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From the Editor

The Wonderful World of DKG

“And I think to myself . . . What a wonderful world.”

This refrain from the Louis Armstrong classic of that name* ran through my head as this issue of the
Collegial Exchange took final shape. In this gentle and haunting song, Armstrong takes note of the
beauty of nature that surrounds him and of the human interaction and growth that inspire him . . . all of
which lead him to the sense of awe captured in the lyrics. In a similar way, this issue invites readers to
look at the many facets of our professional society and consider the wonderful world of DKG.
That world of DKG is wonderfully international in flavor! In recent years, the Bulletin in both
formats (journal and magazine) has featured authors from Latin America, Europe, and Japan—with the
latter represented again in this issue. Members are also invited herein to come along vicariously on a
trip to Japan for that state organization’s 10th anniversary celebration . . . and can also take just pride in
learning about international World Fellowship students who are impacting education worldwide.
The world of DKG is one of wonderful opportunities! Readers can learn about the new Leadership
Discovery Centre—properly subtitled “A World of Opportunity”—that is simply the latest development
in a wide range of avenues for personal and professional growth provided by the Society. Several
authors also tip their hats to DKG’s support for their special journeys of growth, including attendance at
a conference for writers of humor and pursuit of information for a published book.
The world of DKG is wonderfully professional! An acclaimed music educator offers insights into
how to provide differentiation for elementary students using concepts from STEAM, social-emotional
learning, and culturally relevant/responsive and sustaining pedagogy. Sharing their transition from the
elementary to the university level, two colleagues note common instructional and connection strategies.
One state organization provides a template for a speakers’ directory to share members’ expertise, and
another explains how it has stretched the skills of member and nonmember educators through a DKG-
supported seminar.
And the world of DKG is wonderfully connective! Special connections between members are
explicit in some articles but basically interwoven through most. Some authors explain how they have
bonded over a common interest (for example, love of dogs or use of picture books) while others share
their excitement about attending their first convention or about recognizing the kind of legacy each
member can leave. One chapter shares a program that used crowd-sourced poetry as part of an effort
to reconnect members after 2 years of virtual gathering and to enhance each member’s mental health
through a focus on joy.
Whether one is a veteran member or just beginning her DKG journey, this issue of the Collegial
Exchange offers an opportunity to take a look at the many dimensions of an international society
dedicated to the professional and personal growth of women educators and excellence in education. Take
a moment to look around and enjoy the wonderful world of DKG!
Judy Merz, EdD

Editor

*Louis Armstrong—Official Artist Channel. (n.d.).
Louis Armstrong: What a Wonderful World (Official
Video). YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/
watch?v=rBrd_3VMC3c

4 · Volume 89-4