Edmund W. Gordon (1921-present)

Art by Darick Ritter.

Edmund W. Gordon is a social psychologist and an expert in child development who has worked throughout his career on the issues and challenges of underprivileged and minority students in American education.  Much of his work and research has been dedicated to the study of the Achievement Gap, affirmative development of academic ability, and Supplementary Education, in an effort to improve the quality of academic achievement in diverse learners. His scholarship has focused on the development of students who are African-American, ethnic minorities, and of low socioeconomic status who triumph over significant odds to become better achievers.

Professor Gordon was one of the architects of the federal Head Start program, which provides comprehensive early childhood education, health, nutrition, and parent involvement services to low-income children and families. He also founded Teachers College’s Institute for Urban and Minority Education, which focuses on education as a means to foster the development of urban communities of color.

Dr. Gordon’s career spans professional practice, life as a minister, clinical and counseling psychologist, research scientist, author, editor, and professor. He is currently the John M. Musser Professor of Psychology, Emeritus at Yale University, and the Richard March Hoe Professor, Emeritus of Psychology and Education at Teachers College, Columbia University.

Written by Travis B. Hill.