Nation’s Best High School Principal Belongs To Philadelphia

On Tuesday, October 13th the National Association of Secondary School Principals bestowed the honor on Richard Gordon. 

Gordon is the principal of Paul Roberson in West Philadelphia. The school which welcomes students from all across the city was a reclamation project, which now has culminated in national recognition for Gordon after he took over the school in 2013. 

The 48-year-old grew up across the bridge in Camden. His father was in and out of prison and was raised by a single mother. The foundation for his love of education and the stress of its importance was enforced early by her, as she would be up bright and early to drive a young Gordon to school in Pennsauken. 

His start at Paul Roberson was an uphill battle. The school had been in serious danger of closing, and staff and students were dwindling. Richard Gordon’s mission started with instilling a professional atmosphere encouraging teamwork and collaboration to empower the teachers and the education of the students. 

Gordon set out to give the students opportunities to expand their school experience and to push beyond the borders of their neighborhoods. Working with the teachers who showed the grit to stay he helped create extra classes and internships for the students. 

photo by Heather Khalifa

One of the tenets Gordon runs his school with is accessibility.  His office doors are almost always open, with students free to file in and out. They come for snacks, advice and the occasional emotional pick me up. That goes past the final bell, as Gordon’s cell phone number is just a few taps away for every student and he stays in communication with those who need extra help either academically or emotionally. 

The turn around was noticeable. Paul Roberson High went from the low performing list to 95% of its students attending college, a massive feat for a school where the vast majority live in poverty. In 2017 the school was named the most improved, and Gordon was the recipient of district and state accolades.

Robert Motley, president of the National Association of Secondary School Principals, said in a statement. “Any school turnaround is hard, and it takes a special leader to sustain it, but Principal Gordon has led Robeson High School’s extraordinary turnaround keeping the success and well-being of his students as a top priority. Under his leadership, Robeson has been a model for other schools to follow and we are excited to celebrate his success with principals across the country.” 

Gordon was humbled by the honor but expressed that it is bigger than just him. “This may be my name, but this is us, this is all of us,” said Gordon. He comes from the Neubauer Fellowship in Educational Leadership, a program that focuses on developing city principals. 

Before his press conference to announce the news, he shared the news and some joyful tears with the person who started his education, his mother.