An organization is making an effort to reduce the number of teachers that leave their positions each year.
The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction reported that 11,791 teachers left their positions last year.
The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International was established in 1929 and is an organization that focuses on educators and promotes professional and personal growth of its members and excellence in education.
Membership to the organization is by invitation only and the Tau Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma has teachers from both Richmond and Anson County.
The Communication Chair of the Tau Chapter, Jeanne Price, said that the organization is really valuable. She became a member of the organization in 2001.
Price said the Chapter gives the teachers “a vehicle to discuss problems.” The biggest problem, she said, is trying to help new teachers stay in the field.
The Tau Chapter, which originated out of Charlotte, meets four times a year and just held one meeting on Saturday at the First Presbyterian Church in Rockingham.
North Carolina Senator Gene McLaurin made an appearance at the meeting and spoke with the members.
He said he was “honored to have been asked to speak with them for a few minutes.”
“It’s always good to hear what’s on their minds,” McLaurin said.
McLaurin also said that it is a challenge keeping good teachers in the classroom.
“As a legislator, I want the teachers to know that I support them and recognize the difficult job they have,” he said.
Martha Webb, president of the Tau Chapter, said that new teachers are overwhelmed in the classroom and the organization tries to support. “We are being as supportive as we can, doing whatever we can,” she said.
Throughout the year Tau Sisters meet with new teachers to offer support, supplies, and surprises to make their lives a bit brighter.
Tau Chapter members from Richmond County visited Mineral Springs Elementary School in Ellerbe and presented new teachers with bags of Hershey’s Kisses. Each bag read: “Thanks and ‘Kisses’ from The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, Tau Chapter, of Richmond and Anson Counties.”
All beginning teachers in both counties have been adopted by Tau Chapter members and are being supported and recognized throughout the 2012-2013 school year.
For more information on the Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, visit dkg.org.
— Staff Writer Laura Edington can be reached at 910-997-3111, ext. 18, or by email at ledington@civitasmedia.com.
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