Kappa Delta Pi under the sun

By Kim McCoy
Courier Staff

Last weekend, four members of Kappa Delta Pi, International Honor Society in Education, attended the 45th Biennial Convocation, “Infinite Possibilities in Education,” in Orlando, Fl.

The four members in attendance were senior education majors Jessica Hull, Kim McCoy, Katie Noel and Philip Peacock.

The students had been planning this trip since last semester and were funded by The Associated Students of Monmouth, Kappa Delta Pi, the education department as well as fundraising on their own.

Once in Orlando, the group attended a variety of small group sessions on a range of topics, as well as several general sessions for the whole group and a business meeting.

When asked about their favorite sessions, the students all had different opinions.

Hull said her favorite session was one titled “Meet the Parents: Creating Positive Encounters,” where she learned about interacting with parents. 

“It was informative and helpful for dealing with parents to keep them informed and involved, for when I student teach as well as when I have my own classroom,” she said.            Peacock said the best session he attended was about behavior based interviewing, because it eased his mind about interviewing and looking for a job next year.

When asked what she liked best about the convention, Noel said, “I enjoyed being around people from all over the country who have the same passion for teaching that I do. It was very reaffirming for me.”

Another experience that all four attendees agreed was excellent was the honors luncheon. The students were treated to lunch and a speech titled, “From Rage to Hope: Ensuring That All Students Will Learn,” from Dr. Crystal Kuykendall, former teacher and Chairperson of the National Advisory Council on Continuing Education. Kuykendall presented the idea that teachers can inspire every student to learn, regardless of the students’ circumstances.

“I liked her presentation because she really fired you up about teaching and made you think that you could be one hell of a good teacher if given the chance! She was inspiring and insightful and represented what it looks like when you reach your potential as a teacher,” said Noel.

All four students said that the conference gave them a variety of ideas to use in the future, and were The information and ideas that were gained by attending the convention will be presented to the Monmouth College chapter of Kappa Delta Pi, as well as the Education department.