COAL TOWNSHIP - Ann Elizabeth Nowaskie, a member of the Sigma Chapter of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society International (DKG), has completed leadership development training for new chapter presidents of DKG Pennsylvania State Organization.
DKG is a professional honor society for women educators with approximately 96,000 members. Established in 17 countries around the world, DKG defines its mission as promoting professional and personal growth of women educators, and excellence in education.
A leadership development training was held March 16 and 17 at State College for incoming chapter presidents from throughout Pennsylvania. Dr. Lyn B. Schmid, leadership development committee chairman from Lancaster; Carolyn Sutton, of Pittsburgh, Royce Boyd, of Bedford, and Dr. Bette Bertram, of York, organized the training. The DKG state president, Louann Shrader, of Hanover, actively participated.
Chapter presidents discussed leadership strategies and exchanged ideas concerning programs and projects. The presiders inspired participants to share a common vision that focuses on educational excellence and support of early-career educators.
The incoming chapter presidents for 2012 to 2014 reviewed role and responsibilities of the office and discussed specific ways to move their chapters forward.
"Meeting with leaders from across the state was a wonderful opportunity to set goals for my work with key women educators and was an enriching experience that provided new avenues for my own personal and professional development," Nowaskie said. "My involvement in DKG allows me to network with professional women educators, enjoy global affiliation, make presentations and serve as a mentor to other members."
The 2012 International Convention will be held July 24 to 28 at the Sheraton New York Hotel and Towers on Seventh Avenue, New York City.
The DKG organization was formed in Austin, Texas, on May 11, 1929, by Dr. Annie Webb Blanton from a nucleus of 12 founders representing all levels of education, kindergarten through university. Blanton, a professor of rural education at the University of Texas, was elected president of the Texas State Teachers' Association in 1916, the first woman to hold that office. Blanton was also the first woman to serve Texas as state superintendent of public instruction, having been elected in 1918.