Southeast Missouri State University
09/26/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/27/2024 00:13
SEMO’s Alpha Eta Chapter Receives National Award for Celebration of Teaching Initiative
Southeast Missouri State University has been awarded the 2024 Kappa Delta Pi (KDP) Celebration of Teaching Gold award. KDP, a National Honor Society for Educators, includes the SEMO chapter, Alpha Eta, a service organization made up of education majors. Alpha Eta, one of the oldest KDP chapters in the nation, will celebrate its 100th anniversary this spring.
The "Celebration of Teaching" award, one of only three given nationwide by KDP, is a Signature Service Initiative aimed at fostering collaboration among public school teachers, university professors, students and parents. This award is also designed to promote public interest and support of the education profession.
Recognizing the challenges new teachers face with limited resources, Alpha Eta initiated a project to collect and redistribute classroom supplies from area schools. This project gained attention from educators around the state, including one retired educator who brought an entire moving truck full of supplies to Cape Girardeau from Kansas City. Alpha Eta hosted a "New Teacher Shower" at Capaha Park in August, where more than 200 teachers received the donated classroom supplies at no cost. This initiative drew attention from KDP's national office, which led to Alpha Eta's award application.
Learn More about Elementary, Early and Special Education
"Our desire is to make the greatest impact in education and the teaching profession possible," said Dr. Brandy Hepler, assistant professor in the Department of Elementary, Early and Special Education at SEMO and one of Alpha Eta's chapter counselors. "To have the National office of KDP recognize our efforts brings pride and a further determination to continue to build our Alpha Eta chapter and support the global teaching profession."
Looking ahead, Alpha Eta will maintain contact with the participating teachers to offer ongoing support throughout the school year. Alpha Eta is currently collecting items for next year's event in August 2025. If you would like to donate, or to inquire about joining Alpha Eta, please contact Dr. Brandy Hepler via email at [email protected].
Applying To SEMO
Eligible new Missouri undergraduate students with a 2.75 high school GPA and who are eligible for Pell Grants won't pay any tuition or fees at Southeast Missouri State with the Will To Do Award. SEMO also offers one tuition rate nationwide for domestic students. Apply at semo.edu/apply.
Prospective students are encouraged to visit campus. For more information or to visit campus, visit the Southeast Admissions page or [email protected].