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lunches together. We tried to make time at each meeting to talk and to visit,
and to get to know each other.
There were multiple indications of the need to encourage more fellowship among
members during meetings and at other times. Members spoke of the value of making
time for personal interaction and support.
Growth, the third-ranking theme, was inferred from 75 references to the words
“grow,” “opportunity,” “training,” “scholarship,” and “growth.” These concepts are
critical in the education organization under review and were clearly valued by the
presidents interviewed in this study. DKG Society International promotes professional
and personal growth of women educators, and Beta Upsilon Chapter upholds and
supports that principle. Leadership growth opportunities and other training for
growth are fundamental. One interviewee stated, “One of the biggest things was
[membership] gave me opportunity to travel [and] gave me more opportunities
for professional growth at the state level. The workshops were outstanding, [and
membership] gave me a chance to go to the international workshops.” Exposure,
opportunity, and support enhanced professional development of presidents.
Further past presidents credited other members with their growth. In emphasizing
the role of the overall group’s impact on her success and growth, one stated, “My
leadership role has affected my personal and professional life. In truth, it has helped
me to grow. The women in Beta Upsilon are mentors.”
Emphasis on scholarship, their own and that of other educators, was also a vital
concern for these educators. Past presidents recognized that all chapter members
could benefit from training experiences and professional development opportunities.
Opportunities for growth were critical. One past president stated,
The first time that I was asked to go to training, I thought, ‘I’ve never done
anything like this.’ I got in there and I went through the training. I learned
from the presentations and everything. I felt: I can do this.
She clarified to interviewers the impact training had for her, not just for the short
term but in terms of her overall outlook on facing challenges. Other past presidents
similarly expressed beliefs that the chapter provided them with opportunities to
step forward, grow, and lead. Past presidents indicated that training and educational
opportunities could benefit all members.
Engagement—with 28 references to “community,” “networking,” “engage,”
“participate,” “collaborate,” and “team”—was the final theme to emerge from coding
the data. Past presidents expressed a desire to encourage members to network and
participate together. One past president initiated a member “spotlight” to highlight
work of individuals or groups, intentionally nurturing all to engage with the
organization. Another assigned members to committees with emphasis on selected
areas of interests. For example, a committee on communication was an attraction to
those who wanted to engage in writing, making contacts, and so forth. These small
groups of like-minded individuals found a community within the larger organization
from which to work for the greater good of all. Fellowship, connection, and fun
resulted from this effort.

Significant Concepts Other than Themes
Two terms were mentioned frequently by multiple interviewees and noted by
researchers. These terms were clearly significant to findings. “Geography” and
“small” were terms about schools, communities, and churches that participants used
frequently. Geography was noted as a challenge by many of the past presidents.

Educators’ Choice 41