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Gordon College

Herschend School of Education

Make an Impact Through Education

Educators have the unique power and privilege to make a lasting impact on the lives of others. It is a noble calling—and also an increasingly challenging one, which is why excellent training is so critical to your long-term success and the success of those you’re teaching. 

The Herschend School of Education is internationally recognized for educator preparation grounded in evidence-based practices, so you will stand out as an effective leader and change-maker, equipped to make a difference with all populations of learners.

The Herschend School of Education offers both undergraduate and graduate degree programs:

  1. Explore Programs & Degrees
  1. IDA

    Accredition Plus Program

    for Reading Specialist Program

  2. $20K

    awarded annually to Gordon grads

    and their school systems in underserved communities

  3. A+

    for Reading Foundations

    —National Council on Teacher Quality

Student writes on whiteboard at the front of a classroom Student teaches young children how to read by pointing to a picture book

A Top School for Education

Massachusetts is top in the nation for education and one of the highest-paying states for teachers, and Gordon is the only school in Massachusetts to receive top recognition from the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ) and Accreditation Plus from the International Dyslexia Association for leading the way in evidence-based literacy instruction. NCTQ also recognizes Gordon as “Equitable and Excellent” due to students’ high performance on state licensure exams. As a result, our highly sought-after alumni are known for their confidence and competence as they serve diverse populations of learners at every age and level.

Teacher instructs young student and student teacher on sound pronunciation Student reads a picture book to the classroom

Learn from the Experts

When you pursue a degree in the Herschend School of Education, you immerse in a close community led by faculty experts who care about your success. Faculty are scholars who prioritize evidence-based practices grounded in the science of learning to best equip educators for excellence. 

Faculty are also experienced teachers, specialists, administrators and speech-language pathologists, so they deeply understand both opportunities and obstacles you will face in the field of education. You’ll be paired with a faculty advisor to customize your learning plan based on your career goals.

Herschend School of Education

Nationally recognized, personally focused

Gordon faculty are committed teachers, exceptional scholars and catalysts for transformation—both in their fields and in the lives of students they teach.

All Herschend School of Education Faculty

Ellen Ballock

Ellen Ballock

Dean, Herschend School of Education

Sarah Grant

Sarah Grant

Director of Graduate Programs in Education

Kenann McKenzie DeFranza

Kenann McKenzie-DeFranza

Director of Academic Innovation and Strategic Partnerships

Julia D'Onofrio

Julia D'Onofrio

Teaching Professor of Education

Kimberly Leonard

Kimberly Leonard

Associate Professor Education

Krista Erikson

Krista Erikson

Teaching Professor of Graduate Education

Education students learn to teach math Student teacher shows elementary student how to use a white board

"Professors were always willing to help me, mentor me, challenge me and push me to learn beyond what I could have imagined was possible. They value their students and want them to succeed. With faculty support I grew as a Christ-follower, as a person and as a teacher."

—Alyssa Hutchinson '24

Peter Herschend School of Education Resources

Herschend faculty discuss Gordon's legacy of equitable education

Education News & Stories

Bill Laforme talks about his work in juvenile justice.

Posted on March 9, 2025

Breaking Barriers in Education: Bill Laforme’s ’24M Work with Juvenile Justice  

Bill Laforme ’24M is now an English and history teacher at the Department of Youth Services (DYS) Northeast Regional Youth Service Center. He talks about what it's like working at a juvenile justice center that seeks to help detained and committed youth receive the education they need to get their life back on track.  

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A tutor kneels in front of a whiteboard to help seated students struggling with literacy.

Posted on November 4, 2024

Partnerships for Progress: Herschend School and Local Schools Team Up for Literacy 

This past summer the Herschend School of Education was a recipient of a Massachusetts Department of Elementary Secondary Education (DESE) grant that formed an Early Literacy Consortium to tutor children on the North Shore who were struggling with reading. 

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Posted on September 17, 2024

Demystifying the Reading Landscape

Ellen Ballock, Ph.D. and Priscilla Nelson ‘74, Ed.D. of the Herschend School of Education share their insights into the literacy crisis in America—and how Gordon is using the science of reading to combat it.

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Gordon College's teacher education programs lead to initial and professional licensure in the state of Massachusetts. To learn about out-of-state licensure please go to the licensure page.

Students walk in front of the chapel courtyard

Start Your Future at Gordon College

We believe students should be equipped to flourish in an uncertain and changing world. At Gordon College, career-focused academics blend with a life-giving faith community to prepare young Christians to make a difference with hope and confidence.

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