Email: Thomas.DElia@centenaryuniversity.edu

Academic Accomplishments

Bachelor Degree/Major/Institution
B.S. Psychology, St. Peter’s University

Masters
M.A. Educational Administration, Kean University

Doctoral
Ph.D. Teacher Education and Teacher Development, Montclair State University

Area of Greatest Professional Interest
Professional Development Along the Career Continuum, New Teacher Induction Practices, Leadership Development, Innovative Programming, Adult Learning, Strategic Planning for Strategic Growth and Development, Stakeholder Involvement, Curricular Innovation, Transformational Leadership Learning and Practices, Synergetic Followership, Community Relations, and Resource Identification.

Biography

Dr. D’Elia has served as the Director of Operations/Chief Talent Officer in Belleville Public Schools, Belleville, NJ since September 2016. Dr. D’Elia completed his alternate route to teaching through William Paterson University where he obtained his teaching certifications in elementary education and teacher of psychology. Dr. D’Elia began his teaching career in West Orange, NJ, as a middle school general education teacher and later as a special education teacher. Dr. D’Elia attended Kean University to first obtain his certification as a special education teacher, and later his Master’s Degree in Educational Administration. Dr. D’Elia began his administrative leadership career in Belleville, NJ, where he was hired as the Director of Athletics/Health and Physical Education. Dr. D’Elia has served in various school and district-based administrative roles and positions including Director of Curriculum and Instruction, High School Assistant Principal, and Elementary principal. Dr. D’Elia earned his Ph.D. in Teacher Education and Teacher Development from Montclair State University in 2021. Dr. D’Elia holds his standard certificate as a principal and chief school administrator and mentors new administrators in the New Jersey Leaders to Leaders Program.

Publications/Presentations

• New Teacher Induction: Locating new teacher needs to co-construct induction programs.
• Preparing for the Unknown: Sustaining Belleville’s culture of learning.
• De facto segregation of students with special needs: Are you segregating your special education students in your district or building?
• Utilization of District Teacher Coaches to support new teacher induction practices and combat high new teacher turnover.
• The do’s, don’ts, and everything in between: A guide for new teachers.
• Keeping the Coffee Full: A guide to synergetic followership

Short Quote
“It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit.” — Harry S. Truman

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