Black History Month is a time to reflect on the achievements, resilience, and contributions of Black individuals who have shaped our history and continue to impact our communities. It is a time to acknowledge the trailblazers who fought for civil rights, the educators who have fostered knowledge and empowerment, and the community leaders who inspire future generations. At the heart of this celebration are individuals like Dominique Gordon, a Third Grade Teacher at Fulton Elementary School, whose deep commitment to her students embodies the spirit of Black excellence.
For Mrs. Gordon, teaching is a calling. Through her passion for education, she provides her students with a nurturing environment that fosters confidence, academic success, and a deeper understanding of their own potential. As a Black educator, she serves as both a mirror and a window, offering her students a reflection of themselves and a gateway to greater possibilities. Her journey is one of dedication, love, and the relentless pursuit of excellence, ensuring that every child she teaches walks away with the tools to shape their own bright future.
A Childhood Rooted in Community
Born and raised in West Oak Lane, Philadelphia, Dominique Gordon grew up in a close-knit neighborhood where the entire community took part in raising its children. “It was okay for Ms. Binny to discipline you,” she recalls, emphasizing how neighbors were like extended family. The support system was strong, and children were held accountable by all the adults around them. This sense of collective responsibility laid the foundation for Dominique’s deep commitment to education and mentorship.
She remembers playing outside all day, jumping double Dutch, riding bikes, and playing hopscotch until the streetlights came on—a rule she resented as a child but appreciates now. “Those were the good old days,” she says fondly. Without modern distractions like smartphones, and social media, children had to be creative and active in their play, something she wishes today’s students could experience more.
A Journey to Teaching
Dominique’s passion for education was shaped early on by her mother and grandmother, both of whom ran home daycares. She was inspired by the joy in children’s eyes as she read to them, braided their hair, and played games. These small but powerful moments ignited a love for nurturing and teaching that would stay with her throughout her life.
With a firm push from her mother, she attended the prestigious Central High School in Philadelphia before earning a degree in elementary education from Penn State University. It was there that she met her husband, Darryl Gordon, and together they built a life centered around education and family.
A Shift in Perspective
For 13 years, Dominique taught at Valley Forge Elementary, a school known for its resources and predominantly white student body. When her family moved to Lancaster, she embraced a new chapter at Fulton Elementary, where she encountered a wonderfully diverse community. “The diversity here is incredible,” she shares. “I feel like I’m making a significant impact. These students inspire me every day.”
And she gives them everything. Mrs. Gordon is more than a teacher—she is a mother figure, a mentor, and a source of unconditional love. She believes that many of her students are starved for affection and positive reinforcement, which is why she created ‘Squeezie Bajeezies’—her signature warm embraces that give children a safe place to feel loved and valued.
The Power of a Hug
One of Dominique’s most moving teaching moments came from a student who had struggled academically and emotionally. At the end of the school year, students wrote about their fondest memories of third grade. His response? “Receiving my first Squeezie Bajeezie from Mrs. Gordon. I had never been hugged before.”
The revelation was heartbreaking. How does a child reach third grade without ever receiving a hug? For Dominique, it reinforced her belief that love, patience, and persistence could transform lives. She carries this lesson with her every day, making sure each of her students knows they are seen, valued, and cared for.
Bringing Black History to Life
Dominique takes her role as an educator beyond the standard curriculum. Every February, she ensures her students understand that Black History is more than just Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks. “If I don’t teach them, who will?” she asks. She introduces her students to Black authors, poets, and historical figures who often go unrecognized in traditional lesson plans.
Recently, while analyzing Maya Angelou’s Still I Rise, her students surprised her with their insights. “They were using Lancaster slang, but they got it,” she says with a laugh. “They understood what Maya was saying, and that’s what mattered.”
Teaching Through Music and Movement
Dominique has a unique teaching style that incorporates rhythm, music, and movement into her lessons. She believes learning should be engaging and memorable. When the song “Juju on That Beat” became popular, she turned it into “Juju on That Read” to teach literacy strategies. “If I make it practical and fun, they’ll remember it forever,” she explains. And it worked—students began using analytical skills in reading they had previously struggled with.
Addressing Educational Inequities
Beyond the classroom, Dominique passionately advocates for equity in education. Having taught in a variety of school environments, she has witnessed how resources can vary drastically and how these disparities affect students’ opportunities. “If I didn’t experience it myself, I might not believe these inequities exist,” she says. “Every child deserves the support they need to succeed.”
Her advocacy is driven by the belief that every child, regardless of background, deserves a fair chance at success. She pushes for better resources, individualized education plans, and support systems that allow her students to thrive.
Striving for Excellence
Through all the challenges, Dominique remains hopeful and determined. “We are not doing the minimum,” she tells her students. “We are doing the maximum. We are striving for excellence.” She instills in them a mindset of perseverance, resilience, and self-worth, knowing that these lessons will shape them far beyond third grade.
Her greatest pride lies in the transformation she witnesses—students who once struggled with confidence finding their voices, children who once felt unseen learning to believe in themselves.
A Love That Lasts a Lifetime
For Dominique Gordon, teaching is not just about academics—it is about shaping futures. She ensures that every child who walks through her door understands that they are capable, they are worthy, and they are loved. And that is a lesson they will carry with them for a lifetime.
Continuing the Legacy of Black Excellence
As we celebrate Black History Month, stories like Dominique Gordon’s remind us of the importance of representation, advocacy, and community. Her dedication to education and her students is a reflection of the countless Black educators who have paved the way for future generations. By uplifting and investing in our students today, we continue the legacy of Black excellence, ensuring that every child—regardless of background—has the opportunity to thrive.
