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From the Editor

More than a decade ago, members of the DKG Editorial Board committed to the
concept of taking a turn writing an article for the Bulletin: International Journal for
Professional Educators during their tenure on the board. The purpose of embracing
this initiative was multifold: (a) to model quality writing as an inspiration for fellow
members; (b) to allow each board member to continue to hone her professional
voice through writing on a topic of interest and importance to educators; and (c) to
help board members remain cognizant of the challenges faced by those who submit
for publication in DKG! The resulting series of contributions continues in this issue
with the lead article written by Dr. Dorrie J. Powell, a member of the Editorial Board
since 2020. With the backing of her colleagues, Powell chose to conduct a fairly
extensive research project on the critical topic of teacher shortages, surveying DKG
members individually and collectively for their perceptions of the problem and
possible solutions. Her article models the kind of research and analysis that might
be conducted at any level of the Society as part of its Vision of “leading women
educators impacting education worldwide.”
In a similar way, the quest to fulfill DKG’s Mission—”to promote the professional
and personal growth of women educators and excellence in education”—is evident
in all of the articles that follow Powell’s piece. Turner, Brendle, and Lock report
on their quantitative research to analyze trends in mental health needs in a defined
school district. Their results not only provide insight to district leaders but also
model the importance of data analysis in understanding an issue of concern.
Manley, Arit, and Antwiler offer a viewpoint supporting the need for daily formative
assessment, an issue at the heart of instruction everywhere. Seeking to address
difficulties experienced by English Learners in a Title I school, Hoguin presents an
action research effort based on specific strategies that, ultimately, may be useful for
teaching any student who is trying to acquire a second language. Taking a slightly
different approach, Deville offers a perspective on leadership based on a literature
review that explores communication, collaboration, and the organizational culture of
educational institutions; she offers philosophical and practical guidance for leaders
who wish to grow both personally and professionally. And finally, emphasizing
an area of personal growth, Broughton provides a review of a book that may help
readers challenged by—or simply interested in—concerns related to aging.
This issue of The Delta Kappa Gamma Bulletin clearly illustrates how Vision
and Mission interact and are both means and ends in the DKG journey. These
concepts drive the value of our publications and of membership in general. Readers
can certainly grow professionally and personally by exploring the articles in each
issue. Moreover, conceiving, crafting, and sharing an article about one’s research,
strategies, perspectives, and/or discovered resources can promote the kind of
excellence in education that is a hallmark of key women educators.

Judith R. Merz, EdD
Editor

Promoting Professional and Personal Growth of Educators and Excellence in Education 5