin Education Fellows program to introduce college freshmen to the profession of education and to PDK. According to Tom Kelley, the chapter's vice president for membership, who helped form the partnership, “our chapter got involved because of a need for a meaningful project this past year.” The chapter helps identify schools and classrooms for students to visit, often where a Kappan is the teacher. Chapter members also take part in the lecture component, speaking on education topics in which they have expertise. The chapter has achieved increased recognition from the university community and the school districts through participation in this program.

Member Recruitment

Brussels, Belgium
Benelux PDK Chapter
Sponsored a Russian group of educators for a visit to schools in Belgium; and, sponsored an institutional membership for a school located in the Ukraine.

Berkeley, CA
University of California/Berkeley PDK Chapter
Focused on recruiting student teacher and intern members passionate about education and share the mission of the association. A PDK Regional Project Grant supported the effort.

Los Angeles, CA
San Fernando Valley California PDK Chapter
Each year the San Fernando Valley Chapter of Phi Delta Kappa provides a one-day conference on Survival Skills for Beginning Teachers in the greater Los Angeles area. The conference reaches out to teachers from the Los Angeles Unified School district, surrounding school districts, and students from California State University-Northridge. The conference involves many chapter members who serve as presenters, facilitators, greeters, and registration workers. This year, more than 100 educators and students pre-registered for the conference with many more in attendance. There is no charge to the participants and all materials, refreshments, etc., are donated. (photos below)

Stockton, CA
University of the Pacific PDK Chapter
Collaborated with several local districts and colleges of education to attract and support a greater number of promising students of diverse ethnicity who are interested in education as a profession.

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
University of British Columbia PDK Chapter
Sponsored a series of three after school workshops for beginning teachers. The first workshop focused on the current job market in teaching; the second, on addressing individual student needs; the third on special education teacher and support staff.

Washington, D.C.
Howard University PDK Chapter
As a membership recruitment and retention project the chapter organized an Every-One-Bring-One initiative. Members are asked to identify a prospective member or a returning member who are then extended a special invitation to attend a chapter meeting for an evening of fun.

Marietta, GA
Kennesaw Mountain Georgia PDK Chapter/Kennesaw State University Student Chapter
This “chapter” is not the average group of 45 Kappans, but is made up of undergraduate education majors at Kennesaw State University and is completely student-run. The chapter has a mix of older and younger students, which reflects the diversity of KSU, where many of the education majors are returning students.

Wichita, KS
Wichita State University PDK Chapter
Collaborated with the Kansas Teacher of the Year program to sponsor a “Celebration of Teaching” event. The event brought together area high school and middle school students and their sponsors for a one-day session on teaching as a career option. Four topics were explored: the role and value of school communities; teaching in a diverse classroom; classroom management; and, the role of the teacher outside the classroom. Over 75 people attended.

Lincoln, NE University of Nebraska/Lincoln PDK Chapter “It was an awesome opportunity for student teachers and veteran Kappans,” said area leader Harriet Gould. She is speaking of the audience of 70 that gathered to hear speaker, Dr. Marvin Marshall, present “Discipline Without Stress.” The author was hosted by the chapter through the PDK-sponsored Traveling Scholar Program. (photos below)

Bethlehem, PA
Lehigh University PDK Chapter
In May the Lehigh Chapter contacted the fourteen high schools in the area and asked each to one nominate an outstanding senior who was planning on becoming a teacher. These students were guests at a well-attended chapter dinner meeting. Brief motivational remarks were made by several educators including the Dean of the School of Education and each student was presented with an award certificate and $100. Three outstanding college seniors were also guests and were presented with PDK medallions and membership in the organization. Chapter members are assisting the seniors to secure teaching positions in their preferred locations.

Lakenheath, England, UK
United Kingdom PDK Chapter
A group of Slovenian educators has joined together for the first international institutional membership. Former PDK Representative At-Large Tom Smith met with the group in Kranj, Slovenia, to sign an agreement to establish the institutional membership. In order to initiate the group, the United Kingdom Chapter provided first-year funding. The chapter will mentor the group, and reciprocal visits are planned.

Madison and Milwaukee, WI
University of Wisconsin-Madison and Milwaukee Wisconsin PDK Chapters
To promote awareness of Phi Delta Kappa and recruit new members the chapter sponsored a booth at the 2006 convention of the Wisconsin Education Association Council.

Mentoring

Outreach Project

Brussels, Belgium
Benelux PDK Chapter
Sponsored a Russian group of educators for a visit to schools in Belgium; and, sponsored an institutional membership for a school located in the Ukraine.

Professional/Academic Development

Fresno, CA Fresno California PDK Chapter Over 70 educators attended the first event in a mini-series sponsored by the chapter, ACSA Region IX, and the Central Valley Educational Leadership Institute. They partnered to tap into book publishers who provided refreshments and the facility for the event. The first event was from 5-7 pm followed by break-out sessions which were “a buzz.” Jim Harris, PDK Chapter/Member Liaison, reported that “people came and they were energized.” The next events in the mini-series will be in April and May. (photos below)

Houston, TX
University of Houston-University Park PDK Chapter
Houston Texas Area PDK Chapter
University of Houston-Clear Lake PDK Chapter
On Saturday, April 28, 2007, Houston area chapters of Phi Delta Kappa presented the Houston Symposium for Research in Education. The purpose of the Annual Research Symposium is to promote the professional development of present and future educators. An atmosphere of collaboration has been established for the past three years through the joint efforts of PDK chapters 0074, 1025, and 1435 and university organizations, primarily the Graduate Student Organization of the University of Houston-University Park. The outcomes include professional development, PDK membership involvement and recruitment, promotion of research in action and leadership training. The day's event began with a lecture from guest speaker David Rudd, PHD, ABPP the Chair, Dept. of Psychology, Texas Tech and President of the Texas Psychological Association. Participants listened to presentations and walked through the gallery of presentation boards being displayed and discussed. During lunch, CML Sharon Delesbore shared the mission of Phi Delta Kappa and showed the video, “We Are PDK”. Afterward, a second presentation was delivered. Leaders of chapter 0074 were also trained by CML Delesbore, being introduced to the new version of the 07-08 leadership training manual. (photos below)

Laredo, TX Texas A&M International University PDK Chapter The Texas A&M International University Chapter was successfully installed on Friday evening, February 23, with academic regalia, candlelight, and much fanfare. The president of the university, provost and vice president for academic affairs, and deans of various colleges of education were among those present and included in the "stage party." The university president and provost provided inspiring opening and closing addresses that spoke to the respect they have for Phi Delta Kappa and how honored they are to have a chapter on campus. Sandee Crowther and Michael Wolfenbarger also were present and did an excellent job of assisting with the installation ceremony. The installation was followed by a wonderful reception hosted by the university president, who has authorized a tree to be planted on campus in honor of the new chapter. The chapter organizer, Dr. Archibald Laud-Hammond, worked tirelessly to make the chapter a reality. He was joined in this effort by Dr. Barbara Greybeck, Chair of the College of Education and president of the chapter, who is committed to the future success of the chapter. There are 42 members in the new chapter; 40 of whom were recruited through the new chapter development effort. (photos below)

Salt Lake City, UT
University of Utah PDK Chapter
Sponsored a panel discussion of NCLB at a breakout session of the annual conference of the Utah State School Boards Association. Serving on the panel was the State Superintendent of Public Instruction and two area school superintendents. The chapter president served as moderator for the discussion.

Rota, Spain
Iberia Spain PDK Chapter
Sponsored a two-hour university graduate level course entitled “Authentic Assessment.” The course provided participants with an overview of assessment and a wide range of assessment techniques. An instructor from the USA was contracted to offer the course. The project was underwritten by a PDK regional project grant.

Bellevue, WA
Washington State PDK Chapter
The newly chartered Washington State Chapter and the Clover Park School District joined together with the leadership and faculty of the Clover Park School District to conduct a Creating Safe and Successful Learning Communities symposium.

Scholarships

Newport Beach, CA
Trabuco California PDK Chapter
The chapter offers a scholarship every year to a Coast District student transferring to a four-year university who plans to go into teaching.

Ft. Myers, FL