De Facto Leaders

Evidence-based practices and high-quality curriculum are important, but they aren’t the ONLY things school leaders need to think about. 

We can’t effectively serve students unless we understand their community, which means we have to think beyond the classroom or therapy room. 

That’s why I invited Edward Gordon, II, former principal and CEO of Gordon Leadership Academy, LLC to the De Facto Leaders podcast to talk about school turnaround and coaching within the education system. 

Edward W. Gordon, II is a native of Montclair, New Jersey. He is the proud father of Edward W. Gordon, III. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Music from the University of South Carolina in 1998. Edward also earned a Master’s in Music Education from New Jersey City University in 2002, and a Master’s in Educational Leadership in 2003. He is a Certified Principal for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Mr. Gordon has over 20 years of experience in education and has led staff and students from preschool through high school. 

He was one of three graduates of the PhillyPLUS School Turnaround Program, a selective residency program focused on serving underperforming schools.

Edward hosts a weekly broadcast entitled The Principal’s Office where he highlights educational stakeholders who are making a difference in their lives, the lives of others and with others. He is the CEO of Gordon Leadership Academy, LLC, a company that coaches and mentors aspiring and current school leaders globally. 

His motto is, “If I can help somebody, then my living shall not be in vain.”

In this conversation, we discuss: 

✅What’s really behind school attendance issues, and what happens when the school vision doesn’t align with the student body and community.

✅What’s the difference between coaching, mentoring, therapy, and consulting? How can people in education and healthcare both deliver and use these services to lead fulfilling careers? 

✅Why and how educators, leaders, and therapists can form partnerships with local businesses and community organizations to better serve students. 

You can connect with Edward on LinkedIn here and on Facebook here. You can find The School Leader Reflective Journal on Amazon here. You can also find links to his other resources here. 

Be sure to check out the BE podcast network for educators and aspiring leaders. If you’re looking for shows to inspire you to level up in your career or more effectively serve students, we’ve got you covered. Learn more about the BE podcast network at http://bepodcastnetwork.com/

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