Two more Alpha Alpha Authors are published!
Melissa Flynn's article "The Year of the Brain:Experiences Teach About Our Most Important Organ" has been selected for inclusion in the Volume 83-2 issue of The Delta Kappa Gamma Collegial Exchange.Congratulations Melissa!
Dr. Becky Johnen's article "Change is Sometimes Necessary: A Reflection on the "Challenge of Change"". has been selected for inclusion in the Volume 83-2 issue of The Delta Kappa Gamma Collegial Exchange. Congratulations to Becky!
Melissa Flynn's article "The Year of the Brain:Experiences Teach About Our Most Important Organ" has been selected for inclusion in the Volume 83-2 issue of The Delta Kappa Gamma Collegial Exchange.Congratulations Melissa!
Dr. Becky Johnen's article "Change is Sometimes Necessary: A Reflection on the "Challenge of Change"". has been selected for inclusion in the Volume 83-2 issue of The Delta Kappa Gamma Collegial Exchange. Congratulations to Becky!
Two Alpha Alpha Authors are published!
Ms. Patricia Brenner's article "At my Patents' Knees:A personal Reflection on Life's Lessons and DKG Values" Has been selected for inclusion in Volume 82-2 issue of The Collegial Exchange. Congratulations, Patricia!
Dr. Kristen Bazley's article "Broadening Cultural Horizons of the Next Generation of Classroom Teachers:Undergraduate Perspectives from "Bush" Alaska" has been selected for inclusion in the 2016, Volume 82-5 issue of The Delta Kappa Gamma Journal. Congratulations to Dr. Bazley!
Ms. Patricia Brenner's article "At my Patents' Knees:A personal Reflection on Life's Lessons and DKG Values" Has been selected for inclusion in Volume 82-2 issue of The Collegial Exchange. Congratulations, Patricia!
Dr. Kristen Bazley's article "Broadening Cultural Horizons of the Next Generation of Classroom Teachers:Undergraduate Perspectives from "Bush" Alaska" has been selected for inclusion in the 2016, Volume 82-5 issue of The Delta Kappa Gamma Journal. Congratulations to Dr. Bazley!
Dr. Tina Selvggi article published in DKG Journal
Dr. Tina Selvggi's article "Principal and Literacy Coach:Collaboration and Goal Alinment" has been selected for inclusion in the 2016 issue of the Delta Kappa Gamma Journal. Congratulations in sharing your manuscript with the Society in the meaningful way. You make your Alpha Alpha sisters proud.
Veteran educators give cheer and support to new teachers
By M. Diane McCormick | Special to PennLive The Patriot-News
on December 24, 2014 at 9:00 AM, updated December 24, 2014 at 9:07 AM
By M. Diane McCormick | Special to PennLive The Patriot-News
on December 24, 2014 at 9:00 AM, updated December 24, 2014 at 9:07 AM
Holtzman Elementary teacher Katelyn Lawn accepts a gift bag from Delta Kappa Gamma members, from left, Stephany Davidson, Kathy Dunn, Donna Winch, and Connie Stackhouse. (M. Diane McCormick)
Stephany Davidson is retired from teaching fourth grade, but she slipped easily into her old role as she entered a classroom at Holtzman Elementary School. "You know you have the best teacher in the world, don't you?" Davidson asked the kids. A roomful of squeaky voices answered, "Ye-es." Davidson explained that she and four other women were there to surprise teacher Katelyn Lawn "for all her hard work. You work hard for her, and she works hard for you, so do you think she needs to be rewarded?" "Ye-es," said the squeaky voices. Davidson, of Lower Swatara Twp., and her companions belong to Delta Kappa Gamma, the international society for women educators. Since 1929, DKG has advanced career opportunities for women in education, and the Harrisburg area has a very active chapter.
On this Friday before the holiday break, I joined Davidson, Donna Winch, of Lower Swatara Twp., Connie Stackhouse and Kathy Dunn, both of Lower Paxton Twp., and Rosemary Ruhl, Middle Paxton Twp., as they distributed gift bags of goodies and teaching supplies to new teachers throughout Susquehanna Twp. School District. They do this every year in different districts. It shows new teachers that they are not alone, said chapter Secretary Kathy Dunn. "In today's society, so many people think that the teacher is responsible for all the aspects of a child's development, and teachers who go into the field feel that their responsibility is greater than just being in the classroom," Dunn told me. "We want them to know that there are people out there who care, and if we can be of any kind of assistance to them, we will be there." Just then, we passed a teacher and student in a classroom doorway. The little boy's head hung down as the teacher, crouched beside him, spoke softly, gently correcting a bit of misbehavior.
Guidance counselor Erin Hicks received one of DKG's gift bags. Hicks told me she teaches the importance of academics and helps students build coping skills "so they know how to work through things, later on as adults or in high school." "I want them to know that they are cared about and we're here to support them, and I want their families to know that, too," she said. Hicks was "just amazed" at the career longevity of her five angels, each with 30 or 40 years of teaching experience. "You can really learn a lot from people who have been here before you," she said. "It was great to see that they're still involved in the educational system." So they help you, and you help your students? "It feels like the cycle," Hicks agreed. "It's continuing, which is great."
As we left Holtzman, I asked the DKG women to sing their society song for me. Without the lyrics in front of them, they fumbled over the archaic phrasing – "Guardians of the faith yet sleeping, for our sisters watch e'er keeping, deeds of others now we're reaping. We for others stand!" Okay, so the words don't fall trippingly on the tongue (although the women phoned me later with a lyrically correct serenade). Still, I asked, what does the song mean to you? "We strive to be leaders, and follow in the footsteps of people who have done heroic things for education," said Dunn. So, are you heroes? Five women responded with a chorus of noes. "But you know what?" said Dunn. "We've made heroes." "Through our efforts and our caring, we have students who have gone so beyond anything that we've done as teachers and made such wonderful contributions to society," she said. "We're heroes to them, but they're our heroes."
That's funny. In my book, that makes them the heroes.
Stephany Davidson is retired from teaching fourth grade, but she slipped easily into her old role as she entered a classroom at Holtzman Elementary School. "You know you have the best teacher in the world, don't you?" Davidson asked the kids. A roomful of squeaky voices answered, "Ye-es." Davidson explained that she and four other women were there to surprise teacher Katelyn Lawn "for all her hard work. You work hard for her, and she works hard for you, so do you think she needs to be rewarded?" "Ye-es," said the squeaky voices. Davidson, of Lower Swatara Twp., and her companions belong to Delta Kappa Gamma, the international society for women educators. Since 1929, DKG has advanced career opportunities for women in education, and the Harrisburg area has a very active chapter.
On this Friday before the holiday break, I joined Davidson, Donna Winch, of Lower Swatara Twp., Connie Stackhouse and Kathy Dunn, both of Lower Paxton Twp., and Rosemary Ruhl, Middle Paxton Twp., as they distributed gift bags of goodies and teaching supplies to new teachers throughout Susquehanna Twp. School District. They do this every year in different districts. It shows new teachers that they are not alone, said chapter Secretary Kathy Dunn. "In today's society, so many people think that the teacher is responsible for all the aspects of a child's development, and teachers who go into the field feel that their responsibility is greater than just being in the classroom," Dunn told me. "We want them to know that there are people out there who care, and if we can be of any kind of assistance to them, we will be there." Just then, we passed a teacher and student in a classroom doorway. The little boy's head hung down as the teacher, crouched beside him, spoke softly, gently correcting a bit of misbehavior.
Guidance counselor Erin Hicks received one of DKG's gift bags. Hicks told me she teaches the importance of academics and helps students build coping skills "so they know how to work through things, later on as adults or in high school." "I want them to know that they are cared about and we're here to support them, and I want their families to know that, too," she said. Hicks was "just amazed" at the career longevity of her five angels, each with 30 or 40 years of teaching experience. "You can really learn a lot from people who have been here before you," she said. "It was great to see that they're still involved in the educational system." So they help you, and you help your students? "It feels like the cycle," Hicks agreed. "It's continuing, which is great."
As we left Holtzman, I asked the DKG women to sing their society song for me. Without the lyrics in front of them, they fumbled over the archaic phrasing – "Guardians of the faith yet sleeping, for our sisters watch e'er keeping, deeds of others now we're reaping. We for others stand!" Okay, so the words don't fall trippingly on the tongue (although the women phoned me later with a lyrically correct serenade). Still, I asked, what does the song mean to you? "We strive to be leaders, and follow in the footsteps of people who have done heroic things for education," said Dunn. So, are you heroes? Five women responded with a chorus of noes. "But you know what?" said Dunn. "We've made heroes." "Through our efforts and our caring, we have students who have gone so beyond anything that we've done as teachers and made such wonderful contributions to society," she said. "We're heroes to them, but they're our heroes."
That's funny. In my book, that makes them the heroes.
Congratulations to Louann and Shirley
WOW! Big congratulations to Louann Shrader, who has been asked to serve on the International Expansion Committee and to Shirley Newhart, who will be the International Music Director during this new biennium! These 2 women along with our new International President, Lyn Schmid are such role models for us all! They are wise and talented women and are generously giving their time and talent to serve the Society. Alpha Alpha State is very proud and blessed!
Barb Gasperini has been selected to attend the 2014 Leadership Management Seminar sponsored by the Golden Gift Fund. This two week intensive leadership training is held in Austin, TX. It is an incredible honor to be one of 30 women worldwide chosen for this opportunity. We've always known that she was a good leader, and look forward to reaping the benefits of her attendance at this seminar.
It is our pleasure to announce that Annette Hickey of Alpha Alpha State, Delta Chapter has received a Cornetet Professional Development Award in the amount of $1,250. She plans to use her award to attend Building a World Class Montessori School, an online course. We are pleased that a member from our state has received assistance, through her Society membership, to enhance her professional expertise.
Other educators (members and non-members) who need professional development assistance should check the international website for the Cornetet Award information and application, and to apply, as did Annette. Her address (below), should you wish to congratulate her personally.
Annette Hickey
355 9th Ave.
Bethlehem, PA 18018
Other educators (members and non-members) who need professional development assistance should check the international website for the Cornetet Award information and application, and to apply, as did Annette. Her address (below), should you wish to congratulate her personally.
Annette Hickey
355 9th Ave.
Bethlehem, PA 18018