Mary C. Clement, professor of education and director of the Center of Teaching Excellence at Berry College, was recently named international president of the education honor society Kappa Delta Pi.
"I am very privileged to serve Kappa Delta Pi, after being a member for almost 20 years," Clement said. "In this position I get to help in guiding the organization as it honors, supports, and helps over 40,000 teachers. I also get to meet and work with some of the top educators in the country, so I will learn a lot."
Clement has focused much of her research and academic efforts on the hiring and induction of new teachers. A prolific author, her work has resulted in 10 books and more than 100 articles and other publications. Among her books are two published by Kappa Delta Pi: "The ABC's of Job-Hunting for Teachers" and "The Induction Connection" (with coauthor Elizabeth Wilkins).
International education is another area of interest for the professor. She has participated on the Kappa Delta Pi International Committee, traveled extensively, worked for People-to-People and Rotary Youth Exchange, and sits on the Board of Consortium for Overseas Student Teaching. Clement earned her doctorate from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
"Kappa Delta Pi has provided me with mentors and professional opportunities, and my primary goal is to offer the services of this society to more educators," Clement said. "Teaching in today's p-12 schools is a demanding job, and KDP provides a wonderful support network to its members. I hope more teachers turn to us as their professional network."
Kappa Delta Pi, International Honor Society in Education, is an organization established to recognize and promote excellence in education, provide a reasoned voice for significant issues, and link learning communities of educators. Through its programs, services, and strategic partnerships, the organization supports the professional growth and teaching practices of educators throughout all phases and levels of their careers.
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Written by Student Public Relations Assistant Alyssa Hollingsworth