Ms. Dora Cavallo
Principal of School # 4
My name is Dora Cavallo and I was born in Elizabeth, New Jersey, where I attended school in both Elizabeth and Hillside. I graduated from Hillside High School with honors and continued my education at Kean University. I graduated Kean, Sum Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education, Bilingual/Bicultural K-8, Spanish N-12, and ESL K-8.
I began working for the Newark Public Schools where I taught bilingual students and proudly received the Latina Teacher of the Year award.
As my passion for educating children grew stronger, it led me to continue my education at New Jersey City University, where I maintained a Master of Arts Degree in Administration and Supervision as well as several other certificates including Bilingual/Bicultural, ESL, and a Spanish Certificate. I am fluent in reading, writing and speaking in both the English and Spanish languages.
I continued my tenor with the Newark Public Schools where I served in the capacity as a teacher as well as an accomplished administrator. During my tenor in Newark, I received the “School Leadership Team for Best Practices Award” for Newark Public Schools, for 3 consecutive years.
While continuing to work full time, I also served as an Adjunct Professor for Kean University for 9 years educating graduate students in numerous content areas.
I then pursued my educational career and became the first Latina Principal for the Belleville Public Schools, as Principal of the Arthur M. Pico School 8. Belleville houses a number of community schools with a diverse population where 90% of students are of Hispanic Heritage. While principal at School 8, I received the ASPIRA Inc. award for Hispanic Heritage on October 27, 2011. I continued my tenor in Belleville as principal of Belleville Middle School and I am currently the Principal of School 4. As Principal of School 4, I had the honor of receiving the 2019 Essex County Hispanic Leadership Award.
I am a true believer in giving back to those less fortunate than myself. Throughout the years, I have volunteered my time in various Associations with the planning and fruition of numerous events. To name a few:
Kean University guest speaker on Hispanic Leadership
Montclair State University – guest speaker for new educators and assisting with interviewing for upcoming positions
Hispanic Heritage Celebration in Newark – Hispanic Leader Award
H.O.P.E. Inc. – “New Jersey Hispanic Organization for Peoples Empowerment” – member and organizer of events – volunteer, women’s strength and empowerment
Italian American Police Society – Assist in the organizing of “Pasta Night” to raise funds for Special Olympics
Volunteer for Newark Boys & Girls Club
Special Olympics Trenton chapter – set-up games and organize – cheer on and coaching of special needs children – next day presentation of awards ceremony
Puerto Rican Heritage Association of Elizabeth – Keep heritage alive – organizing of cultural events and fundraising
Special Olympics Cigar Night event for 12 years – assist in the organization of the evening events including prizes – all proceeds given directly to Special Olympics
Susan G. Komen cancer event – volunteer hours for Spring event
My goal is to reinforce the importance of a good education for all students. I truly believe that,
“Every child can Learn.”