The teaching profession is soon to grow as the UIS Kappa Delta Pi (KDP) Honor Society initiated seven new members during a ceremony held on October 22, 2016.
Family, faculty and staff looked onward as Dr. Ronda Mitchell, Makinzie Yoho and Holly Earhart, KDP Advisor, President and Vice President respectively, swore in the standout students: Nicole Barney, Thomas Kollmann, Katlyn Krones, Roberta Kubik, Samantha Missey, James Shamp and Allie Wright.
Prior to the initiation, the attendees were treated to an engaging and entertaining presentation from Keynote Speaker Kim Thomas, the 2016 Illinois Teacher of the Year. The energy and passion for teaching engulfed the room as even those not pursuing a career in the profession were inspired. It was obvious that the members of Kappa Delta Pi were taking mental and physical notes to fill the coffers of their teaching repertoires. Ms. Thomas strutted around the room in her high heels doing horizontal kicks and creating positive parabolas on the faces of those in attendance. The wealth of knowledge being shared was nearly overwhelming as the Teacher of the Year shared inspirational stories, hilarious quips and invaluable tips.
Kim Thomas is a math teacher at Woodruff Career and Technical Academy in
Peoria, IL. She preaches building relationships with the students and is a walking, talking example of how going the extra mile for children of all ages will pay off in the long run. She made it apparent teaching is a calling, one that the members of Kappa Delta Pi are realizing they have heard.
Kappa Delta Pi, International Honor Society in Education, was founded in 1911 at the University of Illinois to foster excellence in education and promote fellowship among those dedicated to teaching. The name is derived from Greek words meaning knowledge, duty and power.
The University of Illinois Springfield Kappa Delta Pi members plan to have multiple events this year, including a book drive and a social at local micro-brewery Obed and Isaac’s. For more information check them out at www.facebook.com/groups/KDPatUIS or look for events on the College of Education and Human Services website www.uis.edu/cehs.