Type Of Business:
High School
Expertise:
Ms. Gordon's expertise includes educational program organization, curriculum development and administration.
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 Education, Concentration 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?:
Ms. Gordon's passionate, energetic and enthusiastic nature separates her from her peers.
What has been the most outstanding thing you have done thus far in your career?:
Ms. Gordon's greatest career achievement was being selected to serve as Hayfield Secondary School's career and technical education department chairwoman, which has allowed her to experience optimum professional growth.
Expanded Biography:
Ms. Gordon is a career and technical education department chairwoman for 21 middle and high school staff members in the disciplines of auto technology, business, cosmetology, family and consumer sciences, marketing, JROTC, technology education, and health and medical sciences. She teaches education programs, state-level training and classroom curriculum. She is currently nominated for the Virginia Exemplary Standard Program Review to be awarded by Governor Tim Kaine in June 2010. If she wins the nomination, she will receive 5,000 dollars, which will provide additional funds for the Education for Employment Program and benefit many career and technical education students and local employers.
Throughout the duration of your career, what was the one highlight that stood out the most?:
The highlight of her career was being selected as one of three state trainers for the Teachers for Tomorrow program through the Virginia Department of Education in Richmond.
Number Of Years In Profession:
37
What Does He/She Attribute Success To:
She attributes her success to the personal and mutually respectful connections she has developed with her students, and her genuine nature.
Why did you become involved in your profession or industry?:
She became involved in her profession through her longtime desire to be a teacher, the inspiration she received from her family members, who were educators, and the scholarship she received to pursue undergraduate education in family and consumer education.
Position Responsibilities and Duties:
Teaching Leadership Skills, Counseling on Career Decision Making, Job Skills and Workplace Safety, Handling Ethical Issues, 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 Pentagon Rotary Club (2004); Two-Time Nominee, Teacher of the Year Award, The Washington Post (1997, 2004); Multi-Year Honoree, Who's Who among American Teachers
Where Will You Be In 5 Years:
In five years, Ms. Gordon would like to develop the Teachers for Tomorrow and Teacher Cadet program as an optional elective in every high school in Virginia.