Phi Delta Kappa

Overview Information

Phi Delta Kappa is an international professional association for men and women in education. The membership is composed of recognized leaders in the profession, and graduate students in education whose leadership potential has been identified.

Members include classroom teachers, school administrators, college and university professors, specialists and support staff. In Phi Delta Kappa, they find common interests, fellowship, and activities devoted to the promotion of free public education, with the ideals of Research, Service, and Leadership prominent.

There are currently 672 Phi Delta Kappa Chapters throughout the United States and the North American continent. Membership is approximately l30,000, globally. The Fairfield University Chapter of Phi Delta Kappa has over 250 members who, for the most part, work and reside in Southern Connecticut.

In July 200l, the Fairfield University Chapter incorporated the membership of the Bridgeport University Chapter into one association under the auspices of Fairfield University. The faculty advisor from Fairfield University to the Chapter is: Sr. Julianna Poole.

There are 4-5 dinner meetings each year, which begin at 4:30 p.m. with networking, followed by dinner. A speaker addresses an education-related topic. The cost is generally between $25-45.

Mission

Phi Delta Kappa is an international professional association for men and women in education. The membership is composed of recognized leaders in the profession, and graduate students in education whose leadership potential has been identified.

Members include classroom teachers, school administrators, college and university professors, specialists and support staff. In Phi Delta Kappa, they find common interests, fellowship, and activities devoted to the promotion of free public education, with the ideals of Research, Service, and Leadership prominent.

There are currently 672 Phi Delta Kappa Chapters throughout the United States and the North American continent. Membership is approximately l30,000, globally. The Fairfield University Chapter of Phi Delta Kappa has over 250 members who, for the most part, work and reside in Southern Connecticut.

In July 200l, the Fairfield University Chapter incorporated the membership of the Bridgeport University Chapter into one association under the auspices of Fairfield University. The faculty advisor from Fairfield University to the Chapter is: Sr. Julianna Poole.

Membership

Membership in Phi Delta Kappa is by invitation. The candidates should be active in educational work, and graduate school candidates should be preparing for a career in educational service. There are initiation ceremonies and dinners in October and March. Members are entitled to services provided by the national organization, which include international travel seminars, scholarships for travel, graduate fellowships, institutes at the conference center in Bloomington, Indiana, and other professional development institutes.

There are also outstanding doctoral dissertation awards, a database literature search service, insurance programs, credit card and travel services, as well as subscription to the magazine, Kappan, an outstanding journal in the education field.

At the local level, the Fairfield University Chapter presents awards and grants of its own. Some of these include in-house grants for exceptional educational projects, recognition in the Klarion, the Chapter newsletter, and plaques for "Citizen of the Year" and "Educator of the Year." The Chapter offers scholarships to outstanding high school seniors who plan to become teachers. The Chapter also makes periodic contributions to community groups for educational projects.

Those interested in membership in Phi Delta Kappa should contact Sr. Julianna Poole, the faculty advisor.