1920-2011
Founding director of Newark Public Schools bilingual program. She was supervisor of the Chapter 1 program for English proficiency which served 5000 students and operated in 23 schools. Eugene Campbell, former superintendent stated that she pioneered bilingual and bicultural education in the district.
She initiated campaigns that spurred the availability of a GED in Spanish, as well as more graduate and employment opportunities for minorities.
Earlier, as executive director of FOCUS (Field Orientation Center for the Underprivileged Spanish” and served as a caseworker for the Newark Welfare Department.
She was on the board of organizations including ASPIRA, Urban League, YMCA United Way, Newark Preschool Council and the Puerto Rican Educator’s Association. In 1978, Gov Byrne appointed her to the Ethnic Advisory Council and in 1980 the Municipal Council passed a resolution in her honor. In 1986, the NJ State Assembly cited her for her leadership and service in the NJ Bilingual Program.
Born in Puerto Rico, she worked as a teacher in Puerto Rico before coming to Newark.
Bibliography
“Gloria R del Toro” Star Ledger Oct 12, 2011
“Testimonial lauds bilingual pioneer” Star Ledger Jan 26, 1987
Latino Oral Histories, NJ Hispanic Research and Information Center, Newark Public Library