We are pleased to continue the Linda Gordon STEM Innovation Grant, in memory of beloved Highland Park High School math teacher Linda Gordon
In 2017, after the passing of dedicated and celebrated Highland Park High School math teacher Linda Gordon, the outpouring of support from friends, family and colleagues led to the creation of a special grant to commemorate her more than two-decades of teaching and leadership at Highland Park High School and District 113. The Linda Gordon STEM Innovation Grant is awarded annually to educators who’s programming at Highland Park High School and Deerfield High School inspire innovation and the fostering of real-life connections in the STEM fields. The family of Linda Gordon is pleased to be able to continue contributing to the funding of the Linda Gordon STEM Innovation Grant so more District 113 educators can share in her passion for math and science for the benefit of countless students.
About Linda Gordon
Inspired by her junior high math teacher—who was quick thinking and had a great sense of humor—Linda knew that it was her calling to teach this subject. She began her career teaching math in the New York City school system, as well as on Long Island, where she was the program coordinator for gifted and Title 1 students.
After an eleven-year hiatus taken to raise her family, Linda took up a position at Highland Park High School. She remained an educator in District 113 for the next twenty years, and felt very fortunate to work in the same district in which her children were enrolled.
Throughout her years as an educator in District 113, Linda’s impact was felt both within and outside the classroom. She was involved with the Special Education Department to foster a Cooperative Education Curriculum, with the Freshman Advisory Program for more than 16 years. She chaired the Math Department’s Social Awareness Group for 15 years. She served as Highland Park High School’s faculty representative to the District 113 Board of Education for four years, and was a sponsor of the National Honor Society at Highland Park High School. Finally, Linda created the successful and wonderful Senior Citizens’ Prom, an annual affair that bridges the divide between generations. It continues to be held long after her retirement.
Linda made extraordinary contributions to education and her example continues to inspire teachers she mentored who still work in the district. She was the proud mother of two Highland Park High School graduates and proud grandmother of five grandsons in the District (three graduated from Deerfield High School and two from Highland Park High School).