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My Story

I’ve spent nearly 20 years in education, driven by one goal: helping children thrive by empowering the adults who guide them.

My journey began with a deep curiosity about how children grow and learn—and that curiosity, paired with a commitment to research and reflection, has guided my work ever since. Over the years, I’ve supported students, teachers, school leaders, and families, working across nearly every level of the system.

I began in the classroom, where I discovered a passion for elementary math and literacy—especially helping students make sense of problems, not just memorize steps. That passion led me into leadership, where I spent nearly a decade as an Academic Dean, instructional coach, and curriculum specialist. I’ve coached teachers at all levels, built aligned curriculum systems, led school-wide improvement efforts, and collaborated with school leaders to elevate instruction and outcomes.

Through it all, I’ve stayed grounded in my belief that empowered educators create powerful learning—when teachers feel equipped and supported, real growth takes root.

Now, as a mom of three, I bring both professional expertise and personal perspective to every partnership. I understand the demands educators face and the care parents bring. I lead with empathy and strategy—because I believe that meaningful change is always possible, for every child and every adult guiding them.

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Why I Created SPARK

I’ve worked with incredible teachers—dedicated, smart, and deeply committed to their students. But too often, they were held back by the weight of instructional complexity. Unsure how to navigate curriculum, support unfinished learning, or shift ownership to students, many fell back on what felt familiar: rote steps, keyword tricks, and chasing correct answers.

It was how they had been taught. It felt safer. But it left students missing the heart of math—real understanding, reasoning, and the ability to apply their thinking in new situations.

I created the SPARK Framework to change that.

Rooted in research and shaped by years of hands-on coaching, SPARK is more than a framework—it’s a mindset shift, a set of practical tools, and a pathway to classrooms where problem solving is rich, thinking is visible, and learning is empowering.

With SPARK, teachers build the confidence and clarity to move beyond tricks—and students become curious, capable problem solvers who thrive on challenge.

"Where child development meets practical strategy—because every learner deserves to thrive."

My Core Values

At the heart of SPARK—and everything I do—are a set of core values that guide how I partner with schools and families.

Mission

At the heart of my mission is this: to equip the adults who guide children with the clarity, confidence, and tools they need to help every child thrive.

I believe deep, joyful learning begins with strong support. Whether I’m coaching a teacher, designing curriculum, or partnering with a parent, I turn challenges into opportunities—offering practical, research-backed strategies that make a lasting impact.

Rooted in empathy, collaboration, and a deep understanding of how children learn, I help build environments where problem solving is celebrated, curiosity grows, and every learner is seen.

Credentials & Expertise

My work is backed not just by belief, but by years of experience. Here’s a closer look at the qualifications and roles that inform my approach.

 

With nearly 20 years in education, I bring a wide range of experience spanning classroom teaching, school leadership, and instructional coaching. My work is rooted in child development, sharpened by data-informed practices, and shaped by years of deep collaboration with educators and families.

I’m known for blending warmth, clarity, and strategy—making big shifts feel doable, sustainable, and even exciting.

Education

  • B.S. in Psychology & Child Development — Tufts University

  • M.Ed. in Teaching & Instruction — Boston University

Areas of Expertise

  • Instructional Coaching (Math & Literacy)

  • Child Development & Psychology

  • Curriculum Design & Alignment

  • Data-Driven Instruction & Assessment

  • Response to Intervention (RTI) Systems

  • Visual Modeling & Math Problem Solving

  • Teacher Development & Professional Learning

  • Family Educational Support

Roles I’ve Held

  • Educational Consultant to School Leaders & Teachers

  • Academic Dean, Pre-K–4th

  • Instructional Coach

  • Math Content Specialist & Literacy Lead (Science of Reading)

  • 2nd Grade Teacher

"Problem solving is celebrated, curiosity is nurtured,  and every learner is truly seen."

Let's Connect

EricaCavallaroConsulting.com

Phone: 561-289-2686

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