Levelland ISD South Elementary teacher Nancy Southerland was recently installed as state president of Kappa Kappa Iota.
Southerland attended the 2026 National Convention, in Charlotte, North Carolina on June 14-18 where she received the VIP award. VIP winners excel in at least three different areas of Kappa leadership, including attendance, service, professional development and/or membership.
Approximately 150 members from across the country were in attendance with the meeting presided over by the national president Brenda Hope from North Carolina.
Kappa Kappa Iota is a professional organization for educators. It was founded in Stillwater, Oklahoma in 1921, and is one of the oldest organizations for educators in the United States.
In addition to providing a network for outstanding educators to share teaching practices and methods, Kappa offers many scholarships for active and retired teachers, as well as members going to college which were awarded during the convention.
Kappas also volunteered for 61,634 hours in schools and various other organizations. Last year members nationwide contributed over $1,152,099 to local charities.
The convention activities culminated in the installation of the 2026-2027 national officers and state presidents. Carolyn Wilkins of Jasper, Georgia, was installed as the 78th Kappa Kappa Iota national president.
“If you are interested in joining, please contact me,” said Southerland.
“This is an amazing group of educators and there are scholarships available for teachers who are going back to school, teachers needing funds for classroom projects, or teachers who wish to attend an out of town work conference. There are retired teachers and active teachers and college campus students who are members.
“I love my Kappa Sisters for the “Empathy and Philanthropy” that we do for each other and for others. One of my favorite activities that our local Lubbock, Beta, does, is wrap Christmas gifts for the Lubbock State School. We have done this for the past 30 plus years. If you are a teacher and need extra support, we are here. Come join us. My theme is, “Come Together with Kappas.”