Elisha Washington is the proud Principal of Althea Gibson Early Childhood Academy and a dedicated educational leader with nearly 20 years of service in the East Orange School District. Throughout her career, she has remained committed to fostering academic excellence, building positive school cultures, and ensuring that every child has access to high-quality learning experiences.
Ms. Washington holds a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education with a specialization in Communication: Writing Arts, a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and Supervision, and is pursuing an Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership.
Her diverse experience includes serving as a Language Arts teacher, Literacy Coach, Adult Basic Education instructor, and Assistant Principal. These roles have provided her with extensive expertise in instructional leadership, curriculum development, school improvement, strategic planning, budgeting, and teacher development.
Known for her collaborative leadership style, Ms. Washington believes that strong partnerships among educators, families, and the community are essential to student success. She is passionate about empowering educators, inspiring young learners, and creating a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment where every child can thrive.
Outside of school, Ms. Washington's greatest joy is being the mother of her son, Legacy, whose growth and curiosity continue to inspire her commitment to ensuring every child is supported, challenged, and empowered to reach their fullest
Meet and Greet:
August 24, 2026
11AM-12PM
490 Williams St., East Orange, NJ 07017