Every year, Jesuit welcomes new faculty and staff. Today, I had the privilege of meeting one of the new members of the Jesuit family: Ms. April Gordon who teaches in the math department.

Early Aspirations and Background

Ms. Gordon always knew she wanted to be a teacher. From the tender age of five, she was inspired by the idea of shaping young minds and making a difference in the world. Born in Tyler, Texas, her journey took her to Maryland, where she attended Patuxent High School, graduating in 2007. Her academic pursuits led her to Westfield State University in Massachusetts, where she played volleyball and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics. She later returned to Maryland to complete her Master’s in Teaching at the University of Maryland. During her career, which included working with adults with learning disabilities, she also considered a career in engineering due to her love for problem-solving. This is a testament to her belief that motivation is key to success in any field and love for helping others. 

Professional Journey

Ms. Gordon’s teaching career began at her alma mater, Patuxent High School. After gaining valuable experience, she moved to Dallas, Texas, where she taught in the Dallas Independent School District for seven years. This year marks her first year at Jesuit, bringing her total teaching experience to nine years.

Why Jesuit?

Ms. Gordon was drawn to Jesuit because of its holistic approach to education. She appreciates the school’s commitment to fostering well-rounded individuals, focusing not just on academics but on personal growth and character development. This aligns perfectly with her own teaching philosophy. She values Jesuit’s focus on fostering well-rounded people versus just one aspect.

Hobbies and Interests

Outside the classroom, Ms. Gordon enjoys spending quality time with her family, exploring parks around the Dallas-Fort Worth area, and trying out different restaurants, of which her favorite is Korean BBQ. She also loves playing board games like Uno, Guess Who, Checkers, Connect 4, Life, and Monopoly with her family.

 

Teaching and Clubs

Ms. Gordon has taught Algebra 1 for five years, along with Algebra 2, Geometry, and Pre-Calculus. She is passionate about math and believes in its power to help students understand and appreciate the beauty and logic of the world. At Jesuit, she is open to sponsor clubs like the Baking Club and Math Club, where she can share her interests and engage with students outside the traditional classroom setting.

Favorite Book and Genre

Ms. Gordon’s favorite book is “The Great Alone” by Kristin Hannah, and she enjoys reading historical fiction. This genre allows her to delve into different eras and understand the complexities of human experiences through compelling narratives.

Passions and Beliefs

Ms. Gordon’s biggest passion in life is raising her children and student’s she teaches to be empathetic and motivated individuals. She believes in the importance of understanding and appreciating all of God’s creations through the lens of mathematics. Her faith, as a Christian plays a significant role in her life, guiding her actions and strengthening her beliefs. She believes in learning and understanding all of God’s creation through math.

“Learning and understanding all of God’s creation through math allows you to appreciate the beauty and logic within the world which God created.”

Dream Destinations

If given the chance to travel anywhere in the world, Ms. Gordon would choose the Mediterranean. She is captivated by its beautiful beaches, scenic rides, and the opportunity to experience Greek and Italian cuisine. 

 
Final Thoughts

Ms. April Gordon is a dedicated educator whose passion for teaching and commitment to her students make her a valuable asset to Jesuit. Her diverse experiences and interests enrich her teaching, and her enthusiasm for fostering well-rounded individuals helps her as a teacher at Jesuit.  As she wisely says:

“You don’t have to be good at math, you have to have the motivation to figure it out!”