Derek Cavilla
Area Head of School
Ed.D.
Education
Derek pursued his education at the University of Central Florida, where he earned a Doctor of Education with a specialization in gifted education, a Master of Education in Teacher Leadership, and a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. His areas of research include how to maximize student success through the infusion of social-emotional learning, which includes helping students learn skills such as empathy, self-regulation, curiosity, and harmonious passion in the everyday classroom setting. Derek’s expertise also includes how to better identify and support both underachieving and twice-exceptional students, such as those who are both gifted with a learning disability or who are both gifted and on the Autism Spectrum.
Experience
Derek entered the field of education in order to make a positive impact on society. He has touched the lives of thousands of students from kindergarten to the graduate level having held various roles including: fifth grade teacher, high school English teacher, university professor as well as a school-based administrator in both public charter and private schools in Florida and California. Prior to entering the field of education, he ran a graphic design business for over a decade.
Fun Facts and Hobbies
- Traveling the globe to new and exciting places
- Gourmet cooking
- Oil Painting
