PDK’s Chapter 101 honored nominees for teacher of the year as part of the celebration of the Chapter’s 50th anniversary. On November 9th a reception was held for Nominees of Wal-Mart’s teacher of the year program from schools in the A&M-Commerce service area. Frank Winstead, a national speaker and author on teachers who make a difference for their students, gave an outstanding presentation for this stellar occasion. Mr. Winstead was a teacher and principal of the year in Mississippi early in his career. Now retired, he provides speaking and professional development presentations to various educational groups such as Phi Delta Kappa and Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Music for the reception was provided by the flute quartet from the Department of Music of the University while the buffet was continuing during the reception. The event was held at the Metroplex Center in Mesquite.

The Chapter was founded on July 19, 1957 after Dr. H. M. Lafferty worked for many years to be allowed to establish the chapter. One hundred one petitioners were the original signers of the charter for the chapter, more than any new chapter had, at least to 1957. More history about the chapter can be found on the website.

                    

                                     

Phi Delta Kappa Chapter at A&M-Commerce cosponsored, with the College of Education and Human Services, the appearance of Dr. Rod Paige, former secretary of education for President Bush’s first term.  Dr. Paige spoke on his experience as Secretary of Education and some of the issues that the nation faces in education including No Child Left Behind, vouchers and Reading First programs.  About 140 students and faculty, a standing room only crowd, attended the presentation on April 11^th at the Metroplex Center.  We are indebted to the assistance of Dr. Mike Moses, Meadows Professor of Educational Leadership at A&M-Commerce, to arrange Dr. Paige’s appearance for the evening.  He also spoke to the Superintendent’s cohort class later.

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