COVID-19 Diaries: New Jersey Milken Educators Teach on TV

In New Jersey, Milken Educators are diving into distance learning with gusto, finding creative ways to connect not only with their own students, but with pupils across the state.

Nikki Silva (NJ '18), who teaches third grade at Nathan Hale Elementary in Carteret, has driven by her students' homes as part of Teacher Parades and dropped off rocks for students to decorate, which she'll turn into a rock garden when school resumes in the fall. The COVID-19 pandemic may be frightening to her students, but she doesn't want them to forget it. "They are part of history, which is pretty cool," Nikki told NJ.com in a recent feature story.

To boost education efforts statewide, public television station NJTV created NJTV Learning Live, a new series in which teachers from across New Jersey are sharing video lessons for students of all ages. Lessons stream live weekdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and are archived on the website for viewing anytime. Nikki and fellow New Jersey Milken Educators Lindsay Frevert (NJ '16), Maria DeBruin (NJ '17) and Toni-Ann Palmisano (NJ '17) are among the teachers who have invited New Jersey students into their homes for lessons on reading (Nikki), fractions (Lindsay), states of matter (Maria) and algebra (Toni-Ann)—see their videos below. "Students aren't the only ones learning during the lessons," noted Lindsay on Twitter. "I have been walking away with amazing teaching strategies and tons of ideas!"