Edward W. Gordon, II – CEO, Speaker, Coach, Global Educator
Edward W. Gordon, II is a visionary educator, transformational leader, and global coach with a deep-rooted passion for empowering aspiring and current school leaders. As the CEO of Gordon Leadership Academy, LLC, he leads a premier coaching and training organization that specializes in helping aspiring principals and superintendents successfully prepare for and pass the School Leaders Licensure Assessment (SLLA) and the School Superintendent Assessment (SSA)—boasting a 95% client pass rate. With more than 25 years of experience in education, Edward has guided staff and students from preschool through high school and is recognized for his expertise in school turnaround leadership.
In addition to his role at the Academy, Edward is the Founder of the Gordon Leadership Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to supporting educators, school leaders, and cross-sector professionals in over 40 developing countries. Through coaching, mentoring, and training initiatives, Edward and his team are equipping leaders with the skills and mindset needed to create transformative change in their communities. His mission work has taken him to Uganda, Barbados, Antigua and India and he will be expanding his international reach with an upcoming trip to Nigeria in August 2026..
A native of Montclair, New Jersey, Edward’s journey in leadership began with a Bachelor of Arts in Music from the University of South Carolina. He later earned a Master’s in Music Education from New Jersey City University and a Master’s in Educational Leadership in 2003. He holds multiple certifications from the State of New Jersey, including Principal, Supervisor, and Music Teacher, as well as School Administrator eligibility, and is also a Certified Principal in Pennsylvania.
Edward’s professional credentials include being one of just three graduates from the highly selective PhillyPLUS School Turnaround Program, completion of the Dale Carnegie Course, and certification as a John C. Maxwell Speaker, Coach, and Trainer. He is a graduate of the Black Entrepreneurs Institute, a former Toastmasters International (Successfully Speaking Toastmasters Chapter) member, and a Founding Member of the BNI Matrix Chapter. He currently serves on the Board of Trustees for Family Rebuild of New Jersey and was an Advisor to the Board of Directors for Crowned International, a non-profit supporting women's leadership development.
A sought-after speaker and podcast guest, Edward has appeared on Talk Leadership With Cedric LaFleur, Win With Willie, The Black Entrepreneurs Institute Show, and The Introverted Queen Podcast. He also hosted his own bi-weekly broadcast, The Principal’s Office, where he highlighted educational stakeholders making a positive impact locally and globally.
Beyond his professional achievements, Edward is a devoted husband to Ananeika Gordon, proud father of five, and grandfather to one. His personal and professional life is guided by the principle, “If I can help somebody, then my living shall not be in vain.”
Whether he's coaching an aspiring school leader, delivering keynote addresses, or equipping educators across continents, Edward W. Gordon, II is relentlessly committed to building the next generation of impactful, ethical, and visionary leaders.