Dalia Shalaby, a cherished educator and beloved member of the Clifton, New Jersey community, passed away unexpectedly, leaving a profound void in the hearts of all who knew her. As the principal of Warren G. Harding Elementary School, Dalia was a guiding light—brilliant, compassionate, and unwavering in her dedication to nurturing young minds. Her sudden departure has left colleagues, students, and families in mourning.
Born in 1978 in Cairo, Egypt, Dalia immigrated to the United States with her family as a young child. From the moment she arrived in New Jersey, it was clear she possessed both exceptional intelligence and a gift for empathy. She pursued her education with vigor, earning both her bachelor’s degree and teaching certificate from Montclair State University. She then began her teaching career in Clifton, where her passion for education and her deep care for students quickly earned her respect.
Dalia’s rise through the educational ranks was guided by her unwavering dedication. She became a classroom teacher in 2002 and, through her innovative teaching methods and warm personal relationships with her students, soon stood out as a leader among her peers. In 2012, she was appointed vice-principal, and six years later, she achieved her lifelong goal: becoming principal at Harding Elementary.
During her tenure, Principal Shalaby was known for implementing programs that emphasized inclusive education, social-emotional learning, and parental engagement. She launched after-school tutoring initiatives and led efforts to incorporate technology into classrooms in a balanced, effective manner. She established the “Shalaby Reading Corner,” a cozy, student-designed library nook that became a beloved haven for young readers. Under her guidance, the school’s test scores and overall morale experienced significant and sustained improvements.
Behind her professional achievements was a woman of remarkable warmth and generosity. Dalia offered her time freely—mentoring new teachers, organizing school-wide cultural celebrations, and ensuring every child felt valued. She was often seen in the hallways, greeting students by name, inquiring about their weekends, and offering words of encouragement. Parents routinely expressed gratitude, noting how Dalia made them feel heard and respected at every conference.
Outside of work, Dalia was equally vibrant. She loved traveling, especially back to Cairo, where she cherished visits to family and explored her childhood neighborhoods. She had a passion for reading historical biographies, and she was an avid baker, often bringing homemade treats—especially her famous chocolate chip cookies—to staff meetings and community events. She actively volunteered at Clifton’s annual literacy fair and supported local charities that provided educational materials to underprivileged children.
Her devotion extended to her family—her husband, Michael, an engineer, and their two children, Layla (14) and Adam (11). She delighted in family movie nights, weekend hikes in the Ramapo Mountains, and Friday night homemade pizza sessions. Friends say Dalia possessed a contagious zest for life, a slang-free sense of humor, and an uncanny ability to make everyone feel loved.
The news of Principal Dalia Shalaby’s passing came as an overwhelming shock. According to Clifton school district officials, she collapsed suddenly at home on the evening of July 18, 2025. Despite the best efforts of emergency responders, she could not be revived. No immediate cause of death has been announced, pending a medical examination.
The Clifton Education Association, along with hundreds of parents and alumni, are planning a memorial gathering in her honor next week at Warren G. Harding Elementary. Students are preparing handmade cards and letters, staff will share stories of how she inspired them, and the PTA is organizing a scholarship in her name to support students pursuing education degrees. A tree planting ceremony in the school courtyard is also being arranged, intended as a living tribute to the legacy she leaves behind.
In the wake of this irreplaceable loss, the Clifton community has rallied together. Counseling services have been offered to students and staff, and a grief hotline has been established. Messages of condolence from neighboring school districts and national educator organizations have poured in, reflecting the widespread impact of her leadership.
Dalia Shalaby’s legacy is defined by her unwavering belief in the power of education, her love for her students, and her commitment to community. She inspired countless individuals to love learning, to lead with compassion, and to reach for their potential. Though her life was cut short, her influence endures—in every smile, every lesson learned, every dream ignited at Harding Elementary.
She is survived by her husband Michael, children Layla and Adam, her parents Nadia and Hassan Shalaby, and her sister, Amina. Clifton and the larger educational community mourn the loss of a remarkable principal, educator, mentor, and friend. Dalia Shalaby will be deeply missed, forever remembered, and eternally cherished.
