Type Of Business:
High School
Expertise:
Ms. Gordon's expertise is in educational program organization, curriculum development and administration oversight.
Major Product/SVS:
Secondary Education
Favorite Business Publication:
Middle School Journal; Edutopia; Instructor
Hobbies/Sports:
Traveling, Exercising, Skiing, Ice Skating, Snowmobiling
Education Degrees:
Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (1998); Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences, James Madison University (1976)
Industry:
Secondary Education
Date of Distinction:
3/3/2008
What do you feel separates you from the rest of the professionals in your industry?:
Driven by intrinsic motivation and a positive attitude for life, I strive daily to implement my favorite quote, 'One hundred years from now it will not matter what kind of car I drove, the size of my house, or how much money I had in the bank, but the world may be a better place because I made a difference in the life of a child.' My perspective is focused on facing challenges of the day and turning them into opportunities for student growth. Three adjectives used by colleagues and students alike to describe me include passionate, energetic, and enthusiastic. My contagious energy sparks the classroom dynamics, allowing me to give my students what they deserve most: 'I give them everything I've got!'
Highlight of career?:
The most gratifying aspect of her career is being one of three state trainers for the Teachers for Tomorrow/Teacher Cadet program through the Virginia Department of Education in Richmond. The teacher cadet curriculum is a pre-education program for selected high school, juniors and seniors interested in pursuing a teaching endorsement in college. Being cognizant of the national teacher shortage and having a passion for her profession, she knows that quality educators are needed, particularly in the current critical needs areas of mathematics, science, foreign language, and special education. Her contribution is to train teachers to offer the Teachers for Tomorrow/Teacher Cadet program. Ms. Gordon's goal is to make this program an optional elective in every high school in Virginia.
Number Of Years In Profession:
33
What Does He/She Attribute Success To:
She attributes her success to the personal rapport that she develops with her students. Her school has a theme, 'Academic Success = Knowledge + Relevance + Human Relations.' Any instructor can convey knowledge, but academic excellence needs the relationship skills building as part of the formula for students' emotional growth. The quote, 'Students don't care how much you know, until they know how much you care,' exemplifies this concept. Ms. Gordon's ability to be a genuine person and develop mutual respect between her and the students are the keys to her success.
How Did They Get Involved In Profession:
She became involved in her profession after becoming involved in the career and technical education field, specifically family and consumer sciences in middle school, when students typically begin exploring career options through electives. She had known at a young child that she wanted to teach. Ms. Gordon is a kinesthetic learner and a creative type who came from a family of educators, so she particularly enjoyed this elective offering and continued it throughout high school. Furthermore, during her senior year, she received a scholarship for students interested in pursuing a career in teaching family and consumer education. After utilizing this scholarhip opportunity to pursue her career path, the rest is history!
Extended Bio Profile:
Ms. Gordon is an advocate for 21 middle and high school staff members in the disciplines of auto technology, business, cosmetology, family and consumer sciences, marketing, technology, health and medical sciences. The greatest achievement of her career is being selected to serve as Hayfield Secondary School's career and technical education department chairperson. This managerial role allows for optimum professional growth as she is now an active participant in the 'big picture' of educational decision-making.
Day to Day Responsibilities:
Teaching Leadership Skills, Counseling on Career Decision-Making, Job Skills and Workplace Safety, Handling Ethical Issues, Managing Public Relationships and Finance, Coordinating Cooperative Internships with Employers, Fostering Partnerships within the Business Community
Awards/Honors:
Teacher of the Year Award, Fairfax County Family and Consumer Sciences Education Association (2004); Outstanding High School Teacher Award, Crystal City Rotary Club (2004); Nominee, Teacher of the Year Award, The Washington Post (1997, 2004); Multi-Year Honoree; Who's Who Among American Teachers