On her fingers, there are marker smudges; on her desk, there is an apple. Anyone who knows Lexi Gordon knows that her passion is teaching.After graduating from Penn State in 2011 with a marketing degree and a minor in sociology, Lexi was selected to participate in one of the most competitive programs for college graduates who are interested in teaching:Teach For America. The program is handcrafted for students who demonstrate unique leadership characteristics and smarts, but did not study education. She hasn't left the whiteboard since.
Lexi's continued commitment to her TFA placement school after completing her two years is especially impressive considering the strenuous demands of the program. While teaching kindergarten and third grade at Young Scholars Frederick Douglass, Gordon completed a master's degree in education at the University of Pennsylvania.
When she is not teaching times-tables and parts of speech, Lexi - a native of Bryn Mawr, Pa. - is an active member of JHP's Young Professional's Network, where she heads up the social events committee.
Most recently, Lexi's team organized JHP's annual pong tournament, which drew a hefty crowd to Northern Liberties' King's Oak bar and restaurant. Dozens played in the tournament, many more enjoyed raffles and the open bar, and the event bore her hallmark blend of perfectionism and coolness-qualities that have allowed Gordon to thrive in her role as JHP's social chair.
Ask Gordon about her work with JHP, and she'll wax nostalgic:
"JHP always keeps me grounded, regardless of how crazy and chaotic my life might be in that moment. Whether it's sharing Shabbat Dinners with close friends at Menachem's house, or celebrating Sukkot with a sushi and stoli happy hour, I'm always reminded of how valuable it is to continue building my connection with Judaism and friends."
