The Teachers College is chartering Western Governors University's first honor society with Kappa Delta Pi. This is a prestigious honor society with roots in the early 1900s. We are in the beginning stages of our chapter, but are excited to say that we will hold our first initiation at our installation ceremony on February 19th in Salt Lake City. In an effort to help you become more familiar with Kappa Delta Pi and the many rewards of membership, we have created a Facebook group for those of you interested in staying in the loop. Note: Alumni are invited to join our chapter.

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=155133586181&ref=share

An Informational Meeting will be held on Thursday, December 10, 2009 at 9:00 p.m. Eastern, 8:00 p.m. Central, 7:00 p.m. Mountain, and 6:00 p.m. Pacific. Join us by phone, toll free at 1-866-502-8312 Passcode: 853918 and by web by clicking http://wgu.connectpro.acrobat.com/kappadeltapi/. If you are  unable to attend, the Informational Meeting will be recorded and available for review.

Information is also posted at: http://sites.google.com/site/wgukdp/ and general questions and concerns can be routed to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

The following individuals are Kappa Delta Pi Officers for WGU:

Orleatha Smith

Where are you from? Rockford, IL - currently in Gardena, CA

When did you start at WGU? 2007

Your program of study: Bachelor of Arts, Science (5-12 Bio)

Your favorite aspect of being a WGU student: The ability to study anywhere at any time!

Obstacles you face as a student: I am a wife and a mother of two toddlers! I was recently laid off, so that helped free up time but not money!

What are your plans after you finish your degree? To teach!

Outside of work and WGU, what do you like to do? Karaoke and spend time with my family and friends

More on Orleatha:

I am President of the new Kappa Delta Pi Honor Society at WGU. I am excited to be a part of this prestigious organization because it has allowed me to make meaningful connections with other students in the Teachers College, as well as to network with school administrators.  As an undergraduate pre-service teacher, I am now part of an organization with a 100-year tradition rich in honor and excellence. I have access to a vast professional network of more than 45,000 active members that includes the world's best and brightest scholars and practitioners in education.

I was born in Rockford, Illinois, a small town, about forty-five minutes outside of Chicago. In my senior year in high school, I moved with my family to southern California because my parents believed there were more opportunities available there. In addition to that, we couldn't beat the weather! I attended Torrance High School and then Loyola Marymount University where I majored in Biology with the intention of becoming a doctor. But I left in my junior year when I realized that being a doctor was not really what I wanted to do.

So, in 2000, I started teaching software classes for a large computer reseller and discovered that I absolutely loved teaching. I have been teaching adults since but have always wanted to teach young people. I want to show young children that learning can be fun and that science is in our everyday lives. I want to show them that science is useful and interesting. As a teacher, I know that I would bring care into the classroom as well as fun. I would strive to ensure that my students not only have the skills to perform but also have the self confidence to make them successful in life outside of the classroom. My goal is not only to prepare them for scientific endeavors but also to give them useful tools in life. As an instructor, I have found that one of my major strengths is the ability to create a positive, respectful learning environment.

Michelle Cranford

Where are you from? I currently live in Columbia, SC and plan to relocate within the next year to our home just off the Blue Ridge Parkway in West Jefferson, NC.

When did you start at WGU? September, 2007

Your program of study: Bachelor of Arts, Interdisciplinary Studies (K-8)

Your favorite aspect of being a WGU student: I love the flexibility of designing my own schedule and the technology available through the virtual campus.

Obstacles you face as a student: Working full time with some travel required; carrying a full course load; tutoring at the school two mornings each week; living in a different city from my spouse of 33 years; having my house remodeled and prepared for sale; downsizing; being there for my 24 year old son; taking care of a horse, three dogs and a cat; and finding some "me time"!

What are your plans after you finish your degree? I hope to be teaching a fifth grade class somewhere in the Appalachian region of NC.

Outside of work and WGU, what do you like to do? I am an avid reader and enjoy spending time with friends and family. I love to groom and ride my horse and play with the dogs. We have beautiful trails for hiking and riding along the Parkway. I also play guitar and sing—my husband plays the banjo—and we love old-time, bluegrass and mountain music. I enjoy flat foot dancing to a good fiddle tune, and I am learning to play fiddle. We attend most of the music festivals in our area.

More on Michelle:
My major was English at the University of SC, although somehow I became a banker. It has been said that life is what happens while you are making other plans, and I certainly relate to that. I currently work with retirement plan sponsors to safeguard their retirement plans, and with their participants to prepare for a financially secure retirement. I always wanted to teach, so when my son finished his education, I decided to enroll in the Teachers College at WGU to fulfill my dream. My goal is to give something back to my community, and spend the rest of my career passing on to others my lifelong love of learning.

I was so honored to be asked to be a part of the fledgling KDP Chapter at WGU. The role of Vice President appealed to me because I enjoy public relations, and that is one of the responsibilities of the VP. I was afraid they would ask me to be Treasurer because I am a banker, so I am glad they are allowing me to do something different from what I do every day! I know that KDP will help open doors for me when it is time to start sending resumes and meeting with principals. It is a privilege to be serving in a leadership role with this great group of people who serve as fellow officers and mentors. We have a strong vision of how successful our Chapter can be.