Dr. SoYoung Kang, Westminster College assistant professor of education, and two Westminster elementary education majors attended the Kappa Delta Pi convocation Oct. 29-31 in Orlando.

Kappa Delta Pi is an international honorary society in education.

Kang presented "Are You a Culturally Relevant Teacher?" with junior Rachel Jack, a member of the Westminster chapter of Kappa Delta Pi.

Jack is a daughter of Mark and Nancy Jack of Lower Burrell and a graduate of Burrell High School. She received a travel/presentation grant from Westminster's Drinko Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning to attend.

The abstract for the presentation explained the metaphor of the United States as a melting pot raises some concerns because of its focus on assimilation, acculturation, and Americanization. Teachers can become culturally relevant by replacing the old metaphor with "salad bowl" or "tossed salad" to reflect the values and respect for each ingredient and its differences. Participants in the session experienced the feeling of being an English language learner or someone from another culture in a mainstream classroom.

Senior Jessica Farrelly, president of the Westminster Kappa Delta Pi chapter, attended the officers' meetings at the conference.

Farrelly is a daughter of John and Georgette Farrelly of Coraoplis and a graduate of Montour High School.

Kang, who joined the Westminster faculty in 2007, earned an undergraduate degree from Korea University and a master's and Ph.D. from the University of Tennessee.

Contact Kang at (724) 946-6034 or e-mail kangs@westminster.edu for additional information.

Dr. SoYoung Kang, Rachel Jack, Jessica Farrelly