Community, Belonging, Leadership, and Celebration: An Interview with KDP President Samantha Cook
Kappa Delta Pi, founded in 1911, is a National Honor Society created for educators to build, engage, and contribute to a community of like-minded passionate individuals. The mission of Kappa Delta Pi is to inspire and empower teachers to thrive whether in a classroom, or a different professional and non-traditional environment.
KDP prioritizes four values within the educational field: community, belonging, leadership, and celebration. KDP members are able to individually convey each value in their own way. Community is fostered by providing a network for educators across the United States. Belonging, by creating a welcoming space where educators' perspectives and voices are cherished. They focus on leadership as something that can be cultivated and grown through their experiences and learning from others. Lastly, they encourage celebration as something that educators deserve, whether it be for a large or small achievement, they reinforce that everything you do matters.
The president of KDP at Oregon State University, Samantha Cook, experienced this program from the beginning. They told us the story of how the society came to be established at OSU:
“During my sophomore year here at Oregon State, one of my professors was discussing how the College of Education was working to form a club for its students to connect with fellow future educators. After discussing with one of my closest friends, we decided to be co-presidents of this club together. This club ended up being changed to a chapter of the national KDP honors society due to its various opportunities and resources for educators.”
Cook expressed how KDP has provided them endless opportunities both on a professional and individual level. Members are able to connect with aspiring educators and are given opportunities to attend panels in which previously awarded Oregon teachers of the year were present. There are numerous opportunities to attend workshops and use resources to apply for scholarships directly through KDP’s national organization. Beyond these events and opportunities, Cook’s most meaningful and rewarding part of being president of KDP has been working alongside professionals overseeing and organizing Oregon State Teacher of the Year panels.
“Working with these professionals to pass on their wisdom and share their experience in the field has been by far one of the most rewarding experiences in this position in terms of networking. Aside from this however, being able to work alongside my board and members while watching their growth as educators has been my favorite part of this position. I am beyond proud of each and everyone of them and what they are doing.”
Although this year has come to be their last year as president, Cook is optimistic that they are leaving the chapter in good hands. Kappa Delta Pi is more than just an Honor Society, it is a community for aspiring educators that are supported, celebrated, and empowered.
Students who are interested in joining KDP are able to qualify by maintaining a 3.5 GPA or higher, as well as expressing interest through their Instagram (@kdp.osu) or by contacting them by email(@[email protected]).