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Surprised New Jersey Teacher Emily Litz Makes District History With $25,000 Milken Educator Award

America applauds Malcolm E. Nettingham Middle School fifth grade teacher as first-ever Milken Educator Award recipient in Scotch Plains-Fanwood Public Schools

November 14, 2024

Santa Monica, Calif. — Students, teachers, dignitaries and media gathered today at Malcolm E. Nettingham Middle School for what they thought would be a visit from New Jersey Acting Commissioner of Education Kevin Dehmer. However, the assembly quickly took a surprising turn! Acting Commissioner Dehmer introduces Dr. Jane Foley, senior vice president of the Milken Educator Awards, to share a big secret: fifth grade teacher Emily Litz is New Jersey’s sole 2024-25 Milken Educator Award recipient! 

Not only was Litz presented with an unrestricted $25,000 cash prize, but she also left her mark in Scotch Plains' history book as the first-ever Milken Award winner in Scotch Plains-Fanwood Public Schools. She is one of up to 45 educators being honored coast to coast during the 2024-25 season, which will reach the 3,000th recipient in the Milken Educator Network since the Awards’ inception in 1987 by philanthropist and education visionary Lowell Milken. 

"Emily Litz prepares students for bright futures by infusing practical, engaging, and high-level lessons into her classroom every day," said Dr. Foley, who is a 1994 Indiana Milken Educator herself. "The teaching profession is fortunate to have Emily in its ranks, and we are proud to welcome her into the Milken Educator Network. The opportunity to connect with fellow Milken Educators nationwide will deepen her commitment as a lifelong leader and learner. Congratulations, Emily!" 

Hailed as the "Oscars of Teaching," the Milken Educator Awards continue to inspire educators, students and entire communities to “Celebrate, Elevate and Activate” the K-12 teaching profession and encourage young, capable people to pursue teaching as a career. By the end of this season, more than $75 million in individual financial prizes and more than $145 million will have been invested in the Milken Educator Award national network overall. 

"Each day, Emily Litz shows us the dedication and innovative spirit that makes New Jersey educators among the nation's finest," said Acting Education Commissioner Kevin Dehmer. "Her commitment stands out for creating an inclusive, engaging environment that truly focuses on each of her students, while empowering her fifth graders to think critically and explore creatively. From her use of hands-on, inquiry-based science lessons to her inventive classroom transformations and emphasis on real-world skills, Emily not only inspires her students but also serves as a model of leadership and collaboration for her colleagues. This Milken Award is a well-deserved recognition of her impact on both students and the broader school community." 

Outstanding educators like Litz are not aware of their candidacy for the Award. Recipients are sought out while early to mid-career for what they have achieved — and for the promise of what they will accomplish given the resources and opportunities afforded by the Award. 

More About Emily Litz 

Incorporating Differentiated Instruction: Emily Litz creates an inclusive, engaging atmosphere where her fifth grade students feel empowered and supported at Malcolm E. Nettingham Middle School. Through tailored lessons and teaching techniques appealing to students' diverse academic needs, Litz incorporates hands-on, inquiry-based, conceptual learning over memorization. Litz develops students' critical thinking and scientific inquiry skills using adaptive tools like Full Option Science System (FOSS) kits, a program developed to engage all students through a differentiated, student-first approach. 

Sharing Real-Life Lessons: Weaving fun into her lessons and curriculum, Litz implements creative ways to capture her students' interest. She sprinkles them with glitter for good luck before testing, transforms her classroom into the wilderness — complete with a "campfire" — where students share their writing pieces; and developed a classroom job application process where students must explain their qualifications through persuasive writing to be "hired" for positions ranging from attendance aide to supply manager. Litz's math lessons encourage students to reflect on the "why" behind their use of mathematical strategies to solve problems, while she constantly adjusts lessons in real time based on student feedback and understanding. 

A Lifelong Leader: Litz's positive influence extends to professional development at both the school and district level. At co-teaching workshops, she volunteers often to share her knowledge about special education and experience utilizing inclusive teaching practices. Litz demonstrates her instructional and professional leadership through mentorship of fellow educators, contributions to the development of curriculum and pacing guidelines, and implementation of new programs. One example is a high-impact tutoring program in her work as a fifth grade curricular and instructional leader. For the district, she served on a committee that developed a fifth grade standards-based report card. With an emphasis on family involvement, Litz provides weekly updates to parents and shares photos of students participating in classroom activities. 

Education: Litz earned her Bachelor of Science in elementary education from The State University of New York (SUNY) at Cortland in 2010 and her Master of Science in education with a specialization in reading and literacy from Capella University in 2020. 

The Milken Educator Award Reaps Lifelong Benefits 

• The $25,000 cash Award is unrestricted. Recipients have used the money in diverse ways. Some recipients have spent the funds on their children's or their own continuing education, financing dream field trips, establishing scholarships, and even adopting children.
• Honorees receive powerful mentorship opportunities for expanded leadership roles that strengthen education practice and policy. Milken Friends Forever (MFF) pairs a new recipient with a veteran Milken Educator mentor; the Expanding MFF Resource and Explorer Program fosters individual veteran Milken Educator partnerships around specific topic areas; and Activating Milken Educators promotes group collaboration in and across states to bring solutions to pressing educational needs.
• The honorees attend an all-expenses-paid Milken Educator Awards Forum in Los Angeles in April 2025, where they will network with their new colleagues as well as veteran Milken Educators and other education leaders about how to broaden their impact on K-12 education.
• Veteran Milken Educators demonstrate a wide range of leadership roles at state, national and international levels. 

Follow the Milken Educator Awards tour and use the #MEA3K and #MilkenAward hashtags on: Facebook (MilkenEducatorAwards)| X (Milken)| YouTube (MilkenAward)| Instagram (MilkenFamilyFdn)| LinkedIn (MilkenFamilyFdn)| TikTok (MilkenAward).

Visit MilkenEducatorAwards.org or call the Milken Family Foundation at (310) 570-4772 for more information.

About the Milken Educator Awards: "The Future Belongs to the Educated"
The first Milken Educator Awards were presented by the Milken Family Foundation in 1987. Created by philanthropist and education visionary Lowell Milken, the Awards provide public recognition and individual financial rewards of $25,000 to K-12 teachers, principals, and specialists from around the country who are furthering excellence in education. Recipients are heralded in early to mid-career for what they have achieved and for the promise of what they will accomplish. The Milken Family Foundation celebrates more than 40 years of elevating education in America and around the world. Learn more at MFF.org.

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