Join Pi Lambda Theta and become a member of one of the nation's most prestigious honor societies.

Become a member of Pi Lambda Theta

Pi Lambda Theta, a division of PDK International, is one of the nation’s most prestigious education honor societies. Established in 1910, Pi Lambda Theta serves to recognize outstanding students who intend to pursue careers in education. With more than 185,000 individuals who have been inducted across the nation, membership signifies a commitment to academic excellence and the teaching profession.

Eligibility
Pi Lambda Theta has some of the most stringent GPA requirements of any education honors society. Members are able to join as undergraduate/graduate students or as professionals.

UNDERGRADUATE MEMBERSHIP
Open to undergraduate students who:

  • Intend to pursue a career in education.
  • Have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5 on a 4.0 scale. (Contact us if your school doesn’t use a 4.0 scale.)
  • Have at least a sophomore standing.

Sophomores
Undergraduate sophomores who join Pi Lambda Theta will receive an initiation pin and one year of membership for the low price of $54.

Juniors
Undergraduate juniors will receive a special Pi Lambda Theta “Educator” pin and one-year membership for only $64.

Seniors
Undergraduate seniors will receive graduation cords to show their accomplishments at graduation for a one-time fee of $74.

All undergraduate levels will receive a personalized downloadable certificate.

To continue receiving Pi Lambda Theta honor and recognition, sophomores and juniors will need to rejoin each year through their senior year.

GRADUATE MEMBERSHIP
Must have completed at least two courses in a graduate program. (If not, please use the undergraduate GPA.)

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIP
Any professional who is an educator or has contributed to the field of education and has:

  • Completed a minimum of a bachelor’s degree.
  • A cumulative GPA of at least 3.5 on a 4.0 scale for the most advanced degree or credential.
All undergraduate sophomores receive an initiation pin.
All undergraduate juniors receive a special Pi Lambda Theta educators pin to show their commitment to education.
All undergraduate seniors, as well as graduate students and professional members, receive gold cords to wear to graduation.

Benefits

Joining Pi Lambda Theta is a great way to stand out from the crowd and get that first teaching job right out of college — and it’s easy!

    • A connection to outstanding education professionals who can open doors to future employment;
    • A personalized certificate;
    • Eligibility for scholarships to support your undergraduate or graduate studies;
    • Access to low-cost professional liability insurance that covers you during clinical observations and preservice teaching assignments; and
    • A one-year digital PDK Association membership, including a subscription to Kappan magazine.
    • Opportunity to mentor the next generation of educators by serving as a judge or presenter at the Educators Rising National Conference.

Membership FAQs

Why should I join Pi Lambda Theta?
Pi Lambda Theta is one of the nation’s most prestigious education honor societies, and having it on your résumé gets the attention of employers. Membership also provides an opportunity for you to stand out from the crowd at graduation with gold honor cords and other regalia. The best part? If you’re planning to pursue a career in education and have a cumulative GPA of 3.50 or above, you’ve already earned it. All you have to do is fill out the membership form. It’s that easy.

I want to join Pi Lambda Theta. Am I eligible?
Pi Lambda Theta has the most stringent GPA requirements for membership. Eligible candidates must have a cumulative GPA of 3.50 or above and must be one of the following:

  • Undergraduate sophomores, juniors, or seniors (with at least 30 credit hours), recent graduates, or graduate students who intend to pursue a career in education; or
  • Current educators or education professionals/support staff.

How much does it cost to join?
Undergraduate sophomores who join Pi Lambda Theta will receive an initiation pin and one year of membership for the low price of $54. Undergraduate juniors will receive a special Pi Lambda Theta “Educator” pin and one-year membership for only $64. Undergraduate seniors will receive graduation cords to show their accomplishments at graduation for a one-time fee of $74. All undergraduate levels will receive a personalized downloadable certificate.

To continue receiving Pi Lambda Theta honor and recognition, undergraduate sophomores and juniors will need to rejoin each year through their senior year.

For graduate students and Professional members there is a one-time fee of $74. Once you pay the fee, you will become a member for life.

Do I have to submit an official transcript?
No, you may upload a PDF of an electronic version. Please remember that your transcript must show your name, school name, and cumulative/overall GPA.

What types of payment do you accept?
We accept online payments by Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express. If submitting your application by mail, you may pay with a check made out to Pi Lambda Theta.

How long does it take for my membership to be processed?
Once we receive your application, we will review and approve it within two to three business days. After we process your membership, we will send you a welcome email with instructions on how to download your membership certificate. Your gold honor cords will be shipped via U.S. mail to the address listed on your account. Be sure to log back into your account and verify that the address on your Profile>Overview tab is showing your home mailing address so there is no delay in shipment. Please allow 10-14 days for arrival after your membership has been approved.

How do I wear my gold cords?
Cords are worn over the left shoulder with the knot on top, two tassels to the front, and two tassels to the back.

How do I update my résumé to include my membership?
Create a section called “Honors and Awards” and add the following:
Member, Pi Lambda Theta Honor Society

What is Pi Lambda Theta’s relationship to PDK International?
As a division of PDK International, Pi Lambda Theta maintains its name, selective membership standards, and unique mission. Established in 1906, PDK International supports teachers and school leaders by strengthening their interest in the profession through the entire arc of their career. PDK International is comprised of seven divisions whose programs and services enable public educators to improve schools so that all students thrive.

Pi Lambda Theta Student Support Scholarships

One of the many ways that PDK International supports and cultivates great educators for tomorrow is through the PDK Educational Foundation Scholarship Program. Scholarships that range from $500 to $2,000 are available to prospective educators who are members in good-standing of Pi Lambda Theta. The application process will open on January 2, 2024, with a deadline of April 2, 2024. Connect with us on social media so you’re sure to receive updates and additional information about our 2024 scholarship application.

Members can learn more  and apply through the PLT Membership Portal.

Faculty advisors – how to bring Pi Lamba Theta to your school

Pi Lambda Theta is one of the nation’s most prestigious education honor societies. Established in 1910, Pi Lambda Theta serves to recognize outstanding students who intend to pursue careers in education. With more than 185,000 individuals who have been inducted across the nation, membership signifies a commitment to academic excellence and the teaching profession. Pi Lambda Theta is a division of PDK International.

Why bring Pi Lambda Theta to your college or university?
Pi Lambda Theta is a significant opportunity for your students. As members, your students will be recognized by potential employers as high-caliber job candidates and be distinguished at graduation as high-achieving students through honor regalia. It truly is an opportunity for you to showcase the outstanding students in your education program.

By bringing Pi Lambda Theta to your institution of higher education, you also become an Educators Rising Partner Institution and are tied into the larger Educators Rising network. Educators Rising is one of the largest Grow Your Own Programs at the high school level in the United States and works to encourage students interested in careers in education to pursue a path to the classroom into schools of education and beyond. Educators Rising promotes our partner institutions to our high school students online, at our yearly conference, and through other initiatives.

What are the benefits of membership?
Joining Pi Lambda Theta is an easy yet powerful way for your students to be honored for their academic achievements. Teacher employers recognize membership in Pi Lambda Theta as a signifier of excellence. Additionally, it is an opportunity for you to recognize your outstanding students at graduation. Membership includes:

  • A personalized certificate and gold honor cords to wear at graduation;
  • A connection to outstanding education professionals who can open doors to future employment;
  • Eligibility for scholarships to support their studies; and
  • Access to low-cost professional liability insurance that covers them during clinical observations and preservice teaching assignments.

Who is eligible to apply for membership?

  • Undergraduate sophomores, juniors, and seniors (with at least 30 credit hours) or recent graduates who intend to pursue a career in education and have a cumulative GPA of 3.50 or above
  • Graduate students who have completed one or more semesters of grad school, intend to pursue a career in education, and have a cumulative GPA of 3.50 or above. (If they haven’t yet finished their first semester of grad school, they can apply using their undergraduate school information and GPA.)
  • Current educators or education professionals/support staff who graduated with a cumulative GPA of 3.50 or above

What is the fee structure?
Undergraduate sophomores who join Pi Lambda Theta will receive an initiation pin and one year of membership for the low price of $54. Undergraduate juniors will receive a special Pi Lambda Theta “Educator” pin and one-year membership for only $64. Undergraduate seniors will receive graduation cords to show their accomplishments at graduation for a one-time fee of $74. All undergraduate levels will receive a personalized downloadable certificate.

To continue receiving Pi Lambda Theta honor and recognition, undergraduate sophomores and juniors will need to rejoin each year through their senior year.

For graduate students and Professional members there is a one-time fee of $74. Once you pay the fee, you will become a member for life.

We make it easy.
Offering Pi Lambda Theta’s honor and recognition to your students is easy. You do not have to sanction a campus chapter or appoint a faculty advisor. All you need to do is follow these steps to send us contact information for your eligible students, and we’ll email invitations directly to them:

Interested students can easily apply by filling out our online application at pilambda.org/join.

Let us know if you’d like to receive recruitment materials to display in your office or language for pamphlets and newsletters. We’re here to help.

Call us at 800-766-1156 or email pilambdatheta@pdkintl.org to get more information or to get started.

What is Pi Lambda Theta’s relationship to PDK International?
As a division of PDK International, Pi Lambda Theta maintains its name, selective membership standards, and unique mission. Established in 1906, PDK International supports teachers and school leaders by strengthening their interest in the profession through the entire arc of their career. PDK International is comprised of seven divisions whose programs and services enable public educators to improve schools so that all students thrive.

What types of institutions are eligible to promote Pi Lambda Theta to their students?
Pi Lambda Theta is appropriate for any education or teacher preparation program that seeks to acknowledge its high-achieving students.

What is the cost of bringing Pi Lambda Theta to my college or university?
There is no cost! Pi Lambda Theta is completely supported through initiation fees and donations, meaning no cost to your institution.

Can my college or university establish a Pi Lambda Theta chapter?
Establishing a local Pi Lambda Theta chapter is optional. Members have access to all member benefits offered at the national level regardless of whether or not their school offers a local chapter. However, some schools and institutions choose to host a local Pi Lambda Theta chapter to allow preservice and practicing educators to connect at a local level and share knowledge. Chapters are led by volunteers or a faculty advisor and engage in group activities and meetings at the discretion of the chapter leaders.

Questions?
Contact the Pi Lambda Theta office at 800-766-1156 or pilambdatheta@pdkintl.org

Pi Lambda Theta is a division of PDK International, an education non-profit that supports and honors educators at every phase of their career.
If you’re about to embark on your teaching journey, membership in the PDK Association will provide you with the research and community you need during those crucial early years in the classroom. Click here to learn more.

Get In Touch

Need to get in touch? Want to learn more?

2 + 4 =

By Phone:

(800) 766-1156

By Email:

pilambdatheta@pdkintl.org

By Mail:

P.O. Box 13090 Arlington, VA 22219 PDK International may periodically send you updates via email about news and events.