National Honor Nets Teacher a $25,000 Prize

12/03/2024

An assembly at Malcolm E. Nettingham Middle School in New Jersey promised a short break from the school's normal routine. Instead, for Emily Litz '10, it changed her life forever.

Litz, a fifth-grade teacher, was announced as one of the $25,000 winners of the national Milken Educator Awards, credited with creating an "inclusive, engaging atmosphere where students feel empowered and supported."

The Milken Family Foundation, sponsor of the awards, praised Litz for the use of hands-on, inquiry-based, conceptual learning over memorization to develop critical thinking and scientific inquiry skills.

When it was first revealed the assembly was a ruse to surprise Litz, she felt like her mind was playing tricks on her. Once the announcement fully registered, she was still in disbelief.

"I couldn't hold back my tears of joy," she said. "And as the crowd began to chant my name, I just felt so loved and appreciated by everyone around me. It was truly remarkable."

Back in her classroom after the assembly, Litz said there were hugs, high fives and even some tears from her students. The excitement didn't stop at dismissal, either.

"I heard from so many past students, parents, friends, colleagues and family members on all ends," Litz said. "My fifth-grade colleagues were probably my biggest supporters in the moment, and it just goes to show that this job is more than a one-man show, and that teaching is truly a group effort in the end."

The Milken Educator Awards' stated goal is to inspire educators, students and communities to "celebrate, elevate and activate" the K-12 teaching profession and encourage young, capable people to pursue teaching as a career.

Only about 45 teachers will be honored by the award this year, and Litz is the first teacher from New Jersey's Scotch Plains-Fanwood Regional School District, roughly 30 miles west of New York City, to earn the honor.

While she has no specific plans for the prize money yet, Litz said she hopes to spend some of it to relax with her husband, Ron, and three children, Everett, Eleanor and Cooper.

In April 2025, she and the other honorees will attend an all-expenses-paid Milken Educator Awards Forum in Los Angeles, where they will network with new colleagues, veteran Milken Educators and other education leaders about how to broaden their impact on K-12 education.

"Each day, Emily Litz shows us the dedication and innovative spirit that makes New Jersey educators among the nation's finest," said Kevin Dehmer, New Jersey's acting education commissioner, in a statement on Litz's accomplishment.

Like other teachers, Litz's schedule doesn't allow for too many breaks - award winners or not. That afternoon following the assembly, she was scheduled for conferences with parents.

"It was a bit surreal to have parents congratulating me in such a short time after the assembly, however, it was much appreciated and I was glad that I could still meet to discuss their child's progress so far this year," Litz said. "It was definitely an adrenaline rush, but I was excited to hop back into my job and to talk about my students because honestly, that's what I know best."

As an educator her philosophy is simple: students learn best in a respectful, trusted and safe environment.

"You can be smart and know all of the ins and outs of a curriculum, however, if you do not create an environment where students feel comfortable enough to learn, you will not truly be creating a successful learning environment," Litz said. "In order to provide this environment, teachers need to be invested in knowing their students for who they are as people and as learners."

While teaching can be taxing mentally and physically, Litz has found that she still finds a happiness in her career she wouldn't find elsewhere.

"I always say to my students, 'I can't imagine having to work with adults all day, when I could work with kids and help them become awesome humans in the end.'"

Litz said she first wanted to become a teacher thanks to Miss Bates, her third-grade teacher. It was a warm, welcoming class that guided Litz to the same with her own students.

"Throughout the school year, my main focus is getting to know my students as learners and as people outside of the classroom as well," she said.

SUNY Cortland was another influence, with what Litz described as excellent student teaching experiences - particularly with fifth-grade teacher Karen Exelby - along with guidance from Cortland's then-field experience coordinator and former fifth-grade teacher Caitie Sidebottom.

"I am still grateful for these two women today and I'm sure they are still impacting more future students."

The methods Litz uses to inspire her students range from sprinkling students with glitter for good luck before tests to transforming her classroom into a wilderness campsite where students share their writing pieces.

She cited a child who loves Pokémon as a chance to use characters from the franchise in math problems or in a writing workshop.

"I want my students to know that I'm not only invested in their education, but I'm also invested in them," she said.

With an eye on her students' futures, Litz also developed a job application where students must explain their qualifications in writing to be "hired" for positions ranging from attendance aide to supply manager.

While Litz has already found herself ranked among the elite educators in the country, she isn't letting the accolades or money slow down her plans for the future. She hopes to start new initiatives at her school to help students with literacy and social and emotional learning.

"I'm excited for what is ahead," Litz said. "And I'm hoping that I can continue to stress the importance of recognizing educators for all that they do."

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