Well known for her tenacious spirit, Dr. Kathleen “Kat” Gordon received a plaque of appreciation from the Orange County Farm Bureau. Bobby Beagles, the Bureau’s Executive Director, thanked Dr. Gordon for her 45 years of service to Orange and Osceola public schools, and particularly to the Future Farmers of America programs.
Superintendent Barbara Jenkins accepted the plaque on behalf of Dr. Gordon, who attended the meeting virtually due to COVID-19.
In her 45-year education career, Dr. Gordon has served as a teacher, librarian, counselor, adjunct professor and school board member.
In her 20 years as the District 5 School Board member, Dr. Gordon is the longest-serving board member for Orange County Public Schools. She served as Vice-Chair November 2013-15 and November 2018-19. Dr. Gordon leaves her board seat knowing she has achieved the three goals she set: to increase student achievement, parental involvement and great school facilities.
Dr. Gordon has amassed a collection of awards and honors for her endless dedication to her community’s schools. Here are a few examples:
1996
• Disney’s Teacherrific Award
2006
• Junior Achievement's Educator of the Year Award.
• Orange County Mayor’s Humanitarian Award
2007
• New Beginnings Education Center, Osceola County, Teacher of the Year
• Osceola County's Vocational Teacher of the Year, Distinguished Dove Award
• Denn John MS Minority Educator of the Year and later became
• Osceola County's Ida S. Baker Minority Educator of the Year.
• University of Central Florida’s College of Education “Alumni of the Decades”
2008
• Osceola Classroom Teachers Association’s Dedication and Service to Cultural Diversity Award
• My Sister-My Friend, Inc., Women of Excellence Award
2009
• General Daniel "Chappie" James, Jr. Four-Star Major Award for community service.
2013
• Carter Tabernacle CME Church’s Dedication and Contributions honors
2014
• The Haitian American Art Network’s "I Am Extra-Ordinaries" award
2015
• Osceola County Schools; Secondary Media Specialist of the Year
• Saint Mark Church’ Pillar Award for Education
• The Women’s Executive Council of Central Florida’s Women’s Achievement Award for Education
Dr. Gordon’s last day as the District 5 School Board member is Nov. 17.