Omega Chapter of The Delta Kappa Gamma International recently presented $50.00 Staples gift cards to twelve first year teachers in Brown County.  The chapter was awarded the grant money from ASTEF, the Alpha State Texas Educational Foundation, at the June State Convention in San Antonio for the purpose of supporting Early-Career Educators. Staples Inc.  is also supporting the efforts by awarding the chapter five $25 gift certificates. Preparing a new classroom is costly, and these first year teachers will not receive a paycheck until the end of September.

The new educators may use the funds to supplement their classroom needs.  The chapter also plans to mentor and support these teachers throughout the year.  With data indicating that teachers leave the profession after five years, the organization has seen the need to offer assistance to early-career educators.

The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International is a professional honor society for key women teachers with 82,000 members in 17 countries.  Opportunities exist for scholarships and grants, professional development, leadership training, networking, and fellowship.  Locally, the Omega Chapter supports the Early-career Educator program as well as Schools for Africa and Brown County CPS’s Rainbow Room.

Pictured above are Emily Rainey, First Year Teacher, J. B. Stephens Elementary, and Nancy Lowry.  Below are Omega Chapter President Pat Garner, Staples Manger Sylvia Diaz, and Omega Projects Chairman Nancy Lowry.