Edmund W. Gordon is an esteemed American psychologist and educator known for his significant contributions to educational equity, human development, and the study of minority and disadvantaged students. Over his long and distinguished career, Gordon has advocated for educational practices that promote inclusion and address disparities in educational opportunities.
He is perhaps most famously known for his role as a co-founder of the federal Head Start program, which provides comprehensive early childhood education, health, nutrition, and parent involvement services to low-income children and families in the United States.
This program is aimed at enhancing the educational readiness of young children from disadvantaged backgrounds. Throughout his career, Gordon has held prestigious academic positions, written extensively on education and psychology, and been involved in many efforts to improve educational access and outcomes for underrepresented groups. His work has influenced policies and practices related to equity and inclusion in education, and he has received numerous honors and awards for his contributions to the field.