Lawrence Middle School Teacher Lands $25K Milken Prize In Surprise Assembly

LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ - Lawrence Middle School seventh grade English language arts teacher Jeanette Capritti received an unexpected honor on Wednesday morning. During a surprise all-school assembly, she was awarded the prestigious $25,000 Milken Educator Award.

The surprise announcement marks the official launch of the 2025-26 National Milken Educator Awards tour and makes Capritti the first educator in Lawrence Township Public Schools history to receive this distinction.

Jane Foley, Senior Vice President of the Milken Educator Awards and a 1994 recipient herself, presented the award alongside New Jersey Commissioner of Education Kevin Dehmer.

Capritti becomes New Jersey's 39th honoree since the state joined the program in 2002.

"Congratulations to Jeanette Capritti, whose exceptional dedication and passion for teaching shines in everything she does for the benefit of colleagues, students and the community," said Dr. Foley. "Her instructional innovation, captivating classroom environment, and broader leadership and mentorship highlight why she will make a meaningful addition to the Milken Educator Network."

Often called the "Oscars of Teaching," the Milken Educator Awards have no formal application process. Instead, outstanding K-12 educators in the early to mid-career stages are identified for their achievements and future potential. Capritti now joins a network of over 3,000 Milken Educators spanning nearly four decades.

"The Milken Educator Award is one of the most prestigious recognitions in education, shining a spotlight on the extraordinary talent and dedication found in our classrooms," said Commissioner Dehmer. "Jeanette Capritti's selection as New Jersey's latest recipient is a powerful affirmation of her innovative teaching on writing and literacy, and her unwavering commitment to student success."

Capritti is known for creating immersive learning experiences, including sci-fi "book tastings" featuring mood lighting and music to engage students, and using personal storytelling to help students develop their authentic voices. Her innovative approaches have resulted in consistent, measurable growth in student reading and writing achievement on the NJSLA.

Beyond classroom instruction, Capritti tutors students during lunch, volunteers at school events, and teaches in the Summer Destinations Program. She developed the "Writing 2.0" elective course, designed grade-level assessments, and leads district-wide professional development on writing instruction that supports teachers across all content areas. She also mentors student teachers from Rider University and guest lectures at The College of New Jersey.

Capritti earned her Bachelor of Arts in English secondary education in 2019 and her Master of Education in literacy in 2024, both from The College of New Jersey.

The unrestricted $25,000 award can be used at the recipient's discretion. Capritti will also attend an all-expenses-paid Milken Educator Awards Forum in Washington, D.C., from June 12-14, 2026, where she will network with fellow educators and participate in mentorship programs designed to expand her leadership impact.

Since 1987, the Milken Educator Awards have distributed more than $76 million in individual prizes and invested over $146 million in the national network overall.

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