Page 54 - 2022_Magazine_89-2
P. 54
Departments
As an educator still working in the classroom, into the 21st century. It is possible to influence
I am most passionate about the Society’s focus education legislation to put students and teachers
on early-career educators. In March 2020, due first over politics. It is possible to impact our local,
to the pandemic, learning shifted from in-person state, national, and international communities by
instruction to virtual, impacting children and providing educational resources for all. These are
families in ways they never could have imagined. just a few of the possibilities that come to MY
With each day, week, month, and year that passed, mind. I’m sure you can think of more, because
educators were asked to go further than they did when we are brave enough to reach for them, our
the year before. Now more than ever, teachers in possibilities are endless. Remember, we can never
the classroom need support, and supporting early cross the ocean unless we have the courage to lose
educators is the key to impacting our profession as sight of the shore.
a whole. There is going to be a first-year teacher
on my team, fresh out of college. Since I’m going
into my 17th year of teaching, I’ve accumulated a
lot of “stuff” over the years. I’ve already reached
out to her and told her…"DO NOT BUY POCKET
CHARTS! I HAVE THEM! Please shop MY stuff
before buying anything!" My chapter offers grants
to educators with 1–3 years of experience. I plan to
email and print a copy of information to give her
so she can apply for a grant in the fall. DKG has
made a bigger impact in my life than I could have
ever imagined, and I know it has for you as well!
Possibilities in DKG: Chastity Ragsdale, Tina Wolfe urges members to contribute their time and
Tennessee State Organization talents in DKG.
American businessman John Sculley once said,
“The future belongs to those who see possibilities Celebrating Our Vision: Becky Johnen,
before they become obvious.” For DKG, that Pennsylvania State Organization
means that, in order to reach our dreams and grow, Nelson Mandela said, “Education is the most
we must have foresight and a vision. powerful weapon which you can use to change the
Sometimes our fear becomes an obstacle world.” And change the world through education
to launching DKG into the future. We often is certainly what DKG is doing. Our vision
misjudge our possibilities as impossibilities. statement—leading women educators impacting
We must remember that we are a united group education worldwide— inspires and motivates
of more than 50,000 women from 17 countries. each of us to step up and do our part to make
And anyone who knows anything about women a noticeable difference for women, children,
knows that when we put our minds to something and education. Our vision brings us together to
we don’t stop until we have achieved our goal. achieve a common purpose. At the local, state
With that said, I now ask, what are the possibilities organization, and international levels, we need to
of DKG? It is possible to grow our membership celebrate—we need to honor and recognize—our
into the 100 thousands. It is possible to gain Society’s vision. We do this not with fireworks and
young, distinguished members to continue our fanfares but in subtle ways.
legacy. It is possible to add more countries to Each time we gather at conferences and
our membership and reach all corners of the conventions to share ideas we are celebrating our
world. It is possible to adapt to ever-changing vision. Each time we demonstrate our passion
technology and successfully bring the Society for service and excellence in education we are
52 · Volume 89-2