Education Alumni Profiles

Jessica Cochran (Harper) '18, Early Childhood and Biology
2nd and 3rd grade Teacher, Pittsburgh Urban Christian School

"My time at Gordon in the early childhood program helped immensely to prepare me for a teaching career. As I began interviewing for teaching positions, something I was sure about was my foundation in the best practices of teaching. I truly felt ready. I was confident in my approaches and strategies for math, reading, and social studies and sciences. By learning the importance of hands-on materials, multi-sensory lessons, and meaningful activities, I can honestly say my first year of teaching is successful. I am currently teaching a combined 2^ndand 3^rdgrade classroom at Pittsburgh Urban Christian School. I’ve been able to explore alongside my students open-ended inquiry, unit-based curriculum, writing process, and facilitate student-lead investigation that leads to deeper learning. Because of my confidence in my foundation of teaching skills from Gordon, I have been able to take on these new practices as well."

Teresa Rivera ’15, Elementary Education and Mathematics; Special Education
Fourth Grade Teacher, Thorndyke Road School, Worcester Public Schools

“Continually my principal and colleagues reiterate how extremely impressed they are with the strategies I implement and the depth of knowledge I have regarding my students. Often they tell me that they forget I am only in my first years of teaching and hold myself as a seasoned veteran. Because of what I learned at Gordon I entered my very diverse classroom with plenty of strategies to help them succeed. Confidently I have implemented RtI strategies taught to me and have been able to help students advance and make personal gains. I don’t know how I would have been able to identify areas of weakness or strength, never mind implement proper interventions without the education I received from Gordon.” 

Aleah Tarnoviski ’12, Early Childhood Education and Psychology; ESL
Kindergarten Lead Teacher, Success Academy, Bronx 2

“I have been consistently recognized by leadership for my readiness and undergrad preparation . . . Due to my highly specialized student-teaching at a charter school in Boston (made possible only through the work of my professors), and my rigorous experience teaching a wide variety of students throughout my time at Gordon, I was hired into the role immediately . . . In the beginning of my career, I was constantly asked where I learned to plan, improvise and make decisions for students the way I did, and my answer was always, ‘Gordon.’”

Alden Sorensen '11, Secondary Education and Mathematics
Master of Education, Math Specialist (Gordon College)
Math Department Chair, Dana Hall School, Belmont

“Many of the education classes at Gordon have a classroom observation and teaching component, providing students with a tangible way of practicing what they are learning. My experience in my pre-practicum and practicum during my senior year was the best training I could have asked for in terms of preparing me to teach full-time. As I entered September the following fall with a teaching position, I knew I could count on the skills I’d acquired during my previous years at Gordon to help me successfully navigate the world of a first-time teacher.”

Emily (Morse) De la Cruz '07, Elementary Education and Spanish
ESL Teacher, Francis T. Bresnahan Elementary School, Newburyport

“My experience in the education program at Gordon College was positive and meaningful. My professors took the time and effort to really get to know me and offer me valuable advice and guidance throughout my courses and student teaching. I was especially grateful for all the opportunities Gordon gave me to observe and teach in local schools starting my first year. These classroom placements confirmed my passion for teaching and my decision to become a teacher. By the time I started student teaching, I felt so much support from my professors and upon graduation, I knew I was ready to start my first teaching job.”