Jeanette Capritti leads with excellence, purpose, and heart as a seventh grade English language arts teacher at Lawrence Middle School in Lawrenceville. Known for her magnetic energy and instructional creativity, she creates a classroom environment where students are inspired to think deeply, write authentically, and grow both academically and personally. Her innovative teaching includes immersive events—like sci-fi “book tastings,” where mood lighting, music, and thought-provoking questions draw students into the genre—and the use of personal, student-led storytelling to foster voice, structure, and identity.
Capritti’s efforts to foster critical thinking, student ownership, and meaningful engagement have led to measurable success. Her students consistently demonstrate significant growth in reading and writing as measured by the NJSLA, with exceptional student achievement results.
Beyond the classroom, Capritti devotes lunch periods to tutor students, volunteers to chaperone student dances, and teaches literacy through the Summer Destinations Program to enhance academic success. She has led the development of a “Writing 2.0” elective course to strengthen student writing skills and designed grade-level common assessments and curriculum. This work has contributed to measurable growth on the NJSLA for the seventh grade cohort. She also leads professional development in her district on best practices in writing instruction, which are carefully designed to be cross-curricular and accessible for teachers in any content area. Capritti mentors student teachers from Rider University and guest lectures at The College of New Jersey, where she inspires aspiring educators with her knowledge, passion and experience. Her experience in curriculum, care for students, and teacher support make her a trusted and respected voice in her school and district.
Capritti earned a Bachelor of Arts in English secondary education in 2019 and a Master of Education in literacy in 2024, both from The College of New Jersey.
Press Release: New Jersey Middle School Teacher Surprised in Lawrenceville With First $25,000 Milken Educator Award of 2025-26
