Originally a musician, Bernice Bell Jordan decided to switch courses and become an educator so she could provide a better life for her daughter. She wanted to lead by example and show her the value of academia. Ms. Jordan proceeded to join the Alum Rock Union Elementary School District as an elementary teacher in 1959. She quickly garnered a reputation for her passion and dedication to her work, and became a beloved member of the community. She remained at the school until her retirement in 1999.
Outside of the classroom, Ms. Jordan enjoyed connecting with her peers. She is affiliated with organizations like the National Education Association, the California Elementary Education Association, the California Reading Association until 1997 and the California Teachers Association, among others. Additionally, Ms. Jordan served as a presenter at a conference at San Jose State University, wrote the “Handbook for Teachers at Goss Elementary” in 1984, and was on the writing committee, a researcher and contributor to the “Fine Arts Curriculum Guide” at the Alum Rock Union Elementary School District. She remained part of the advisory committee of the Teacher-Constructive Writing Project at San Jose State University until 2010.
To prepare for her endeavors, Ms. Jordan earned a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts from San Jose State College in 1959 and 1985, respectively. She also studied at Texas Western College and Prairie View A&M University, and became certified in specially-designed academic instruction in English, the fine arts and elementary education.
When Ms. Jordan has free time, she continues to pursue her love for music, specifically the piano. She was a pianist at the Lewis Memorial Christian Methodist Episcopal Church in San Jose, California, for more than 50 years until stepping down in 2015.
Ms. Jordan’s achievements were highlighted in numerous editions of Who’s Who in America, Who’s Who in American Education, Who’s Who in the World and Who’s Who of American Women.