Organizations and Community GroupsGusties get involved, here are some opportunities in our department!
Gustavus education students are leaders in community service learning projects and are often sponsored by the Student Educators’ Association (SEA) and Kappa Delta Pi National Honor Society (KDP), as well as the Community Service Center and the Diversity Center. The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) has provided funding to and continued support of the innovative community service programming generated by Gustavus faculty and students.
Student Educator's Association (SEA)
SEA provides many opportunities outside the Department of Education for students wishing to complete a teacher education program. These opportunities include teacher panels, speakers from other colleges and universities, faculty forums from area school districts, professional development opportunities, and activities that encourage strong personal relationships between members and faculty.
Membership is encouraged for all teacher education students and the officers and board members of SEA invite you to become an active member. Bi-weekly meetings are held to update members about upcoming events and to discuss member interests for the future. There is a minimal membership fee to fund supplies for panels, socials, and professional development events.
Kappa Delta Pi (KDP)
KDP is a national honorary organization with an active chapter at Gustavus. Teacher education students with strong academic performance, records of leadership, and an ethic of service are nominated and invited for membership. Each spring, a new class of inductees attend a brief ceremony with the department faculty and (if possible) President Rebecca Bergman. Inductees participate in fundraisers to uphold the “service” pillar of KDP’s ideals. This organization looks great on a resume and meets bi-weekly on opposite weeks as SEA to promote involvement in both organizations. A membership fee is paid to the international KDP organization to certify involvement and induction.
