Hello Everyone! My name is Mr. Elia and this is my fifth year teaching third-grade at RAS.  I graduated from The College of New Jersey where I received my B.S in Elementary and Deaf Education and received my Masters of Arts in Teaching. I am currently working on my Ed.D in Education Leadership at Saint Elizabeth University, and which I am in the homestretch! I have previously taught second grade and seventh as a Teacher of the Deaf and Behavior in Midland Park. I live in Fair Lawn with my two cats Milo and Cali and my dog Alonso. A fun fact, I am Deaf and Hard of Hearing and wear a cochlear implant which the kids are always fascinated to learn about and am always happy to talk about! In addition to teaching I am an Adjunct Professor for American Sign Language at Pace University and a coach! I was a varsity football coach for a couple seasons but now coach hockey for 7/8th grade in Fair Lawn. My current big project is I am in campaign season and running for a seat on my town Board of Education. I have strong passion for teaching, inspiring my students and helping them grow in the classroom. I love Ridgewood Avenue School and Glen Ridge and I cannot wait to welcome your kids again in the fall for an exciting year!