(Math Lead Teacher)
After relocating to Hartford from Birmingham, Ala. in 2018, Jordan Romine already knew he wanted to connect with a local organization where he could both learn more about and serve the community. A serendipitous introduction by a friend to Legacy Foundation of Hartford Founder and Executive Director Greg Jones proved to be just the connection he had envisioned. Wasting no time, Jordan spent his very first Saturday in town attending Legacy’s Saturday Academy to see the program in action. He was immediately hooked.
Since joining the Legacy Foundation in the fall of 2018 as its math teacher, Jordan has helped develop and implement the organization’s mathematics tutoring model, in partnership with other community organizations. “As we have grown, the need for the supports we provide continue to keep me motivated to serve with Legacy,” said Jordan, who had previously worked as a high school math teacher for five years before taking on his current position at the start of 2023 as Program Coordinator for the Wesleyan University Upward Bound Math-Science college prep program. Jordan holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from the University of Montevallo and received his master’s degree and teacher certification through the two-year Teach for America Corps program at Johns Hopkins University.
Having previously taught in the city’s schools, Jordan has a direct understanding of the challenges facing many students in underrepresented communities. “As a farmer educator in Hartford, I have witnessed the overwhelming opportunity gap that exists for our students in the Greater Hartford area,” he said. “Students find themselves in a pipeline that perpetuates this gap for years to come.
“Legacy is the leader in the force for change in our community,” Jordan continued. “The opportunities that Legacy provides and exploration of new experiences for students to reach above and beyond their goals is unmatched.” He adds that the organization’s 2:1 student/teacher ratio allows for a differentiated and customized mathematics curriculum that helps fuel student success both at the Saturday Academy and in school. In addition, Legacy’s community and corporate partnerships also elevate the student experience, he said.
Jordan, who resides in Hartford, is an avid LEGO collector and enjoys building LEGO projects. He also serves as treasurer of the Connecticut Association of Educational Opportunity program and is an active leader at the Rehoboth Church of God in Bloomfield.
