Best Practices
Around the world, PDK chapters are contributing to the betterment of education, communities, and society by putting into action the mission of the association and its tenets of leadership, service, and research. See how chapters are making a difference!
We always want to know what works for chapters! Send your success stories and photos to chapters@pdkintl.org.
Best Practices by Topic
Promoting and Growing PDK Chapter Membership
Chapter Meetings/Special Chapter Events
Chapter Fundraising
Community Outreach/Chapter Service Projects
Recognizing Chapter Members/Others
Supporting Future Educators Association®
Supporting the PDK Educational Foundation
Promoting and Growing PDK Chapter Membership
Effective PDK chapter leaders acknowledge that continuous growth is essential to their chapter’s viability. The examples below illustrate what numerous chapters have done to spread the word about PDK and bring new members to the organization.
Do you have a suggestion for an initiative that promotes PDK and increases membership? E-mail us at chapters@pdkintl.org.
Find a PDK chapter in your area.
Berkeley, CA
The University of California/Berkeley chapter used a PDK project grant to support its efforts to recruit student teachers for chapter membership.
Los Angeles, CA
Each year the San Fernando Valley California chapter provides a one-day conference, “Survival Skills for Beginning Teachers,” in the greater Los Angeles area. The conference is available to teachers from the Los Angeles Unified School District, surrounding school districts, and students from California State University-Northridge. Chapter members support the conference by facilitating sessions, managing registration, and greeting attendees.
Los Angeles, CA
The San Fernando Valley California chapter hosted an annual Valley Superintendents Meeting. Attendees from each district decorated banners and wrote songs that honored their respective superintendents. The chapter gave tokens of appreciation to each superintendent, and 12 lucky ticket holders received raffle prizes.
Simi, CA
The East Ventura County California chapter uses a prepaid dinner system for chapter meetings. Members who use the system, which allows them to choose the dinner meetings for which the payment is used, save $15.00. New and prospective members view this as a convenient benefit of chapter membership.
Vancouver, British Columbia
The University of British Columbia 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; and the third, on special education teacher and support staff.
Washington, D.C.
In an effort to recruit and retain members, the Howard University chapter conducts an “Everyone Bring One” initiative. Each chapter member identifies a prospective or returning member, then sends that person a special invitation to attend a fun, engaging chapter meeting.
Evansville, IN
The Evansville Indiana chapter increased PDK's community visibility when they hosted a table at the annual Family Literacy Day event, organized through the Evansville Literacy Coalition. The table featured a PowerPoint presentation about the most recent PDK/Gallup Poll of the Public's Attitudes Toward the Public Schools. The chapter gave away bookmarks containing literacy tips for parents, as well as several books and recent issues of Kappan magazine.
Nacogdoches, TX
More than 70 educators, including non-members, attended two speaking engagements by Dr. Ricardo Garcia. Sponsored by the Stephen F. Austin State University chapter, Garcia’s session topics were The Loop: Learning/Testing/Storytelling, and Building Community in Schools and the Classroom, respectively.
Waco, TX
When Superintendent Dr. Roland Hernandez of the Waco Independent School District served as a guest speaker at a meeting of the Baylor University chapter, non-members were invited. Students and teachers, as well as other community members, attended this unique opportunity.
Naples, Italy
Tom Keating, a longtime Kappan and author of the children’s book The Tortoise, the Hare and the Penguin, spoke to Vesuvius chapter members, students’ parents, and teachers during an afternoon workshop. Entitled “Desert Penguins,” the event used fables to illustrate misconceptions about the teaching process.
Las Vegas, NV
The Las Vegas Nevada chapter used funds from a PDK project grant to present a staff development day for area teachers. An educator from Washington, D.C.’s Kennedy Center demonstrated how to use drama in the classroom to increase student literacy.
Bethlehem, PA
The Lehigh University chapter awarded three outstanding college seniors with PDK medallions and PDK gift memberships.
Madison and Milwaukee, WI
The University of Wisconsin-Madison and Milwaukee Wisconsin chapters sponsored an informational booth about PDK at a convention of the Wisconsin Education Association Council.
Madison, WI
In an effort to increase both campus and community awareness of their chapter, University of Wisconsin-Madison chapter members collaborated with the University of Wisconsin Education Fellows program to introduce college freshmen to the teaching profession and PDK. Freshmen visit area classrooms, often those of chapter members, for early exposure to the teaching process. The chapter also offers a lecture series for college freshmen, featuring chapter members who speak on their areas of expertise. Area educators, including classroom teachers and administrators, are now more aware of PDK’s presence and the benefits it offers practicing educators, as well as students.
Brussels, Belgium
The Benelux chapter sponsored an institutional PDK membership for a school in the Ukraine.
West Long Branch, NJ
The Jersey Shore chapter sponsored two events for chapter members and area educators. The first, a panel discussion featuring first-year teachers, touched on subjects including lesson plans, discipline, mentoring, and evaluations. The second was a workshop/dinner, entitled “Sharing Instructional Insights: An Educator's Workshop,” for which participants could earn three CEUs.
Chapter Meetings/Special Chapter Events
Successful chapters of PDK International bring a variety of opportunities to their members through chapter meetings and special events such as workshops, symposia, and site visits such as the ones described here.
Know about an exciting and successful PDK chapter activity? Let us know about it at chapters@pdkintl.org.
Locate a PDK chapter near you.
Jonesboro, AR
The Arkansas State University chapter welcomed political columnist John Brummett as 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.
Brussels, Belgium
The Benelux chapter sponsored a visit by a group of Russian educators to schools in Belgium.
Hayward, CA
The CSU East Bay-Diablo chapter invited children's author Uma Krishnaswami to the annual joint professional development workshop/PDK meeting and ice cream social. 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.
Hayward, CA
The CSU East Bay-Diablo chapter hosts an annual forum during which area superintendents respond to the most recent PDK/Gallup Poll of the Public’s Attitudes Toward the Public Schools. Superintendents also use this forum to share their perspectives on local trends, changing demographics, financial issues, legal changes, and the education job market.
Toronto, Ontario
The University of Toronto 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, including the panel discussions:
- In Defense of Public Education: What are the Challenges?
- Inner City Model Schools: The Process, Purpose, and Vision of the Inner City Model School Project
- Can Leadership Solve all School Problems?
- The Public's Perception of Public Education
Vancouver, British Columbia
The University of British Columbia chapter sponsored three after-school workshops for novice teachers. The workshops focused on the teaching job market, differentiation, and the needs of special education teachers/paraprofessionals.
Danbury, CT
The Western Connecticut State University chapter members visited a local magnet school during a chapter meeting.
Storrs, CT
The University of Connecticut chapter hosted a panel discussion entitled “Understanding and Appreciating Children on the Autism Spectrum.” Dr. Michael Powers, a pediatric psychologist and the director of the Center for Children with Special Needs, led the discussion. Other panel members included teachers Diane Smith and Monica Dallahan, both of whom have family members on the autism spectrum.
Ft. Myers, FL
The Southwest Florida chapter welcomed Dr. Marvin Marshall, author of the bestselling book Discipline Without Stress: Punishments or Rewards – How Teachers and Parents Promote Responsibility and Learning, as the featured speaker at a chapter meeting.
Lakeland, FL
The Florida Southern College chapter members spent an enjoyable evening renewing acquaintances and sharing in the wisdom of a remarkable individual: Florida's longest-serving teacher, Miss Hazel Haley. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn firsthand how to avoid burnout in the teaching profession.
Agana, Guam
Before a local fall election, the Guam chapter hosted a forum entitled “Meet the Candidates.” This was a good opportunity to hear candidates’ thoughts about education and other important issues.
Pittsburgh, PA
The University of Pittsburgh-Three Rivers chapter commemorated its 90-year anniversary with a buffet dinner and entertainment aboard a cruise ship.
Naples, Italy
Educators, members, and parents of K-12 students attended an afternoon workshop sponsored by the Vesuvius chapter. “Desert Penguins,” presented by PDK author Tom Keating, used an animal fable to illustrate myths, facts, and truths about the teaching and learning process.
Wichita, KS
Along with the Kansas Teacher of the Year program, the Wichita State University chapter
sponsored a Celebration of Teaching event. The event brought together area high school and middle school students and their teachers for a one-day session focusing 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. More than 75 people attended.
Seoul, Korea
The Seoul Korea chapter sponsored a workshop for teachers and parents of “third culture kids” (children whose developmental years were spent outside their parents' cultures). Approximately 70 people attended this event.
Ypsilanti, MI
Educational leadership doctoral students from the Eastern Michigan University chapter actively participate in the annual Michigan Association of Professors of Educational Leadership Research Symposium. The students present their research to faculty and students, engage in roundtable discussions about their dissertation topics, facilitate formal presentations by their peers, and participate in informal poster sessions.
Duluth, MN
The University of Minnesota/Duluth 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,” which included a seminar about health issues that have a detrimental effect on student learning.
Moorhead, MN
Members of the Moorhead Minnesota-Fargo North Dakota chapter, including graduate students and education practitioners, presented at the chapter’s Showcase of Educational Innovation.
Hattiesburg, MS
A forum hosted by the Pine Belt chapter focused on public education and teacher preparation in Mississippi in the coming decades. Speakers included former governor Ronnie Musgrove, as well as education administrators from William Carey University and the University of Southern Mississippi.
Missoula, MT
The University of Montana chapter partnered with the School of Education to offer a research symposium series on student learning, parents, and preventive health measures. The series provided participants with the opportunity to earn two hours of professional growth credit.
Las Vegas, NV
Inspired by research that supports the effectiveness of theater in improving student literacy, the Las Vegas Nevada chapter organized a staff development day featuring a presenter from the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. The workshop introduced strategies for using theater in the classroom, along with suggestions for coaching students to be focused and expressive in their dramatizing. This was funded partially by a PDK project grant.
Manchester, NH
A meeting of the Southern New Hampshire chapter featured a guest speaker who addressed health and wellness issues specific to educators. Another chapter meeting featured wildlife educator Marilyn Wyzga of the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. She spoke about the growing national movement to re-connect children with the outdoors, why children need “wild places,” and how time in nature has been demonstrated to enhance student learning.
West Long Branch, NJ
The Jersey Shore chapter sponsored two events for educators, including a panel discussion and workshop/dinner. The panel discussion, “Experiences of a First-Year Teacher,” included topics such as job interviews, salary considerations, mentoring, discipline, and evaluations. The workshop, “Sharing Instructional Insights,” was open to practicing teachers who earned three CEUs for their participation.
Albany, NY
Three remarkable graduate students with diverse backgrounds spoke at a College of St. Rose chapter 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. All are pursuing master’s degrees in educational leadership at the College of St. Rose.
Albany, NY
The State University of New York-Albany chapter started a monthly book club. The group meets for an evening of delicious food and lively conversation led by a school of education faculty author.
Long Island, NY
Meetings of the Long Island chapter have featured Dr. David Stern of NCC, who discussed teaching environmental sciences using the works of Henry David Thoreau, and Dr. Eric Freidman, who spoke about character education.
Miller Place, NY
A meeting of the Suffolk County chapter featured Dr. David Makowski, director of school consultation services of the Cody Center, who spoke about children with autism spectrum disorders.
New York City, NY
The Pace University chapter hosted a joint meeting for all New York chapters entitled “Operation Respect: Don't Laugh at Me.” Mark Weiss, executive director of Operation Respect, gave a moving presentation on the issue of bullying.
Durham, NC
The University of North Carolina chapter provided 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
The University of Dayton chapter meets at a variety of times and locations. Three meetings are held in the early evening on a weeknight on campus. Snacks are provided at no cost. The other three meetings are held off campus at a restaurant on Saturday mornings.
Elyria, OH
The Golden Crescent Ohio chapter sponsored a PDK Political Night. A state school board member and assistant superintendent addressed the issues of achievement and funding.
Huron, OH
The Firelands College chapter sponsored a symposium on incorporating math and science into K-12 curriculum. The event began with remarks from a National Air and Space Museum staff member.
Toledo, OH
Toledo Ohio chapter webmaster David Harms presented “What is a Wiki? (and Other Technology Questions You May Want Answered)” to chapter members.
Philadelphia, PA
At their meetings, the Temple University chapter traditionally discusses the annual PDK/Gallup poll.
Pittsburgh, PA
Using funds from a PDK project grant, the University of Pittsburgh-Three Rivers chapter
brought together community and education leaders to examine the challenges facing Pennsylvania school districts in complying with federal education mandates. The forum was sponsored in partnership with the schools of law and education and the Education Policy and Leadership Center.
Rock Hill, SC
The Piedmont Area South Carolina chapter sponsored PDK Turn Around Awards. One student from each area school district received an award for overcoming academic, behavioral, or personal obstacles. Student winners were honored at a chapter meeting.
Rota, Spain
The Iberia Spain chapter provided a two-hour university graduate-level course entitled “Authentic Assessment.” The course, taught remotely by an instructor from the U.S., focused on a wide range of assessment techniques. The chapter paid the instructor with funds from a PDK project grant.
Nacogdoches, TX
At two different meetings of the Stephen F. Austin State University chapter, Dr. Ricardo Garcia discussed storytelling and building school/classroom communities.
Waco, TX
Local educators, students, and the public were invited to attend the Baylor University chapter meeting at which Dr. Roland Hernandez, superintendent of the Waco Independent School District, was the guest speaker.
Salt Lake City, UT
The University of Utah chapter sponsored a panel discussion of federal education mandates at a breakout session of the Utah State School Boards Association’s annual conference. The chapter president moderated the panel, which consisted of the state superintendent of public instruction and two area school superintendents.
Harrisonburg, VA
The Shenandoah Valley chapter annual kick-off meeting is a picnic that members can attend with their families. While they do conduct some PDK business at the picnic, the rest of the time is spent relaxing and reconnecting after the summer holiday.
Bellevue, WA
Administrators and faculty of Clover Park School District collaborated with the Washington State chapter to conduct a symposium entitled “Creating Safe and Successful Learning Communities.”
La Crosse, WI
Along with the School District of La Crosse, the La Crosse Wisconsin chapter sponsored a presentation on Internet predators. A special agent from the Wisconsin Department of Justice spoke to the group about this important and timely issue.
Madison, WI
The University of Wisconsin-Madison chapter partnered with the University of Wisconsin Education Fellows program to introduce college freshmen to the education profession and PDK. The chapter helps identify schools and classrooms for students to visit, often where a PDK member is the teacher. Chapter members also speak to freshmen on education topics in which they have expertise.
River Falls, WI
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, and three special education topics: inclusion, discipline, and RTI.
High Point, NC
At a meeting, High Point University/Central Carolina chapter members participated in an auction of donated items. The funds raised at this event provided a scholarship to a prospective teacher.
Chapter Fundraising
PDK chapters have a history of creative, successful fundraising efforts. Take a look at these examples, share them with others in your chapter, and consider borrowing an idea or two for your own use.
Has your chapter conducted a successful fundraiser? Please tell us about it. Send your story to chapters@pdkintl.org.
Los Angeles, CA
The University of Southern California 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) and the new initiate(s).
Simi, CA
The East Ventura County California chapter hosts an annual wine tasting event, the proceeds of which fund local scholarships. The chapter has awarded as many as four $500 scholarships in one year to prospective and continuing educators.
Plantation, FL
An annual auction hosted by the Broward County Florida chapter raised more than $4,100 for the chapter's scholarship fund.
Tampa, FL
For a donation of $100 to the Tampa Florida chapter’s scholarship and awards fund, the donor receives a personalized 9 x 12 plaque.
Valdosta, GA
The Valdosta State University PDK chapter sold raffle tickets for a spa package, as well as dinner for two at a local restaurant. Because most educators in this chapter's area are teaching full-time and working on their advanced degrees part-time, proceeds were used to establish a scholarship fund for area teachers pursuing advanced degrees.
Okinawa, Japan
The Okinawa Japan chapter raised more than $11,000 for scholarships in a single auction. Two $4,000 scholarships and one $2,000 scholarship were presented to local high school students who will be education majors in college.
Meridian, MS
To raise funds for its annual Excellence in Education recognition program, the Meridian Area chapter held a doubles and combo mixed tennis tournament at a local country club.
Dobbs Ferry, NY
The Mercy College chapter conducts an annual Scholarship Dinner/Dance. In just one evening, the chapter raised over $8,000 for prospective educator scholarships.
Charlotte, NC
The Charlotte North Carolina chapter raised funds for the PDK Educational Foundation by charging members $10 each to attend a dress rehearsal of a local college theatre production.
San Antonio, TX
A local restaurant agreed to donate 15 percent of one evening’s profits to the San Antonio Texas chapter, so they could pay for the advisor and president of a local FEA chapter to attend the Future Educators Association® International Conference.
Richmond, VA
The Virginia Commonwealth chapter added $500 to their scholarship fund in a shopping event sponsored by Macy's department store.
Community Outreach/Chapter Service Projects
PDK chapters are committed to service. Explore these projects that make a positive difference for schools and communities while promoting PDK. Consider whether your chapter could conduct similar initiatives in the future.
Do you have a suggestion for service projects/community outreach events? E-mail us at chapters@pdkintl.org.
Fayetteville, AR
The University of Arkansas chapter reached out to students entering the teaching profession by sponsoring a reception for graduating college seniors.
Harrison, AR
Ozark Mountain chapter members donated books and bears for children participating in the Ozark Reading Council program. In addition, they partnered with another local organization to provide dictionaries to all third-grade students in Harrison.
Dominguez Hills, CA
The California State University-Dominguez Hills chapter used a PDK project grant to help first-generation college-bound students from the Los Angeles area expand their perspective on college choices. The chapter paid for 45 students to tour college campuses and receive scholarship information.
Los Angeles, CA
The San Fernando Valley California chapter’s annual Survival Skills for Beginning Teachers conference is open to teachers from LAUSD, surrounding school districts, and students from California State University-Northridge. Chapter members serve as presenters, facilitators, greeters, and registration workers at this one-day event.
Newport Beach, CA
The Trabuco California chapter offers an annual scholarship to a local student entering a four-year university to study education.
Redlands, CA
The Redlands California chapter sponsored a scholarship clinic, during which chapter members helped local students complete scholarship applications and write their accompanying essays. In addition, members served as Academic Decathlon judges and also conducted a book drive.
Phoenix, AZ
The Phoenix Arizona chapter sponsored the induction ceremony of a local National Junior Honor Society, providing refreshments for 125 guests.
San Diego, CA
More than 100 students from a local high school collaborated with the San Diego County chapter to read to area students during Read for the Record. Students were then encouraged to go home and read to someone else.
Stockton, CA
The University of the Pacific chapter sponsors an annual essay contest in which students in grades four through eight read their essays to parents, teachers, and administrators. The winning essays are published in the chapter newsletter.
Walnut, CA
When the Mt. San Antonio California chapter donated $1,000 to a local high school’s Future Educators Association® chapter, the chapter used it to defray travel costs for their attendance at the FEA International Conference.
London, Ontario
The London Ontario Canada chapter presents the annual Young Authors' Conference for students in grades seven and eight. The goal of the conference is to reinforce the importance and value of writing and clear communication. Past keynote speakers include Barbara Haworth-Attard, local author of young adult fiction. The conference is supported by a PDK project grant, the Thames Valley District School Board, and the London District Catholic School Board.
Toronto, Ontario
The University of Toronto chapter installed the first Canadian FEA chapter. The installation luncheon was in the sixth-grade classroom of the teacher who advises the group. The teacher, principal, and superintendent, as well as the PDK president and foundation representative, all spoke. The chapter will follow this group and will continue to support their exploration of education careers.
Danbury, CT
The Western Connecticut State University chapter designated Ann's Place, a cancer support and educational group co-founded by the wife of the chapter's first president, as the recipient of $780 from a chapter fundraiser.
Ft. Myers, FL
Southwest Florida chapter
The chapter awarded $2,000 scholarships from the scholarship trust fund to two students who are completing teacher internships. The awards are made from the interest gained on investments of capital in the trust fund. Money for the fund is raised by chapter fundraising efforts.
Plantation, FL
The Broward County Florida chapter conducted a gift card drive to assist families and students displaced by severe weather.
Tampa, FL
The Tampa Florida chapter engaged in two service projects: they collected more than 850 toys during their Holiday Toy Drive, and they helped paint a needy person's home in the citywide “Paint Your Heart Out, Tampa!” program.
Marietta, GA
The Kennesaw Mountain Georgia chapter raised $500 for the American Heart Association through a bake sale. In addition to conducting a supply drive for a local school (as well as a school in Panama), they also donated new teddy bears to local emergency personnel for distribution to children who need a little support in times of trouble.
Valdosta, GA
The Valdosta State University chapter created a scholarship fund for local teachers who are pursuing graduate degrees.
Agana, Guam
The Guam chapter awarded a $500 scholarship to a high school senior pursuing a career in education.
Aurora, IL
This Greater Northern Illinois Area chapter received a PDK project grant to support the creation of new Future Educators Association® chapters. This grant enables the chapter’s FEA officers to help schools charter with FEA.
Decatur, IL
The Decatur Illinois chapter collected pre-owned musical instruments and donated them to the Symphony Guild for students of the Decatur Public Schools.
Peoria, IL
The Bradley University/Heart of Illinois chapter sponsored an incentive-based summer reading project, Winning Together Through Reading, for children from inner-city schools. Two celebrations were held: a mid-summer hot dog picnic, and a culminating luncheon at which grand prize incentive drawings were held. Students, parents, and local librarians attended both events.
Evansville, IN
The Evansville Indiana chapter hosted a booth at the annual Family Literacy Day event, organized through the Evansville Literacy Coalition. A PowerPoint presentation of the latest PDK/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 Kappan magazine.
Okinawa, Japan
Through the Okinawa Japan chapter’s Books for Tots program, all new parents at Lester Naval Hospital receive pamphlets about 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.
Emporia, KS
During the Read for the Record event, Flint Hills Kansas chapter members read the official Read for the Record book to more than 300 students. Some students heard the story read in Spanish.
Seoul, Korea
Seventy parents and teachers attended an informative event presented by the Seoul Korea chapter about supporting “third culture kids” (students who have spent a significant part of their developmental years outside their own parents' cultures).
Duluth, MN
In collaboration with area education organizations, the University of Minnesota/Duluth chapter presented “Healthy Children Are Ready to Learn.” This one-day summit informed parents and teachers about wellness issues that can adversely affect student achievement.
Omaha, NE
The University of Nebraska/Omaha chapter has co-hosted a Showcase of Teaching event with the University of Nebraska for more than 20 years. Each spring, hundreds of students, including members of Future Educators Association® chapters, gather on campus to celebrate and investigate teaching careers. This is done through lesson showcases, panel discussions, and scholarship opportunities available only to attendees who are high school seniors. According to an article,"[T]his group of PDK members has seized the opportunity to engage potential educators in a way that is inspirational for all of those involved."
Las Vegas, NV
The Las Vegas Nevada chapter assisted the Nevada Arts Council in obtaining a NEA grant for the Nevada Association of Art Educators. The Arts Collective serves 15,000 Clark County students and teachers. The chapter is exploring additional ways of interacting with local organizations and local, county, and state arts officials.
West Long Branch, NJ
The Jersey Shore chapter sponsored two events for educators (both members and non-members). The first was a panel discussion featuring first-year teachers. Participants explored various topics including interviews, salaries, classroom management, and developing relationships with veteran teachers. The second event was a mini-workshop, which included dinner. “Sharing Instructional Insights: An Educator's Workshop,” was described by participants as “hands-on, practical, and inspirational.” Educators were eligible to earn three CEUs for their participation in this event.
Buffalo, NY
The Buffalo-South chapter donated 110 formal dresses/gowns to Becca's Closet. This organization, founded by a 16-year-old student from Florida, provides dresses and formal accessories to high school girls who do not have the resources to purchase them. In addition, the chapter raised money from the Deaconess Pediatrics Unit, the only entity in New York that cares for children on ventilators.
Dobbs Ferry, NY
More than 250 people at a time have attended the Mercy College chapter’s annual Scholarship Dinner and Dance, at which they honor accomplished PDK members and raise thousands of dollars for prospective educator scholarships.
Staten Island, NY
The Staten Island New York chapter’s literary service project helped to create good cheer during the holidays. The chapter collected and donated stuffed animals and related children's books to a local service agency.
Charlotte, NC
The Charlotte North Carolina chapter focuses on reading and literacy during many of their community outreach efforts. Members brought new copies of favorite childhood books to the annual Share a Book meeting, where they showed the book, told why it had special meaning to them, and why children today would still enjoy it. The books were donated to a school in the wake of hurricane relief efforts. In addition, members provided books to K-3 classrooms at a local elementary school for Read for the Record. After the event concluded, each classroom held a drawing so one student could take home a copy of that year’s Read for the Record book.
High Point, NC
The High Point University/Central Carolina chapter funds a prospective educator scholarship by conducting a silent auction of donated items.
Alliance, OH
The Carnation Northeast Ohio chapter provided children's books to a local domestic violence shelter.
Elyria, OH
At the Golden Crescent Ohio chapter’s PDK Political Night, a state school board member and assistant superintendent discussed student achievement and school funding issues.
Wilmington, OH
Undergraduate members of the Wilmington College chapter participated in an activity to raise awareness about homelessness. For six hours, students lived in cardboard box “homes.” While some luxuries were available that the homeless would not have, students and community members gained further insight about homelessness.
Tahlequah, OK
The Tahlequah Oklahoma chapter encouraged members to make online contributions to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund in the aftermath of weather disasters. A special column in the chapter's newsletter focused on relief efforts and how members could help.
Bethlehem, PA
The Lehigh University chapter invited 14 outstanding high school students with an interest in teaching to a chapter dinner meeting, where they each received a certificate and $100. Three highly-accomplished college seniors were also guests and received PDK medallions and membership in the organization.
Ponce, Puerto Rico
The Puerto Rico chapter sponsored a year-long Parents and Students Speak program. For one year, parents and children studied monthly with chapter members to improve their English-speaking skills. Participants received certificates of participation, and some participants received medals of recognition. Local media provided coverage of the program.
Rock Hill, SC
One student from each school district in the area won the Piedmont Area South Carolina chapter’s Turn Around Award, presented to students who overcame academic, behavior, or personal obstacles. Winners were publicly honored at a chapter meeting.
Nacogdoches, TX
For the Read for the Record event, the Stephen F. Austin State University chapter provided 14 copies of the official book to Head Start students, and another nine books to area lab and charter schools. Chapter members read to students at the lab and charter schools, and the city’s mayor read to 164 Head Start students.
Waco, TX
When the Baylor University chapter hosted the superintendent of the Waco Independent School District at its meeting, they opened it to the public. Attendees, members and non-members alike, benefitted from this unique opportunity to ask questions of Dr. Roland Hernandez.
Logan, UT
The Utah State University chapter co-sponsored the Academic Olympiad, a scholarly competition involving teams from each of the participating high schools. Competitions focused on math, science, social studies, and language arts.
Recognizing Chapter Members/Others
PDK values leadership, research, and service, and chapters are known for acknowledging good work when they see it. See what select chapters have done to recognize individuals (both members and non-members) who exemplify these tenets.
Do you have a suggestion for a chapter event that honors achievements in leadership, research, and service? E-mail us at chapters@pdkintl.org.
Find a PDK chapter in your area.
Prescott, AZ
The Yavapai Arizona chapter sponsored a “Distinguished Educational Leaders” recognition banquet. More than 100 applications for the honor were sent to surrounding school districts. A committee chose the honorees, who received plaques, dinner, and a $300 donation to their respective school districts at the banquet.
Los Angeles, CA
The San Fernando Valley California chapter hosted an annual Valley Superintendents Meeting. Each district's attendees collaborated to draw illustrations and write songs celebrating their superintendent and district. Each superintendent received a gift from the chapter.
San Luis Obispo, CA
The San Luis Obispo chapter sponsored a Recognition and Scholarship Luncheon honoring 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, as well as the recipient of the chapter’s $1,000 scholarship.
Toronto, Ontario
The University of Toronto chapter celebrated 50 years of providing research, service, and leadership to Toronto educators. The celebration began with a reception in the Lieutenant Governor's Suite followed by dinner in the Great Hall at the University of Toronto. The chapter has granted many scholarships and awards over the years to those new to the profession, as well as veteran educators.
Daytona Beach, FL
The East Central Florida chapter awarded a $300 scholarship to an area high school senior planning to study education, donated $500 to 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.
Ft. Myers, FL
The Southwest Florida chapter recognized the Naples-based Ronto Group as the 2007 Outstanding Organization. The award recognizes the company's efforts to promote and enhance education in southwest Florida.
Lakeland, FL
Florida Southern College chapter members welcomed the longest-serving teacher in the state of Florida to discuss her long and rewarding career. She provided excellent advice on how to remain flexible and prevent professional exhaustion.
Marietta, GA
Fifty people, including new inductees, attended the Kennesaw Mountain Georgia chapter’s end-of-the-year event at a local country club. The chapter presented scholarships, PDK Longevity Tabs, and a PDK Service Key.
Des Moines, IA
The president of the Des Moines Area Iowa chapter presented the Iowa governor and his wife with Educator of the Year awards for their “commitment and focus on education." A PDK International Board member also provided remarks.
Worcester, MA
The Central Massachusetts chapter’s spring meeting included presentation of scholarships, PDK Longevity Tabs and Service Keys, as well as chapter awards for Outstanding Administrator, Outstanding New Teacher, Outstanding Paraprofessional, and Outstanding Community Service in Education.
Meridian, MS
The Meridian Area Mississippi chapter honored outstanding P-12 teachers throughout their county with an Excellence in Education teacher recognition banquet and awards ceremony. To raise funds for this event, they held a tennis tournament at Northeast Park Tennis Center at Northwood Country Club.
Rolla, MO
Every year, the Big Springs of the Ozark chapter gives special recognition to new educators who demonstrate initiative, creativity, and dedication to their profession.
Utica, NY
The Utica New York chapter bestowed the annual Friend of Education honor upon Kitty Kernan, founder and director of the Utica Volunteer Reading Tutor Program.
Akron, OH
The University of Akron chapter sponsored a PDK Best Practice Recognition event. Educators shared ideas and talents to give others insight into successful classroom practices.
Pittsburgh, PA
The University of Pittsburgh-Three Rivers chapter presents three awards annually. The Lay Leader Award goes to a person whose contribution to public education has been made from outside the profession. The Paul L. Narnum Award (named for the chapter’s 44th president) honors a chapter member who makes outstanding contributions to public education and who exemplifies PDK’s tenets in his or her education career. Finally, the chapter presents a PDK Service Key to a member who has made outstanding contributions to the chapter.
Huntsville, TX
The Sam Houston State University chapter sponsored an “Educators are Sweethearts” event during the month of February. A barbershop quartet presented songs, carnations, and certificates to outstanding teachers.
Supporting Future Educators Association®
PDK is the sole sponsor of Future Educators Association®, the only precollegiate program for prospective educators. Through its continued support of the association, PDK affirms its commitment to service in the education profession. Review the examples below to generate ideas for how your chapter can help PDK increase FEA’s visibility and membership in the United States and abroad.
Do you have ideas or suggestions for how PDK chapters can support FEA? E-mail us at chapters@pdkintl.org.
Find a PDK chapter in your area.
Fort Smith, AR
Janie Weber and Deebe Milford of the Western Arkansas PDK chapter use chapter funds to pay the annual dues for two local Future Educators Association® chapters. They hope that this support will encourage more students to be involved in FEA, as well as attend the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith to study education.
Wanlut, CA
The Mt. San Antonio California PDK chapter gave $1,000 to the Pioneer High School FEA chapter to support its travel to the annual FEA International Conference.
Toronto, Ontario
The University of Toronto PDK chapter installed the first Canadian FEA chapter during a special, candle-lit installation luncheon in the chapter advisor’s classroom. Each student received a notebook and a certificate, and was addressed by their teacher, principal, and superintendent, as well as the PDK chapter president and foundation representative. The PDK chapter will continue to support the FEA chapter members as they explore careers in education.
Aurora, IL
The Greater Northern Illinois Area PDK chapter applied for and received a PDK project grant to help the chapter support new Future Educators Association® chapters. This grant enables Pam Ferdinand and Judy Maxwell of Aurora University to assist those who are applying for their FEA charter.
Wichita, KS
At the Wichita State University PDK chapter’s Celebration of Teaching event, more than 75 FEA students and their instructors explored various issues related to careers in education. Presented in cooperation with the Kansas Teacher of the Year initiative, the program explored four topics: school communities, student diversity, classroom management, and the teacher’s role outside the classroom.
Omaha, NE
The University of Nebraska/Omaha PDK chapter has co-hosted a Showcase of Teaching event with the University of Nebraska for more than 20 years. Each spring, hundreds of FEA students meet to explore education careers. Lesson showcases, teacher/student panel discussions, and scholarship opportunities exclusive to high school seniors in attendance are among the showcase’s benefits. According to an article,"[T]his group of PDK members has seized the opportunity to engage potential educators in a way that is inspirational for all of those involved."
Toledo, OH
The Toledo Ohio PDK chapter paid the annual dues for four area FEA chapters.
Ponce, Puerto Rico
The yearly Future Educators Association® conference hosted by the Puerto Rico PDK chapter is highly successful, helping more than 300 future teachers develop their plans to become educators. The event features an award of recognition to a student teacher who excels in leadership, research, and service; an award of recognition to a teacher who serves as role model to future teachers; and training on ethics in teaching.
San Antonio, TX
Everyone dining at Mimi’s Café on a designated evening saw 15 percent of their total check donated to the San Antonio Texas PDK chapter, so they could sponsor the advisor and president of a local Future Educators Association® chapter to attend the FEA International Conference.
The San Antonio Texas PDK chapter also presented Stevens High School with a check for the amount of their Future Educators Association® one-time chartering fee.
Supporting the PDK Educational Foundation
The PDK Educational Foundation was established in 1966 and provides scholarships, grants, and fellowships to members of the PDK International Family of Associations.
Do you have suggestions for how PDK chapters can support the foundation? Contact PDK director of development Jim Fogerty at jfogerty@pdkintl.org.
By investing their chapter treasuries in the PDK Educational Foundation, the Penn State and State of Michigan chapters enjoy more returns on their funds than if they had invested them locally. The interest earned on Penn State’s investment in the foundation covers the annual distribution of the Andrew V. Kozak Penn State University Scholarship, while the State of Michigan’s investment will continue to the fund the State of Michigan PDK Scholarship.