Photos
2022-23 Milken Educators
Photo 25 of 36
SHAINA BRENNER (NJ '22)
Elms Elementary School | Jackson, NJ
"When I woke up this morning, I definitely didn't anticipate this!" Shaina Brenner, a second grade teacher at Elms Elementary in Jackson, was absolutely shocked when we presented her with New Jersey's Milken Educator Award and $25,000 this morning. Still overwhelmed with emotion, Shaina thanked her district and building colleagues for supporting all her "crazy ideas," then turned her attention to the students. "You are the reason why I get up every morning," she told them. "When I'm bursting with sunshine and excited to come to work, it's because of all of you."
After the assembly, Shaina told us that she credits her mom and her fourth grade teacher Mrs. Nash for giving her a voice and inspiring her to teach. "I think you know when you want to be a teacher," she said. "I wake up passionate every morning about the change I'm going to make with my students, and ultimately on the world. That's why I teach, to have that impact."
All photos should be credited to "Milken Family Foundation" unless otherwise noted.
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