Superintendent Geoffrey N. Gordon Honored

Dr. Geoffrey N. Gordon, Superintendent of Schools in the Port Washington School District, was recently selected to receive the “Long Island Educator of the Year” award from the Korean Parents Association of Long Island.

The Korean Parents Association of Long Island (KPALI) was formally established on March 30, 2009. This cultural organization was formed to help the increasing population of Korean students and parents on Long Island. The organization acts as a liaison between Korean families and local schools, as well as local government agencies. They meet regularly to help all Korean families take pride in who they are and to help them develop strong self-esteem while supporting the community in which we live. The organization holds special events, such as the Annual Korean Harvest Moon Festival, to help their neighbors learn about Korean culture, cuisine, dance, music, martial arts and fashion.

At the KPALI meetings, parents discuss outstanding educators who have had a positive impact on their children and families. Dr. Gordon was selected because of his willingness to go above and beyond the usual duties of a Superintendent of Schools. Dr. Gordon’s efforts on behalf of all students have been nationally recognized. This year he received the Peabody “Educator of the Year” award from Vanderbilt University for lifetime contributions to education. He has been the only K-12 educator in the 83-year history of the National Conference of Christians and Jews to be elected to the State Board of Governors for his efforts combating prejudice and racism. Dr. Gordon has reached out to Korean families in helping students with college acceptances and intervening on behalf of families with students in the Port Washington school system when federal visa issues have arisen.

When notified of his selection as “Long Island Educator of the Year” by KPALI, Dr. Gordon stated, “On behalf of our Board of Education, Staff and Community, it is truly humbling for me to receive this award. It is truly a privilege to be a small bit of help and support to such wonderful students and families. I am greatly honored, and I will continue to do my very best to lead by example and assist students and families wherever possible. The privilege of public service is mine, and the real award winners are the courageous students and families who make America’s future so bright.”