Gordon Hoodak spent nearly half a century supporting students, faculty and staff of the Reading School District (RSD). He was a teacher for 10 years and the principal of Lauer’s Park Elementary School for 37 years. Now, he is supporting the district through the Reading Education Foundation.
Why did you choose to spend your career at RSD? I attended Penn State University for health and physical education. My goal was to become a physical therapist, but all education majors must student-teach. My teaching assignment was at RSD. I didn’t think I would like teaching, but I absolutely loved it. I couldn’t believe how much fun it was. When the semester was over, I didn’t want to leave. I was offered a teaching job at Reading and two other school districts, and I chose Reading. My first job in the district was as a physical education teacher at the former Fifth and Spring Elementary School. The kindness and camaraderie were amazing, and I’ve never left the district.
Now you’re with the Reading Education Foundation. What is the goal of the Foundation? We began planning the Foundation just before the pandemic, and then everything was on hold until later in 2020. The goal of the Foundation is to fund innovative teaching and learning initiatives and to develop our staff and faculty to be innovative educators. Too often school funding and faculty and staff time are tied up with essential business, and there isn’t much time or money for enrichment. The Foundation aims to provide grants to the district, individual teachers and community partners to provide those enrichment opportunities for students.
Can you give us an example of a program the Foundation funded? Although the pandemic delayed our work, we were still able to work with FirstEnergy Stadium on two fundraisers; one has allowed 20 students to attend Albright College’s Science Institute, and the other will help with a manufacturing program at Southern Middle School.
You’re very passionate about your work, and you have a very positive attitude. I have a sign in my office that I’ve had throughout my career: “It is what it is, but it becomes what you make it.” I know people who always see the glass as half empty, but I always see the opportunity in the challenges. You can get frustrated, but then take a step back, work on changing the bad things and realize they make you stronger. I take this attitude into my work with the Foundation. I’ve seen the good times and the challenges in the District, and they’ve made me stronger, and this motivates me.
When you have free time, how do you relax? I don’t often slow down and take time to relax, but when I do, I love being outside. I take a walk daily, and I enjoy gardening and landscaping. And I love spending time with my grandkids.
Learn More
Alumni Roots. The Foundation’s 18-member board includes 17 RSD alumni and one member who is married to an RSD alum.
Ambitious Goals. The Foundation board aims to have a $5 million endowment in the next 10 years to support innovative enrichment programs.
