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Video: Emily Litz Milken National Notification

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, she incorporates hands-on, inquiry-based, conceptual learning over memorization. Emily 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.

Weaving fun into her lessons and curriculum, Emily 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. Emily’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.

Emily’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.  She 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, Emily served on a committee that developed a fifth-grade standards-based report card. With an emphasis on family involvement, she provides weekly updates to parents and shares photos of students participating in classroom activities.

Emily 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.