Livingston, NJ – The Essex County Education Association (ECEA) Human and Civil Rights Committee will bestow Assemblywoman Dr. Rosy Bagolie (D LD27) with its Women’s Advocacy Award at the organization’s Annual Human and Civil Rights Awards Celebration on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at Nanina’s in the Park in Belleville, yesterday the organization announced in a press release.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The evening’s theme, “Truth, Power, and Solidarity: Standing Up and Standing With,” reflects a mission that has shaped Dr. Bagolie’s life and career, from the beginning as a bilingual classroom teacher to school superintendent to legislator.
A lifelong educator whose heart has never left the classroom, the ECEA is honoring Dr. Bagolie for her tireless advocacy work on behalf of students, teachers, everyday families, and women across New Jersey.
Born in the Dominican Republic and arriving in the United States at the age of seven without speaking English, Dr. Bagolie built her life through education. She later earned advanced degrees from Rutgers University and Seton Hall University, including a doctorate in educational leadership, before dedicating her career to New Jersey students, families, and schools.
She began as a bilingual teacher in Elizabeth before serving as Principal and later Superintendent of the East Newark School District, becoming one of the few Latina women in New Jersey history to lead a public school district.
Today, as the Assemblywoman representing New Jersey’s 27th Legislative District, Dr. Bagolie brings the perspective of a teacher and school administrator to the State House, where she has focused on strengthening schools, protecting retirement, supporting public safety, and helping New Jersey families and local communities thrive.
Among the achievements ECEA spotlights is Dr. Bagolie’s pivotal role in advancing New Jersey’s landmark “Break in Service” law, which safeguards educators from unjust pension penalties when they step away from the profession to care for family or manage periods of layoff.
“Too many educators, especially women, were effectively punished for putting family first,” Bagolie said in a press release. “This legislation was about fairness, dignity, and recognizing the challenges many families face.”
Bagolie has been a champion for the people of New Jersey because she has experienced firsthand the struggles that these under severed communities have faced.
“Rosy Bagolie understands what educators face because she lived it,” event organizers said. “She has never forgotten where she came from, and she continues to use her voice to stand up for teachers, students, and neighborhoods that too often feel overlooked.”
Dr. Bagolie said the honor is deeply personal for her.
“Education changed my life,” Bagolie said. “I know what it feels like to walk into a classroom looking for opportunity and belonging. Every child deserves that chance. Every teacher deserves respect and the resources to succeed. This recognition means so much because it comes from fellow educators and advocates who dedicate their lives to lifting others up.”
Colleagues describe Dr. Bagolie as a practical, hands-on leader shaped by years inside New Jersey classrooms and school districts. As a certified school business administrator, principal, superintendent, and legislator, she has consistently focused on practical solutions that strengthen schools while respecting both hardworking educators and taxpayer alike.
Additionally, supporters say her perspective as a Jewish-Latina immigrant, educator, mother, and public servant has helped her bond with people from all backgrounds while building coalitions rooted in compassion, opportunity, and shared values.
Additional information is available through the Essex County Education Association: http://eceanj.org.
— Jerry Del Priore
Photo: Dr. Rosy Bagolie