A Tree is Planted for Beloved Educator

A tree was planted on Arbor Day in celebration of the life of Elizabeth Maddalena, an educator who began her teaching career at Aquinas Academy in Livingston before moving on to teach special education students in West Orange Public Schools.

Maddalena was 54 when she died this past March. A Livingston resident, she had spent three decades in classrooms for children with special needs, rising from teacher to district director of student support services. In 2006 she was presented with New Jersey's first Educator Medal of Honor Award from then Gov. Jon S. Corzine.

On Arbor Day, West Orange honored her memory by planting a tree at West Orange High School.

"Betty was an important part of the special needs community of this town and the overall school district for a long time and obviously touched a lot of people," said Mayor Robert Parisi at the ceremony last Friday.  

"We thought it was fitting to plant a tree this year at the school grounds and to recognize Betty and to bring her friends and family together to recognize her, to remember her, with this tree."  

Maddalena passed away at Saint Barnabas Medical Center on March 28. She grew up in Livingston and was a graduate of  Seton Hall University, where she received her bachelor's degree in education, a master’s degree in special education as well as her Ed.S.

Her career began as a private school teacher at Aquinas Academy in Livingston. In 1985 she arrived in West Orange Public Schools at Edison Middle School. She served as a teacher of special needs children at West Orange High School for the next 14 years and rose to become Special Education Coordinator, followed by Special Education Supervisor and ultimately District Director of Student Support Services.

Five years ago, the New Jersey Education Association presented Maddalena with the inaugural Educator Medal of Honor for her work in addressing the achievement gap in her school district.

"Betty Maddalena is an outstanding educator who cares deeply about educating all students to high standards," said Ada Beth Cutler, dean of the College of Education and Human Services (CEHS) at Montclair University in bestowing the medal.

Most recently Maddalena was named West Orange Community House's Educator of the Year.

Surviving are her devoted parents, Louis F. and Elizabeth A. (Ventre) Maddalena of Livingston, her loving brother, Dr. Louis J. Maddalena and his wife Joan, nephews Louis t. and Matthew F. Maddalena and dear friend, Kathy Primavera.