Overview
Phi Delta Kappa (PDK) is a professional association for educators, consisting of 12,000 active members and 100,000 lifetime members. Founded in 1906, PDK has a long history of advocating for educational excellence and providing professional development opportunities for educators.
Mission and Values
PDK’s mission is to promote quality education for all. The sorority’s core values include:
- Leadership
- Diversity
- Collaboration
- Equity
- Excellence
- Innovation
Membership
Membership in PDK is open to educators at all levels, from pre-K to higher education. To become a member, prospective candidates must:
- Hold an active teaching or administration license
- Have at least three years of teaching or administrator experience
- Be recommended by two PDK members
- Subscribe to PDK’s professional journal, “Educational Leadership”
Benefits of Membership
PDK members benefit from a wide range of resources and opportunities, including:
- Professional development: PDK offers webinars, workshops, and conferences on a variety of educational topics.
- Leadership development: PDK provides opportunities for members to develop their leadership skills through participation in committees, chapter activities, and national initiatives.
- Networking: PDK members have the opportunity to connect with other educators from across the country.
- Research and scholarship: PDK supports research and scholarship through its grants program and by publishing “Educational Leadership.”
Impact on Education
PDK has made a significant impact on education through its advocacy for policies that promote educational excellence. The sorority has also played a role in developing educational standards, curriculum, and professional practices.
Examples of PDK’s impact:
- Developed the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS): PDK helped establish NBPTS in 1987, which sets standards for teaching excellence.
- Influenced the development of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS): PDK provided input and support for the development of CCSS, which set national standards for K-12 education.
- Advocated for increased funding for education: PDK has consistently called for increased funding for education at all levels.
Challenges Facing PDK
Like any organization, PDK faces a number of challenges, including:
- Declining membership: PDK’s membership has declined in recent years, due in part to changes in the education landscape.
- Funding constraints: PDK’s funding is limited, which can make it difficult to support all of its programs and initiatives.
- Competition: PDK faces competition from other educational organizations, both professional associations and advocacy groups.
Strategies for Addressing Challenges
PDK is addressing its challenges through a number of strategies, such as:
- Rebranding: PDK is updating its brand and messaging to appeal to a wider range of educators.
- Expanding outreach: PDK is reaching out to potential members through social media, webinars, and other channels.
- Diversifying funding sources: PDK is exploring new ways to generate revenue, such as through grants and partnerships.
- Collaborating with other organizations: PDK is partnering with other educational organizations to share resources and expertise.
Why PDK Matters
PDK is a valuable resource for educators because it:
- Promotes educational excellence: PDK advocates for policies and practices that promote educational excellence for all students.
- Provides professional development: PDK offers a wide range of professional development opportunities for educators.
- Develops leaders: PDK provides opportunities for educators to develop their leadership skills.
- Supports research and scholarship: PDK supports research and scholarship that informs educational practice.
- Advocates for educators: PDK advocates for the rights and interests of educators.
Benefits of PDK Membership
Educators who join PDK benefit from a number of benefits, including:
- Professional development: PDK offers webinars, workshops, and conferences on a variety of educational topics.
- Leadership development: PDK provides opportunities for members to develop their leadership skills through participation in committees, chapter activities, and national initiatives.
- Networking: PDK members have the opportunity to connect with other educators from across the country.
- Research and scholarship: PDK supports research and scholarship through its grants program and by publishing “Educational Leadership.”
- Discounts on products and services: PDK members receive discounts on a variety of products and services, such as insurance, travel, and professional development courses.
Additional Information
- PDK’s website: https://www.pdkintl.org
- PDK’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pdkintl
- PDK’s Twitter handle: @pdkintl
Tables
| PDK Membership Demographics |
|—|—|
| Total members | 100,000 |
| Active members | 12,000 |
| Male members | 40% |
| Female members | 60% |
| Minority members | 30% |
| White members | 70% |
| PDK Membership Benefits |
|—|—|
| Professional development | Webinars, workshops, and conferences |
| Leadership development | Committees, chapter activities, and national initiatives |
| Networking | Connect with other educators from across the country |
| Research and scholarship | Grants program and publication of “Educational Leadership” |
| Discounts | Insurance, travel, and professional development courses |
| PDK Challenges |
|—|—|
| Declining membership | Due to changes in the education landscape |
| Funding constraints | Limited funding |
| Competition | From other educational organizations |
| PDK Strategies for Addressing Challenges |
|—|—|
| Rebranding | Update brand and messaging |
| Expanding outreach | Reach out to potential members |
| Diversifying funding sources | Grants and partnerships |
| Collaborating with other organizations | Share resources and expertise |