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TOGETHER
We’re Helping School Districts Grow Their Own Educators

Educators Rising cultivates highly skilled educators by guiding young people on a path to becoming accomplished teachers, beginning in high school. As a Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO), Educators Rising offers resources and opportunities that integrate directly into the academic programs of “teacher academy” career and technical education courses at the high school level. With official affiliates in 27 states and regions and a network made up of more than 43,000 students and more than 2,400 schools, we are helping school districts build a pipeline of diverse, passionate educators.

Daisy Boyar is a senior at Rio Rancho High School in New Mexico who is eager to begin her career in teaching because she knows that all it takes is one good teacher to make a difference in the life of a student. Listening to 2018 National Teacher of the Year Mandy Manning’s speech convinced her to become a high school ESL teacher, and hearing from educator and author José Vilson, a 2019 conference keynote speaker, inspired her even more.

“I have developed such a passion for teaching because of all the inspiring educators and fellow rising educators that I meet every year at the conference. There, I’ve learned how important it is to love students for who they are, raise attention to the inequalities that exist within our classrooms, and take steps to prevent them.”
–Daisy Boyar, Educators Rising 2019-2020 National Student Officer

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We’re Amplifying Student Voice

Educators Rising Collegiate adds to the continuum of supports offered to current and aspiring educators. By establishing an Educators Rising Collegiate chapter at their school, future educators are able to gain access to an additional level of supports and content to ensure they are ready for the classroom. Throughout the year, students participate in a variety of activities designed to engage them in deeper discussions around hot-button topics in education, spur them to think about actions they can take at the local level, and prepare them for a classroom of their own.

Tamir Harper is the current president of the Educators Rising Collegiate Chapter at American University, where he is also a Frederick Douglass Distinguished Scholar. A former Educators Rising National Student Officer, Tamir exemplifies the finest qualities of our national network and of the future of the teaching profession. Because Tamir is so driven, tireless, and determined, it is easy to imagine him landing a job anywhere he wants when he completes his degree, but he has had one location in mind since he first chose to become an educator: Tamir will return to his hometown of Philadelphia and work in the public schools where he was once a student, honoring both his chosen career and all the dedicated teachers who lifted him up.

“Students should receive diversity in their schools, funding in their schools, and a quality education that allows every student to succeed.”
–Tamir Harper, President, Educators Rising Collegiate, American University chapter

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We’re Committed to Research, Leadership, and Service

Real learning through engagement takes you outside of your normal routine, expanding your understanding through honest human experience. In addition to chapter-level programming, for decades PDK has taken its members around the world via our International Travel Program and Gerald H. Read International Travel Scholarship. New, current, and retired educators travel across the globe to experience how their colleagues in different countries and cultures strive to improve education. Traveling to Panama, South Africa, and beyond, our members have forged lifelong friendships, challenged their preconceptions, and even earned academic credits through our program and the scholarships provided by the contributions of our community.

Kimberly Woods received the Gerald H. Read International Travel Scholarship, which supported her trip to South Africa. Her goal was to enhance her knowledge base and deepen her understanding of the culture and history of Apartheid so that she would be able to compare influential leaders within the civil rights movement in America, like Martin Luther King, Jr., to that of South Africa, like Nelson Mandela. In Cape Town and Johannesburg, she experienced the rich and diverse culture of South Africa, something she hopes to be able to share with her students through the books, artwork, and craft items she gathered, as well as the pictures she took of both famed and unknown citizens of South African who were impacted by Apartheid.

“After receiving information from former political prisoners at Robben Island, experiencing an Apartheid walking tour, visiting with tribal natives in a small African village, and more, I was able to better understand the impact of decisions that were made to change the living conditions, legal system, and overall culture of a place that was thriving with diversity.”
– Kimberly Woods, PDK member since 2019, Gerald Read Travel Scholarship recipient

An exchange student from the Netherlands, Dr. Maartje van den Bogaard first joined PDK as a graduate student at Minnesota State University and now serves as an application reviewer for the PDK Educational Foundation Scholarship Program. She felt called to become a reviewer to support PDK, an organization that supported her and so many aspiring educators.

“I have experience as a lecturer, researcher, consultant, administrator in higher education, and teacher trainer, and I feel this gives me a unique perspective. The two times I have reviewed scholarship applications, I was impressed with the persistence and motivation the applicants show. I wish there were enough funds to support all of the applicants! I owe a lot to people who have supported me throughout my career (and who continue to do so), and I hope I can make a small difference to others!”
– Dr. Maartje van den Boggard, PDK member since 2017, Scholarship reviewer

Dr. Beverly Murphy joined Pi Lambda Theta as a graduate student at Indiana University in the 1980s. She shares that our insurance program, Kappan articles, and newsletters that helped her become a better teacher. She now supports the PDK Educational Foundation Scholarship Program as a reviewer, allowing her to support PDK, stay in touch with current students, and remain active in the education field after her retirement.

“The outcome of my being a reader/reviewer was both satisfying and somewhat distressing. I found the student views, aspirations, and backgrounds incredibly varied, and the quality of their writing skills, sense of reality or innocence, and reasons for wanting the scholarships equally compelling. What I did not expect was to become so involved in each candidate’s needs and futures.”
– Dr. Beverly Murphy, Pi Lambda Theta member since 1984, Scholarship reviewer

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We’re Informing the National Discourse

As part of our commitment to honest dialogue about teaching as a profession, PDK provides educators with information they can trust. The 2018 PDK Poll of the Public’s Attitudes Toward the Public Schools, which was supported by the Carnegie Corporation of New York, showed that – for the first time in its 50-year history – most Americans surveyed (54%) did not want their child to take up teaching in the public schools as a career. In addition, responses from the more than 1,000 people interviewed for the poll on topics such as supporting teacher strikes for higher pay, security in schools, and more helped us capture the public’s attitudes toward the public schools in 2018.

Informed with 50+ years of data from the annual PDK Poll, members are ready to advocate for students in their classrooms, schools, districts, and communities. Dr. Nina Little, PDK member since 1978, shares that the poll is especially valuable to her when having conversations with friends and family.

“I want to be ready with information when friends and family who know I’m a long-time public school educator, or even those who don’t know it, are discussing or making comments about our schools, the quality of teacher preparation, and the quality of education students are currently receiving.”
–Dr. Nina Little, PDK member since 1978, Heritage Society member

Learn more about our latest PDK Poll results.

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We’re Bridging Research and Practice

For more than 100 years, Kappan has offered timely, relevant, and provocative insights on K-12 education policy, research, curriculum, and professional development. It features lively articles and commentary — written in an accessible style — on a wide range of themes, from elementary education, middle grades reform, and high school improvement, to new research and trends in teacher preparation, classroom instruction, curriculum design, assessment, education technology, student health and wellness, college transitions, family and community engagement, and many other topics.

George Kersey joined PDK in 1975. He was attracted to PDK’s basic tenets: research, service, and leadership. Over the years, he would become more and more committed to supporting the future of education. Thanks to dedicated supporters like George, we will be able to sustain important resources like Kappan for generations of educators to come.

“The work of the PDK Educational Foundation and the professional journal, Kappan, were, and still are, of enormous value to me professionally and personally.”
– George Kersey, PDK member since 1975, Heritage Society member

Learn more and read the latest Kappan articles.

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We’re Navigating the Complexity of the School System Transformation

PDK International launched the inaugural cohort of its Community of Learning and Practice (CoLP) in 2017 with grant funding from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. The goal was to provide system leaders with support to help them define problems, design solutions, and drive transformation through a social justice and equity lens. The cohort fostered collaboration, accountability, and learning among participants, enabling a candid and productive dialogue focused on challenges and solutions.

The cohort continued through 2019, engaging school system leaders with a proven track record and commitment to leading for social justice, equity, and excellence, like Damien Pattenaude, superintendent of Renton School District. Damien not only participated in the CoLP, but also benefited from working with PDK prior.

“Over a 6-month period, I partnered with PDK to help my executive team get clear about our mission, core values, and priorities for the 2017-18 school year. This work was critical to the successful launch of the school year and has provided clarity for our decisions as leaders.”
–Damien Pattenaude, Superintendent, Renton School District, Washington

TOGETHER
We’re Building a Brighter Future for Educators and Students

The generosity of our donor base allows PDK to continue grow and connect supporting aspiring educators. That spirit of giving to support the teaching profession also reminds us of the lifelong impact teaching has on the teacher as well as all their students. Dr. Nina Little has been a PDK member since her first year as a teacher in 1978. Through reading Kappan since graduate school, networking with other members at conferences in and outside of her native Nebraska, and taking advantage of PDK’s International Travel Program, Dr. Little knows firsthand the impact our programs have had for teachers, educators, and students over the decades.

Now, as she considers what kind of legacy she wants to leave behind, Dr. Nina Little has set up her estate to make sure that a portion is given to PDK upon her passing, to support scholarships for future educators.

“When I began as a college freshman, I believe it cost $7.00 a credit hour. That is not the case these days. If I can assist a young person who has the desire to teach in a public school setting by paying a part of their tuition, I can make a difference in this world. We need stronger, more dedicated teachers than ever before. I can’t think of a better way to invest in the future.”
– Dr. Nina Little, PDK member since 1978, Heritage Society member

Randy Schmalz joined PDK 40 years ago as a graduate student. He has served in various capacities over the year, resulting in a “fantastic journey that has provided me with wonderful new knowledge, leadership experiences, as well as validation of the many things I did as a teacher.“ Looking back on his own path, Randy felt strongly about establishing a scholarship to support students coming after him and the next generation of teachers, researchers, doctors or technicians – all made possible by a great education.

“In preparing for the inevitable, I felt that it was necessary to continue giving all that I could. Thus, the majority of my estate, though not very large, will go to my parents’ scholarship fund so that its value will increase and be able to help deserving students along the path of becoming educators.”
– Randy Schmalz, PDK member since 1980, Heritage Society member, and endowed scholarship establisher

Eve Proffitt is a lifetime PDK member and former President of PDK. She established a scholarship in honor of her mother, who was also an educator. They were both taught to pay it forward, and today Eve is doing just that for the next generation of students.

“I received encouragement and support when I joined PDK, especially in the emergence as a leader. We must continue to find ways to support other educational leaders in organizations such as PDK that are not necessarily connected to a position or political support.”
– Eve Proffitt, PDK past President, PDK member since 1981, Heritage Society member, and endowed scholarship establisher

As a member of PDK International’s Board of Directors, Kathy Oliver has first-hand knowledge about the impact of PDK’s programs and resources. As she says, it has always been one of her “go to” organizations, and she cites the PDK Poll, Kappan, and the many opportunities to work with, and learn from, colleagues across the education field as benefits of being engaged with the organization.

“It is important for everyone to actively support the organizations that add value to our professions and communities. The viability of these organizations is dependent upon those who benefit from their work. PDK’s unwavering commitment to equity in teaching and learning is why I’m happy to be able to also financially support its work.”
– Kathy Oliver, PDK International board member, PDK member since 2015

TOGETHER
We’re Supporting the Next Generation of Educators

Every year, we are humbled by the number of members and friends who step up and join us in our work to support future educators. Through gifts made to the PDK Educational Foundation, our generous community has helped thousands of students like Jacob Rorris get one step closer to their dreams of becoming an educator.

Hailing from Hilliard, Ohio, Jacob Rorris is attending The Ohio State University where he is majoring in science and mathematics Education. With his degree and subsequent teaching license, he hopes to return to his old high school to teach math, to pay it forward to the Hilliard City School District and his community.

“This scholarship relieves some of the stress I have when it comes to paying tuition, allowing me to focus more on helping to make Central Ohio a great place to grow up and learn.”
–Jacob Rorris, Educators Rising member, PDK Educational Foundation Scholarship Recipient

Meryl Barnes
Pi Lambda Theta Student Support Scholarship
University of Missouri – Columbia

“I am striving to become a kindergarten teacher and an educational researcher. As a dual major in early childhood education and psychology, I strive to utilize my education to make a difference in my students lives. My philosophy of education challenges the topic of equity for all students, thus my goal is to be an ally for students of color. I appreciate being selected for this award, as it is helping me continue in my education.”

Jerica Briggs
Pi Lambda Theta Student Support Scholarship
University of Nebraska – Omaha

“My plans are to complete my graduate degree in Special Education in 2020. After that I plan to go on and study to receive my certification as a bi-lingual educator. My goals are to work in schools in the world where children with special needs also speak two or more languages. This population is growing in the US and there are few professionals who are qualified to meet their needs linguistically and in special education. This scholarship will help me achieve those goals and change the future for students in the US and beyond.”

Augustin Cervantes
Pi Lambda Theta Student Support Scholarship
University of California – Los Angeles/

“My current educational plans are to complete a doctorate (Ed.D.) degree in Educational Leadership Program (ELP) at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) in the next 2 years.  Professionally, my objective is to become a higher education administrator at the executive level.  This award will directly contribute to my development as an informed leader in issues of multiculturalism, student retention, and workforce education. Ultimately, I will use my training to produce empirically rigorous and practicum-based solutions to help graduate first-generation students in a timely manner. I appreciate the financial support in this arduous endeavor.”

Sean Collins
Lowell C. and Mary J. Rose Scholarship
Vanderbilt University

“Since age 13, my entire life has been focused on becoming a science teacher. Throughout high school, all my choices have been in support of that goal, and now with this scholarship I will be able to study education in college at a lower cost which will help me give my future students the time they deserve rather than worrying as much over money.”

Claire Darmstadter
Meissner Family Endowed Scholarship
University of Michigan – Ann Arbor

“I plan on studying Elementary Education and Spanish. I hope to begin my teaching career in Latin/South America teaching English, as well as working with buildOn to provide a new school for a community in need. Upon returning to the U.S., I would love to teach in a bilingual/ELL setting. I am so appreciative of the financial support towards my education, and I know that by lessening the financial burden of college, I will be able to better direct my energy towards serving my future students.”

Nisha Desai
Lanny Holm Memorial Endowed Scholarship
University of California – Riverside 

“I will attend University of California – Riverside in the fall, and I aspire to become a math teacher at the high school level. This award will help pay for the various expenses associated with obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics for Secondary School Teachers and, later, my teaching credential.”

Destyni Espinoza
University of Texas at El Paso Scholarship
Hardin-Simmons University

“My educational goal is to attend Hardin-Simmons University and to become a high school English teacher and coach. I want to help students reach their full potential and teach them valuable life lessons. By teaching English, I want to go beyond just teaching them grammar and writing essays; I want to help them find their voice to express themselves. As a softball coach, I want to share the lessons that I have learned as an athlete in this sport. I want my players to know about discipline, failure, and success because these lessons will make them better people.”

Destiny Jackson
Dr. J. Arnold Webb Endowed Scholarship
East Central Community College

“Ever since I was a little girl, I always dreamed of becoming a teacher, and now I have the opportunity to make my dream a reality. For the next four years, I plan on working hard to obtain a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. “

Lori Lachowski
Pi Lambda Theta Student Support Scholarship
Niagara University

“I am from the Tuscarora Nation, and am currently attending Niagara University while working towards my bachelors degree in teaching secondary education, grades 5-12 along with a minor in Spanish.  For me, the education of future generations of Native Americans is vital to the preservation of our culture and society, and through this we can guarantee that our nation will continue to prosper. We are in dire need of passionate educators that are focused on the success of our youth and are willing to support and accommodate their unique qualities so that they can become extraordinary and contributing members of our society.”

Baohan Phi
Sandra Joy Crowther Endowed Scholarship
University of Houston

“My educational goal is that by May of 2020, I will obtain a Bachelor’s Degree in Adolescent Education and English (with a minor in Psychology) and a Master’s Degree in Literacy. My career plan is to teach English (ELA) to students in grades 7-12 in a public, Montessori, or private school setting. This award will help me achieve my goals by giving me the financial and educational support I need to continue my career path, especially during my year of Graduate school. This award gives me the opportunity to make my dreams a reality. Thank you for your encouragement.”

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WE’RE GROWING AND CONNECTING EDUCATORS

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