Elementary school teacher Emily Litz has garnered a prestigious 2024-2025 Milken Educator Award. Photo credit: Milken Educator Awards
There are many exceptional teachers working in our nation’s schools who are deserving of recognition. One of these is Emily Litz, an elementary school teacher from Scotch Plains, New Jersey. She has garnered a prestigious 2024-2025 Milken Educator Award.
Emily teaches fifth grade at Malcolm E. Nettingham Middle School. In her classroom, she tailors lessons and teaching techniques that apply to her students’ diverse academic needs. She incorporates hands-on, inquiry-based, conceptual learning over memorization.
In addition to her work in the classroom, Emily mentors fellow educators, contributes to developing curriculum and pacing guidelines, and implements new programs. She also served on a committee that developed a fifth grade standards-based report card.
Emily is well-known for the creativity and spirit of play she brings to her lessons. She sprinkles her students with glitter for good luck before tests. She transforms her classroom into a wilderness, complete with a “campfire,” where students share their writing pieces. She has also developed a classroom job application where students must explain their qualifications in writing to be “hired” for positions ranging from attendance aide to supply manager.
Emily earned her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from The State University of New York (SUNY) at Cortland in 2010 and her Master’s degree in Education with a Specialization in Reading and Literacy from Capella University in 2020.
The Milken Educator Awards have been described by Teacher Magazine as the “Oscars of Teaching.” In addition to a $25,000 cash prize and public recognition, the honor includes membership in the National Milken Educator Network, a group of more than 3,000 exemplary teachers, principals, and specialists from all over the country who work towards strengthening best practices in education. To learn more about the program, click on their website at Milken Educator Awards.
