Jerome Gourdine

Jerome Gourdine oversees the Manhood Development Program. Together with AAMA’s leadership team, he recruits, supports, and develops Manhood Development Program instructors. Gourdine regularly observes classes and provides feedback on performance. He designs and facilitates professional development seminars for MDP instructors and other administrators and teachers who want to deepen their engagement with African American male students.

Prior to joining AAMA, for more than 20 years, Gourdine served the Oakland Unified School District as a teacher, assistant principal, and principal. Among his many accomplishments are the 2007 Met Life Principal of the Year Award, a distinguished titled afforded to just twenty-five school leaders in the United States. Two of his teachers were named California ‘Teacher of the Year.’

Gourdine is a passionate educator who enjoys working with the African American community, especially African American males. His vision is to lead students to understand that their voices matter and must be heard. Referring to his students as Kings and Queens, he advocates, listens, inspires, and supports thousands of youth to successful transitions to college, career, and community.

Gourdine earned an M.A. in Education and an administrative credential in from the University of California, Berkeley. He also holds a secondary teaching credential in Social Science from the California State University, Hayward and a B.S. in Political Science from California State University, Long Beach. Gourdine is a dedicated husband and the father of three sons.