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Emily Litz named New Jersey’s 2025 Milken National Educator Award recipient
Summary
At a State Board of Education ceremony during Teacher Appreciation Week, fifth-grade teacher Emily Litz of Malcolm E. Nettingham Middle School received the $25,000 Milken National Educator Award; board members and department officials praised her inclusive, inquiry-based instruction and community impact.
The New Jersey State Board of Education presented the state's Milken National Educator Award to Emily Litz, a fifth-grade teacher at Malcolm E. Nettingham Middle School in the Scotch Plains–Fanwood Regional School District.
Commissioner Dahmer introduced the honor, noting the Milken Family Foundation's $25,000 unrestricted award for outstanding educators and a national history of recognizing excellence. A short video preceded remarks and a photo opportunity with county and district officials: Union County executive superintendent Daryl Palmeri, county education specialist Maria Mendez and district superintendent Joan Moss stood with Litz as she accepted the award.
"I truly believe that teachers are what create our future," Litz said after receiving the award, describing her classroom practices that emphasize inquiry-based, hands-on learning and family engagement. Department officials and board members lauded her instructional leadership and volunteer contributions to professional development.
The board highlighted Teacher Appreciation Week and encouraged applause for all educators across New Jersey. The Milken Award presentation was followed by brief board comments and recognition of teachers statewide.
What happens next: The Milken award is an individual, unrestricted $25,000 prize; there is no additional board action recorded.
