Jackson Township second grade teacher wins $25k educator excellence award

Phil Stilton

JACKSON, NJ – Shaina Brenner, a second-grade teacher at Elms Elementary School in Jackson was surprised today to learn she was the recipient of a $25,000 Milken Educator Award for her outstanding leadership and professionalism in the classroom.

The award was presented today before an assembly of cheering students and faculty.

The Milken Education award honors up to 40 elementary educators in the 2022-2023 school year.

“Over the past 35 years, more than $140 million in funding, including more than $73 million in individual Awards, has been devoted to the overall Milken Awards initiative, which includes powerful professional development opportunities throughout recipients’ careers,” according to a statement today by the Milken Family Foundation.


“Shaina Brenner personifies the qualities of a Milken Educator. She prioritizes her students’ needs and develops creative strategies to engage and prepare them for success in our rapidly changing world,” said Dr. Jane Foley, senior vice president of the Milken Educator Awards and a 1994 Indiana Milken Educator. “Her dedication to improving the lives of her students, her passion for her community and her proven track record of leadership are just some of the many reasons she was honored today. I look forward to the contributions she will provide to our national Milken Educator Network.”

Hailed as the “Oscars of Teaching,” Milken Educator Awards inspire and uplift with the unique stories of educators making a profound difference for students, colleagues and communities. The specific states and schools on this year’s winners’ list remain a closely guarded secret until each Award is announced.

“The Department congratulates Ms. Brenner on this outstanding career achievement,” said Dr. Angelica Allen-McMillan, New Jersey Acting Commissioner of Education. “Her zest for teaching and understanding of the learning needs of each child is a gift to her students and an inspiration to fellow educators.”

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