Mission Statement: The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International promotes professional and personal growth of women educators and excellence in education."

Although I do not usually write for a specific group, today I am doing just that.  Women educators- this post is for you! I want to tell you about a group that inspires me to be my best! 

I belong to a group called Delta Kappa Gamma, which I joined only after retiring from Education.  I should have joined much sooner!  The mission of DKG reads: "The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International promotes professional and personal growth of women educators and excellence in education."   The international website is http://www.dkg.org/ 

DKG does service projects and helps all members to continue to be lifelong learners. We have informative and interesting programs at our meetings, and the "themed" approach of the year makes every meeting something special.  I enjoy participating in many of our causes, like the "Jarred Boxes", which are shoe boxes filled with fun activities for seriously ill children in hospitals.  We are currently working on collecting gently used professional clothing for a program called "Dress for Success", which helps women to re-enter the workforce. We had much success with both of those projects last year, so our group is continuing these service projects, plus others.

DKG recognizes excellence in its members.  I have been both humbled and honored, as I have received the Album of Distinction Award twice, in 2015 and 2017.  I published a book related to education both of those years, and nominees must complete forms about how their work fulfills the purposes of DKG.  

Women teachers, I urge you to look at the DKG website and find a chapter near you!  Grants are issued, and DkG even helps members who suffer catastrophic events.  I am proud to call the ladies in my group my "DKG sisters",  and I find membership to be extremely rewarding. The passion for education and excellence I find in DKG makes me want to be an even better teacher, as I continue my work through my books.  I hope you will take a look at this terrific organization - AND JOIN! 

As always, I welcome your comments and suggestions. 

Rittman Publishing, LLC ®

Dede receiving the DKG Album of Distinction award in 2015 at the state convention in State College, PA

Dede receiving the DKG Album of Distinction award in 2017 at the state convention in State College, PA

Please invite Grady Gets Glasses (and me) into your school.  if you are not in the Pittsburgh area, we do virtual field trips with a group called Field Trip Zoom. www.Fieldtripzoom.com  GRADY GETS GLASSES was the winner of Best New Children's Book 2016 from The Authors' Zone. For more information about The Authors' Zone, please visit http://www.theauthorszone.com/submissions/  

Visit Dede's webpage for complete details on her award-winning book, STUDENT TEACHING: THE INSIDE SCOOP FROM A MASTER TEACHER. Many colleges have made the book required reading. Signed copies are available  www.dederittman.com Dede is also a national speaker on The Three C's for Classroom success: Confidence, communication, and Creativity; Avoiding Teacher burnout; and many other inspirational topics. 

I LOVE writing. And I love writing children's books- my newest passion. Although it will be a ton of work, I am looking forward to selling my books.  Since I was a secondary teacher, I know that I have much to learn about elementary students, and I will have to follow my own advice and be my genuine self.  However, I also know that I am passionate about helping kids who have to wear glasses, and that GRADY GETS GLASSES sends a positive message. I am willing to work hard and do all the things that also made me a successful teacher for 37 years. I remain inspired! 

Elementary teachers in Western Pennsylvania and beyond - I am willing to come into your classroom in person or as a virtual field trip through a group called Field Trip Zoom.  Check them out!  http://www.fieldtripzoom.com/ 

Teacher friends- let me know if you want me to read GRADY GETS GLASSES at your school. I am willing to come in to discuss the creative writing process, why writing is important, and personal fulfillment through writing, along with reading my book.  I would appreciate the exposure, and I would make signed copies available for purchase in your classrooms following the reading.  Please email me at dederittman@gmail.com  The website www.gradygetsglasses.com now has plush Grady bunnies for sale!

Please like Dede's new page Grady Gets Glasses for updates about her children's book. https://www.facebook.com/gradygetsglasses?ref=hl 

Connect with Dede!

Twitter       @dederittman
Periscope   @dederittman
Facebook   Dede Faltot Rittman or Rittman Rules
LinkedIn   Dede Rittman
Google +   Dede Rittman
Tumblr      The Bunny Teacher
Instagram   dede_rittman 
Pinterest   Rittman Publishing, LLC ®