The Portfolio
Principal Talent Management
Principals need relevant professional learning too!
The Perspective
Strategies for high-quality instruction for students and staff
Active Engagement in the Classroom
Tips and Strategies to improve student achieve based on student interest and the development of project based assessments
Building Relationships with Challenging Students
Methods to reduce student discipline, improve teacher morale and increase active engagement
Be Proactive, Not Reactive
An overview of the RTI process with tiered interventions that support the whole child
Inspiring Schools to Become Effective
Expertise in the Larry Lezotte Effective Schools Model for School Improvement
Continuous Learning for Continuous Improvement
The Redesign of the School Improvement Process
Executive Coaching for Educational Leadership
Customized coaching program designed for educational leaders looking to take the next step
Guiding Sustainable Change Through Strategic Action
Dr. JBG3 believes that having a systematic and planned process that focuses on improving an organization's performance, effectiveness, and strategies is needed for sustainability. The alignment of strategy, structure, infrastructure, people, rewards, metrics and management are required in order to improve the organization and promote positive change.
Leadership Development
Team Building
Organizational Assessments
and Change Initiatives
Performance Management Redesign
Strategic Planning
Intervening and Taking Action
Evaluation and Feedback
Separation and Termination
Testimonials
Dr. Gordon delivered a keynote that blended rigorous insights with engaging storytelling, leaving our attendees inspired and equipped with concrete actions to take back to work. He wove data-driven perspectives with practical frameworks, making complex concepts accessible for both leaders and frontline teams. His thoughtful segmentation of takeaways, along with relatable anecdotes, kept the room energized and ensured lasting resonance well beyond the event.
Mr. Tom Burton
CEO of WeEmpower LLC
Dr. Gordon delivered an outstanding keynote that captivated our audience from start to finish. His insights and best practices shared were not only inspiring but also highly practical, leaving our attendees with valuable takeaways they could apply immediately. The passion and expertise he brought to the stage made a lasting impact, sparking meaningful conversations and energizing our entire conference. We will definitely be having him back for future events!
Mrs. Darla Edwards
CEO of Successful Innovations
Dr. John Gordon - Teacher, Coach, Administrator, Superintendent is simply the”Best of the Best”. Dr. Gordon was our opening session speaker at our 2023 VIAAA State Conference. His preparation and presentation to over 200 athletic administrators from throughout the State of Virginia was the highlight of our entire conference. Because of his background he was able to define the importance of athletic administrators and the positive impact they make to the schools and communities they serve. As a former baseball coach Dr. Gordon hit a “GRAND SLAM” and I highly recommend him as a speaker without any reservations.
Bob Stratton
VIAAA Executive Director & NIAAA Liaison
I had the distinct privilege of working alongside Dr. Gordon in the same division for several years. Although Dr. Gordon is an exceptional instructional leader, his most valuable asset is his ability to inspire and motivate faculty, staff, students, and the community. He is a servant leader who not only sets high expectations for those he leads, but for himself as well.
Dr. Johnathan Russ
Former Division Superintendent
Dr. Gordon challenges educators to look within themselves as change agents for creating better outcomes for students. My staff truly enjoyed spending time with him and hearing his perspective on raising the bar in public education.
George Parker III, Ph.D.
Former Superintendent
Joy Jam is a one-of-a-kind education conference focused on bringing joy, purpose, and human connection back to the heart of schools. It’s a space where educators come together to be inspired, challenged, and celebrated. John’s keynote at Joy Jam 2025 was the perfect blend of energy, authenticity, and inspiration. He reminded us that the best leaders don’t just inform—they ignite passion, build trust, and move people to action. He absolutely crushed it.
Dr. George Philhower
Superintendent of Eastern Hancock Public Schools
Dr. Gordon brought incredible energy and excitement to our convocation, reminding us that everyone matters while emphasizing the power of high expectations and strong relationships. Our staff is still talking about him!
Dr. Katina Otey
Charles City County Public Schools Superintendent
I’ve worked with Dr. Gordon’s Schools That Inspire in Kansas City, Missouri and now Anne Arundel County public schools. My inspiring principals and executive leaders have benefited from the individual coaching and reflective leadership modules in both school districts. If you are seeking an experienced leadership coach, I highly recommend Dr. John B. Gordon III.
Dr. Mark Bedell
Superintendent of Anne Arundel County Public Schools
Dr. Gordon brought his "A" game...working the room and engaging the audience with high energy and positive vibes! Flexible and accessible, John embraced our convocation theme and helped all staff prepare to "Harness GREATness" out of the starting gate in 26-27!
Dr. Sarah Calveric
Superintendent of Caroline County (VA) Public Schools
Education Navigation:
A Strategic Leadership Guide for Navigating the Politics of Education
School leadership isn’t just about instruction anymore—it’s about navigating an ever-changing political landscape. In Education Navigation, Dr. John B. Gordon III pulls back the curtain on board dynamics, dueling factions, social-media storms, and high-stakes decisions where trust is built, tested, and sometimes lost. With candid stories and insightful “navigation points,” Dr. Gordon shows you how to “stay purple,” build political capital without losing your integrity, and keep students at the forefront when agendas collide. Practical, direct, and field-tested, Education Navigation helps you stop reacting and start leading.
Coming August 2026...
Order Now The Teacher’s Lounge:
The Real Role of Educators in Your Schools
What was it like growing up in the 1970's and 1980's as an African-American in Richmond, Virginia when both of your parents were educators? How did the love of science fiction, athletics, and the knowledge that you had to do well in school determine who you would become later in life?
Follow the educational journey of Dr. John B. Gordon III as he reflects upon life in the Gordon household while navigating being an African-American male in predominantly white suburbia. The Teacher's Lounge: The Real Role of Educators in Your Schools is full of flashbacks, interesting stories, and decisions that shaped hundreds of lives in the field of education.
As you reflect with Dr. JBG3, there are exercises at the end of each chapter that bring the story to life and will help you grow as a person.
Get your autographed copy today.
Order NowDr. JBG3 News
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Dr. JBG3 in Action
GCPS 2023-2024 Convocation
Speaker: Dr. John B. Gordon III
VSBA Tidewater Forum
School Today, Not Yesterday
Saturday School Session 1
Developing Your Student’s Routine
Saturday School Session 2
Social Emotional Learning
Saturday School Session 3
How Do You Know If It is Working?
Saturday School Session 4
The Self-Directed Learner
Saturday School Session 5
You Got This!
Dr. John B. Gordon III
Dr. JBG3 has been in public education since 1995 and currently serves as a division superintendent. He has served as a Chief of Schools, Central Office Director, High School Principal, and Social Studies Teacher. He has also served as an adjunct professor at the University of Virginia and Old Dominion University in the schools of Education.
Dr. JBG3 has been recognized as the 2026-2027 Virginia Superintendent of the Year. He has recently been selected to co-lead the Virginia Association of School Superintendents Executive Coaching Program for new superintendents. He is a 2022 Superintendent to Watch, by the National School Public Relations Association, and was appointed to the Education Commission of the States by Governor's Ralph Northam and Glenn Youngkin. Dr. JBG3 is a founding member of the Network of Distinguished Educators, a joint professional learning program from Phi-Delta Kappa and AASA, The School Superintendents Association.
His inspirational messages have reached thousands of educators, students, and professionals with the use of pop culture, comedy, and edutainment. Dr. JBG3 is an established author and dynamic public speaker that understands the mission of education and professional learning for all organizations.
Stay up to date latest projects from Dr. JBG3 and Schools That Inspire.
