A perfectionist with a desire to always be the best, Sharon A. Gordon dedicated 32 years to teaching math at Sparta High School in New Jersey, the very same school from which she graduated. She was inspired to enter the profession by her mom, who always saw her as a teacher, and she found that she was a natural fit. She considers her greatest achievements to be the notes she received from students thanking her for her efforts.
To prepare for her endeavors, Ms. Gordon attended Centenary College from 1963 to 1964, and earned a Bachelor of Arts in mathematics, chemistry and history from Drew University in 1967. She furthered her education in 1969, when she obtained a certification in secondary school mathematics for grades seven to 12 from the New Jersey State Board of Examiners, and again in 1970, when she received a Master of Education from Montclair State University.
After her tenure at Sparta High School, Ms. Gordon became a pre-school teacher’s aide at the Circle of Friends Pre-School in Sparta Township from 2000 to 2011. She also took on roles as a member of the choir of the Sparta United Methodist Church, which she’s been a member of since she was 11, and as a member of the Jack Russell Terrier Club of America. Additionally, Ms. Gordon has maintained affiliation with prominent professional organizations like the National Education Association, the Sussex County Retired Educators Association, and New Jersey Retired Educators Association. She feels her ability to keep going even when times get tough separates her from her peers.
Recognized for her achievements in her field, Ms. Gordon was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017, and has been featured in numerous volumes of Who’s Who in America and Who’s Who in American Women. She also received the creative writing award from Centenary College in 1963, and was inducted as a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. If she could offer some advice to the younger generations, it would be to stay focused and never give up. She hopes to be remembered as a hardworking, friendly, kind and compassionate person.
When Ms. Gordon has free time, she enjoys writing poetry, baking, cooking, reading, and counted cross stitch.
One Response
Ms. Gordon was my Algebra II teacher at Sparta High School in the late 80’s. She taught me and my peers extraordinarily well and with great patience. I am now a mathematics teacher myself and hope that I am able to teach my students almost as well as she did. Thank you, Ms. Gordon!