After a successful career as a Director of Resource Development in museums and other nonprofit educational settings, Ms. Gordon changed careers in 1998 to become an elementary school teacher. At PS 35, she taught fourth and most recently third grade. She served as grade leader of the fourth grade for 6 years. In this position, she acted as a liaison between administration and her teaching colleagues on the grade. She also coordinated family communications, planned trips, planned and coordinated the fourth grade promotion ceremony as well as the senior class trip. She also acted as a social studies representative from her school at Regional meetings. In 2004, she became one of New York City's first 35 Lead Teachers, a position she currently holds. As a lead teacher, she spends half her time in her own class and the other half of her time helping teachers in their quest to become better at what they do. In this capacity, she attends and delivers professional development as needed.