This year marks a major milestone for one of Williamson County’s most enduring organizations. The Beta Zeta Chapter of Alpha Delta Kappa, an international honorary organization for women educators, is celebrating fifty years of service, sisterhood, and community support.

Founded on April 5, 1975, Beta Zeta became the fifty-third chapter in Tennessee. It was sponsored by the Theta Chapter in Murfreesboro, which reached out to Tricia Green and Carolyn Johnson about expanding ADK into Williamson County. According to Green, one of the founding members, the goal was to “empower women educators.” The idea was to bring together teachers from the Franklin Special School District and Williamson County Schools to support one another and serve their communities.

At the time, the teaching environment looked different than it does today. “Classrooms were very crowded—thirty-two students in a first-grade class wasn’t unusual,” says Sharon Brasher, a longtime member. “But Williamson County was a great place to teach. There was less pressure about data and testing, and strong support from administrators and families.” 

The new chapter got early guidance from members of the Theta Chapter. “They attended meetings, helped us set goals, and were always available to answer questions,” says Sharon. Since then, Beta Zeta has grown into a strong group of active and retired educators who give their time and resources to causes both local and beyond. They’ve raised money through fashion shows, charity walks, and community events like the Gingerbread House Decorating Day during Dickens of a Christmas. “That was one of our most popular events,” Sharon says. “Families decorated gingerbread houses, had snacks, and visited Santa. It was a magical day and became a tradition for many.” The idea for that event came from member Pam Hargrove, who brought it to the group after reading about a similar fundraiser in a magazine. The chapter embraced it and made it their own. 

Throughout the year, members are involved in everything from providing snacks for teachers during appreciation week to shopping for families in need at Christmastime. “We’ve supported the Boys and Girls Club of Franklin, One Gen Away, Mercy Community Healthcare, GraceWorks, and others,” Sharon shares. “We’ve made quilts and cards for nursing homes, donated toys and books to local hospitals, and even installed a xylophone at the playground in Pinkerton Park.”

The chapter also provides scholarships for students who want to go into education and collects school supplies for new teachers. “During Teacher Appreciation Week, we’ll deliver Sonic drinks or snacks to schools like ALC, which may not have a strong parent group to do that kind of thing,” says Sharon.

Leadership is a big part of the chapter’s identity. Many Beta Zeta members have served in roles beyond the local chapter. Co-presidents Jennifer Keith and Becky Doogan lead the group today, and President-Elect Judy Barnhill has served as TN State President. Members like Liz Gibbs and Suzy Gore have also held state and district positions. “More than half our members have been named Teacher of the Year in their schools,” says Sharon. “We’re teachers, reading coaches, mentors, interventionists, and administrators.”

Beta Zeta also continues to grow through personal connections. “Some of our current members were once students of other members,” Sharon says. “They joined when they became teachers themselves. I actually found the chapter after reading about a service project in The Tennessean. I reached out to Suzy Gore to see how to get involved.”

The group is now focused on recruiting younger teachers to keep the chapter strong. “We need a variety of voices and experiences,” Sharon says. “That’s how an organization stays active and continues to make a difference.”

Each year, an altruistic committee gathers project ideas from members and brings recommendations to the chapter for a vote. “That’s how we decide what to support,” says Sharon.

This fall, Beta Zeta will hold a Bingo Night on September 20^th at Berry Chapel Church of Christ. The event will be open to the public.