Anthony Elia has been a proud resident of Fair Lawn for 25 years. He is an experienced educator currently serving as a third-grade teacher in the Glen Ridge School District.
His journey in education began after earning both his Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and Deaf Education and Master of Arts in Teaching from The College of New Jersey (TCNJ). Early in his career, Anthony worked as a Teacher of the Deaf, educating seventh and eighth-grade students and developing a passion for supporting diverse learners. Anthony’s commitment to lifelong learning and leadership has led him to pursue a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership at Saint Elizabeth University. In addition, he is working toward his administrative certification at Felician University, preparing him to take on leadership roles and contribute to meaningful change in education.
Beyond his work in K-12 classrooms, Anthony is an Assistant Professor of American Sign Language (ASL) at Pace University. His expertise in ASL and Deaf Education has also enabled him to teach at Brookdale Community College and Passaic County Community College, where he has inspired students to engage with ASL and its cultural significance.
Anthony is deeply committed to professional advocacy, student achievement, and social-emotional learning. He has held executive board positions with the New Jersey Education Association (NJEA) Preservice program and served as a representative on the National Education Association (NEA) Resolutions Committee. At the state level, he has actively contributed to the NJEA Exceptional Children’s Committee and Membership Committee, working to advance policies and practices that support educators and students.
Anthony is a proud product of Fair Lawn Public Schools. Before mainstreaming to Thomas Jefferson Middle School in Fair Lawn in sixth grade, he was part of Midland Park Schools’ Deaf/Hard of Hearing Program. This early experience shaped his understanding of accessibility, inclusion, and the importance of equitable education for all. Anthony’s dedication to his students, leadership in the educational community, wealth of experience, and strong advocacy are all qualities he hopes to bring to the board.
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