The Milken Educator Awards – often dubbed as “The Oscars of Teaching” just named this season’s first winner – a teacher from Lawrence Township.

Jeanette Capritti is a seventh grade English language arts teacher. She is now the only recipient of the award for New Jersey this year. She I also the first ever in Lawrene Township Public Schools' history to win the award.

“To do this and to work with the wonderful colleagues that I have and this incredible district, under an administration that I really, really respect. And the part that makes it all worthwhile,” Capritti said.

Capritti is known for her magnetic energy and innovative teaching methods.

She joins a network of 3,000 Milken educators spanning the award’s nearly 40-year history.