TAP SYSTEM - Key Persons

Abigail McKamey

Job Titles:
  • Senior Specialist
  • Senior Specialist, LIN
AbigailMcKameyisaseniorspecialistfortheEastTeam.AbigailbeganhereducationcareerworkinginMetroNashvilleasafoundingteacherofacharterschool.Abigailcontinuedhercareerasamiddlegradeteacherandinstructionalcoach.Later,AbigailworkedfortheTennesseeDepartmentofEducationasareadingcoachconsultant.HerworkprimarilyfocusedontheReadytoBeReadyNetworkinitiative.Throughoutthisinitiative,Abigailpartneredwithdistrictstosupportplanningandimplementationofresearch-basedinstructionalstrategiesandcollaboratedwithherpeerstocreateandimplementthestate'sfirstunitstarters.ShealsosupportedthedepartmentintheimplementationoftheReadywithResourcesinitiativewhereshesupportedstakeholdersintheselectionandadoptionofhigh-qualityinstructionalmaterials. Mostrecently,AbigailworkedasaprincipalofanelementaryschoolinLawrenceCounty,Tennessee.Asaprincipal,shefocusedonrebuildingtheschool'sacademicvisionandcommunityoutreachprograms.Sheworkedtocreatealeadershipteamthatsupportedtheschool'smanystakeholdersandbalancedthevaryingneedsofthestudents,teachers,andparents. Abigail'smissionineducationistosupporteverychildinreachingtheiruniquepotentialthroughthecollaborationandshared-learningofexcellenteducators.

Alison Cutler

Job Titles:
  • Staff Writer
AlisonCutlerisaStaffWriterwithanaward-winningbackgroundinjournalismandcommunication.Constantlypursuingthehumanelementofastory,Alisonfoundhernicheinnarrativereportingandwriting.Herpreviousexperienceinbothlocalandnationalpublicationshasequippedhertoreachwideaudiencesonprint,digitalandsocialmediaplatformsandwillhelpbringcolorfulnarrativestoNIETanditspartnerschools. AlisongraduatedfromtheWalterCronkiteSchoolofJournalismandMassCommunicationatArizonaStateUniversityasamemberofBarrett,theHonorsCollege.Alisonpreviouslyworkedasagovernmentwatchdogreporter,publichealthdisparityreporter,magazineeditorialstaffmemberandanationalreporter.SheanticipatesthenextstoryonthehorizonatNIETandisafirmbelieverthateducationoffersanendlesssourceofinterestingtopicsandpeopletocover.

Amanda Warwick

Job Titles:
  • Senior Policy Associate
AmandaWarwicksupportsNIET'spolicyeffortsatthefederalandstatelevels.Shealsocontributestotheorganization'soutreachefforts,primarilythroughmultimediaprojectsforonlineandprintdistribution. AmandajoinedtheNIETteamin2016aftergraduatingfromtheCollegeofWilliam&MarywithaBachelorofArtsingovernmentandaminorinhistory.Amanda'scollegecourseworkwasshapedbyinternshipswiththeU.S.HouseofRepresentatives,VirginiaGeneralAssemblyandAspenInstitute.Amandacomesfromamulti-generationfamilyofeducatorswhostressedmakingtheworldabetterplacethroughincreasingeducationalopportunitiesforallstudents.SheisproudtocontinuethisfamilylegacyinherworkwithNIET.

Amber Simpson

Job Titles:
  • Executive Director of Strategic Projects
AmberSimpsonspentmuchofher20yearsineducationasateacherleaderbeforecomingtoNIET.SheworksalongsidedistrictandschoolleadersacrossTexastostrengthensystemsandstructuresforincreasingstudentachievement. AmberSimpsonspentmuchofher20yearsineducationasateacherleaderbeforecomingtoNIET.Asateacherleader,Amberfacilitatedweeklyjob-embeddedprofessionaldevelopmentmeetingsduringwhichshecoachedfacultyonsystematicallytrackingtheirstudents'progressanddevelopingactionplanstoreinforcestrengthsandaddressareasofimprovement.Thisworkwascomplementedbyobservingeducatorsintheclassroom,modelingandtestingnewinstructionaltechniques,introducingcurriculum,andassessingstudents'learningalongtheway. In2016,asaTAPmasterteacher,AmberwashonoredinfrontofstudentsandstaffwiththeprestigiousMilkenEducatorAward(TX'16).Shecontinuedherworkduringthenexttwoyearsasanexecutivemasterteacher,thusexpandingherreachtocoachingleadershipteamsdistrictwide.CurrentlyatNIET,AmberworksalongsidedistrictandschoolleadershipinschooldistrictsacrossTexashelpingtostrengthenexistingsystemsandstructuresandincreasestudentachievement.

Amy Campbell

Job Titles:
  • Senior Specialist, TX IMPACT
AmyjoinsNIETatthecloseofa36-yearcareerinavarietyofeducationalsettingsincludinginternational,parochial,private,public,andcharterschools.SheservedasTAPmasterteacheranddistrictexecutivemasterteacherfornineofthelast12yearsofserviceinpubliceducation.Theseopportunities,inmultipleeducationalsettingswithlearnersofallagesandskillstoppedoffwithever-growingTAPknowledgeandexperiences,areparticularlyusefulinherseniorspecialistrole. Classroomteacher,leadteacher,co-teacher,mentorteacher,masterteacher,volleyball/basketball/soccercoach,schoolcurriculumcoordinator,disciplinarian,instructionalfacilitator,turnaroundspecialist,districtsciencecurriculumwritingteammember,andnumerousotherassignmentsprovideduniqueanddiversevantagepointsthatexpandedskillsinteaching,learning,leading,andcoaching.Earlyinhercareer,Amyrecognizedherpassionforcoaching-helpingotherssucceed.WhiletryingtoconvinceAmytocoachjuniorhighschoolgirls'soccer,CoachStrohmeyersharedhiswisdom:"Coachingismotivatingothers.Ifyoucancoachanything,youcancoachanything.TherestisjusttheX'sandO'softhegame."Sheanchorsherworkinthistruthandattributeshersuccessesasaneducator-coachtoherexperiencesonthecourtsandfieldsofsports. Amyloveslearning-shelearnsfromeveryexperienceandeverypersonsheencounters.Throughouthercareersheenjoyedlearningfromamazingcolleagues,giftedprofessors,andtop-notchadministrators.Butsheconsidershermostresourceful,creative,problem-solving,industrious,andunequivocallyhonestteachersinhercareertobeherstudents. AmyhasservedasTAPmasterteacheranddistrictexecutivemasterteacherfornineofthelast12yearsofserviceinpubliceducation.Theseopportunities,inmultipleeducationalsettingswithlearnersofallagesandskillstoppedoffwithever-growingTAPknowledgeandexperiences,are...

Amy Gayle

Job Titles:
  • Assistant Director of Services ( South Central )
  • Leader With a Passion
AmyGayle,AssistantDirectorofServices(Southcentral),isaninstructionalleaderwithapassionforpositiveschoolcultureandstrongteachersupport. Amy'scareerstartedasamathteacherwithareputationforpositivestudentrelationshipscoupledwithhighexpectations.Afterteachingvariousgradelevels,sheservedinleadershippositionsincludinginstructionalcoach,masterteacher,andadministratorforAscensionParishSchools,Louisiana.Theseroleshaveprovidedleadershipinvariousschoolcommunities,allwithverydiverseneeds. AmyreceivedherBachelorofScienceinsecondarymatheducationandmaster'sineducationalleadershipfromLouisianaStateUniversity. AmyGayleisaninstructionalleaderwithapassionforpositiveschoolcultureandstrongteachersupport.PriortoNIET,sheservedinavarietyofdifferentrolesineducation,includingclassroomteacher,coach,masterteacher,andadministrator.

Andrea Divine

Job Titles:
  • Senior Specialist, East
AndreaDivinejoinsNIETwithover16yearsofeducationalexperience.Sheisamultifacetededucatorwhohasservedinnumerousroles,includinganElementaryTeacher,TAPMentorTeacher,TAPMasterTeacher,InstructionalCoach,ProfessionalDevelopmentSpecialist,andAcademicFacilitatorfortheTennesseeDepartmentofEducation.Throughhermultipleroles,Andreahassupportedteachers,administrators,andschoolleadersbyacceleratingstudentoutcomesthroughtheworkofstudentownershipandhigh-qualityplanning. Andreacomestouswithawealthofknowledgeandreal-worldexperienceincreasingstudentperformanceacrossmultipledemographics.ThroughherworkwithKnoxCounty,shewasabletoenhancethescoresofareconstitutedlevel1schoolandtransformittoalevel5throughherpartnershipwithNIET.AndreaattributesthissuccesstothesupportshereceivedinfosteringstudentownershipandgrowingteacherleaderswithNIET.Andrea'sworkatSarahMooreGreeneMagnetAcademyculminatedwiththeschoolreceivingtheNIETSchoolofPromiseAwardin2020.Andreahasapassionforhelpinginstructionalleadersreachtheirfullpotential,whichsignificantlyimpactsstudentoutcomesinapositiveway,andhercareerisareflectionofherpassionforthatwork.

Angela Griffis

Job Titles:
  • Senior Specialist, Southwest
AngelaGriffis'passionanddedicationtotheeducationprofessionspansover15years.AsanNIETseniorspecialistforTexas,AngelaGriffissupportsdistrictandschoolleadersinimplementingbestpracticesofhighlyeffectiveschools,increasingteachereffectiveness,andpositivelyimpactingstudentachievement. Beforebecomingaseniorspecialist,Angelademonstratedanunwaveringpassionforteachingandlearningthroughvariousroles.Shehashadtheopportunitytosupportteachers,teacherleaders,principals,anddistrictleaderswithinthemultiplerolesthatshehasserved.Angelaformallyservedasamasterteachersupportingcampusimprovementimplementationthatfocusedonincreasingstudentachievementandgrowingteacherpedagogicalknowledge.Angelaalsoservedasadistrict-levelK-12curriculumandinstructionspecialistthroughwhichshedeepenedhercommitmentforsupportingteachers,administratorsanddistrict-levelpersonnelwithdevelopinghigh-qualitystructuresandprofessionaldevelopmenttoensureequitableinstructionalpracticeswerepresentinallclassrooms. AngelaearnedaBachelorofElementaryEducationdegreefromTexasA&MUniversity-Commerce,includingcertificationsinearlychildhood,elementaryeducation,andsecondaryeducation.ShealsoholdsaMasterofEducationalAdministrationfromConcordiaUniversitySeward-Nebraska.AngelaispursuingherdoctorateincurriculumandinstructionfromTexasA&MUniversity-CollegeStation.

Angelina Burrows

Job Titles:
  • NIET Indiana TSL Senior Specialist
  • Senior Specialist, Southeast
AsanNIETIndianaTSLseniorspecialist,AngelinaBurrowsispassionateabouthelpingeducatorsbecometheabsolutebestintheirfield.Withtherightsupportinplace,everyclassroomcanhaveeducatorexcellenceembodiedinit.Angelina'sgoalistobeacatalystforthischangetohappen.Shebelieveswithhardwork,dedication,andamindsetofexcellence,schoolleaderswillgrow,andinturn,sowilltheirteachersandultimatelytheirstudents. PriortojoiningNIET,AngelinaworkedasanassistantprincipalforIndianapolisPublicSchoolsanddeanofstudentsatHammondHighSchoolinNorthwestIndiana.ShehasalsobeenamasterandmentorteacheratScottMiddleSchool(alsoinHammond,Indiana),whereshestartedhercareerineducationasaseventhgradescienceteacher.Asafirst-generationcollegegraduate,AngelinaearnedherBachelorofSciencefromLoyolaUniversityChicago,MasterofScienceineducationfromQuincyUniversity,andMasterofEducationinschooladministrationandsupervisionfromIndianaStateUniversity. Asalifelongeducatorandfirst-generationcollegegraduate,AngelinaBurrowsispassionateabouthelpingeducatorsandschoolleadersbecomethebestintheirfield.

Angie Kendall

Job Titles:
  • Senior Specialist, Midwest
AngiejoinsNIETafterhavingservedasaTAPmasterandmentorteacherinPerryTownshipSchools,Indiana,forsevenyears,aswellashavingworkedinReadingRecoveryandProjectLeadtheWay.

April Woolard

Job Titles:
  • Senior Specialist, South Central
ApriljoinsNIETwith23yearsofexperienceinEducation.ShehastaughtinTexas,NorthCarolina,andLouisiana.Aprilhasexperiencesinbothelementaryandmiddleschoolsettingsservingasaclassroomteacher,TAPMentorTeacher,AcademicallyIntellectuallyGiftedCoordinatorandAssistant...

Bobbie Jo Bright

Job Titles:
  • Director of AREN
BobbieJoBrightbringsmorethan25yearsofexperienceasaneducatortoherroleatNIETandhasservedinavarietyofschoolcommunities.

Bobby Cox

Job Titles:
  • Executive - in - Residence
BobbyCoxisresponsibleforexpandingthereachofNIET'swork,relationships,andpartnershipsinTennessee,Alabama,Iowa,andKentucky.BobbyjoinsNIETafterservingWarrenCountySchools,Tennessee,for29years−includingeightassuperintendent.

Britney Allen

Job Titles:
  • Senior Specialist, South Central
BritneyAllenhasheldseveralrolesinvariousdistrictsofteacher,instructionalcoach,masterteacher,administrator,andmostrecentlyDirectorofCurriculumandInstruction.

Caroline Martin

Job Titles:
  • Director of Strategic Projects
CarolineMartinworkstoenhancestrategyandinnovation,andincreaseefficiencyandeffectivenessbothinternallyandacrossprojectsfocusedonteacherandleadershipdevelopmentwithexternalpartners.

Carrie Pullins

Job Titles:
  • TX Impact Director
CarriejoinsNIETafterservingasadistrictmathematicscoordinator,masterteacher,andsecondarymathematicsteacher.

Chrissy Murphy

Job Titles:
  • Human Resources and Payroll Generalist
Chrissyenjoystheday-to-dayaspectsofworkinginhumanresources,fromhelpingstaffmemberswithpayroll,preparingforretirement,andunderstandingtheirbenefits,towritingpoliciestoensureasafeandhealthyworkenvironment.

Christa Stewart

Job Titles:
  • Senior Specialist, East
ChristaStewartjoinsNIETwithover20yearsofexperienceineducation.Priortojoiningourteam,Christaworkedasaneducatorandinstructionalcoach,andalsoholdsalicenseinadministration.

Christina Hulin

Job Titles:
  • Senior Specialist, South Central
Christina'ssuccessfulexperiencesleadinghigh-qualityprofessionaldevelopmentanddatastudies,coachingteachersatavarietyoflevels,aswellasherknowledgeoftheNIETTeachingandLearningStandardsRubric,makeherpassionateaboutherworkwithNIET.

Christina Valdes

Job Titles:
  • Senior Director
  • Federal Award Senior Manager
ChristinaValdessupportstheseniordirectorofgrantmanagementandbusinessoperationsintheoversightandmanagementofNIET'ssponsoredprojectsaswellasNIET'sgrantmanagementpractices,policies,andprocedures.

Courtney Rayburn

Job Titles:
  • Senior Specialist, LIN
CourtneyRayburnhasoveradecadeofurban,rural,andsuburbaneducationalexperiencesincludingservingasaclassroomteacher,instructionalcoach,testingcoordinator,andRTIcoordinator.

Courtney Smith

Job Titles:
  • Senior Specialist, South Central
CourtneySmithjoinsNIETwithover15yearsofexperienceasaLouisianaEducator.HermostrecentrolesincludePrincipalandExecutiveMasterTeacher/TAPCoordinatorinClaiborneParish.Courtney'spassionisensuringallstudentsareprovidedtheopportunitiesforsuccessthroughbuilding...

Danielle Chretien

Job Titles:
  • Leader
  • Senior Specialist, South Central
DanielleChretienisaservantleaderandaperceptiveeducatorwithaconsistentrecordofaccomplishmentsinattainingandsurpassingtargetedgoals.

Devon Willis-Jones

Job Titles:
  • Director of Service Operations
DevonWillis-Jones'dedicationtotheeducationprofessionspansover15years.PriortoherNIETrole,DevonservedasprincipalofJeaneretteElementarySchoolinIberiaParish,Louisiana,forsevenyears.

Dr. Amy Wooten

Job Titles:
  • Executive Dir. of Educator Pipeline Partnerships
  • Executive Director of Higher Education Partnerships and Special Projects
Dr.AmyWootendevelopsserviceofferingstoenhancetheeffectivenessofteacherandadministratorpreparationprograms,fosteringpartnershipswithpreparationprograms,supportingpolicydiscussions,andprovidingleadershipforspecialprojects. AmyWootenjoinedNIETinOctober2020andservesasexecutivedirectorofhighereducationpartnershipsandspecialprojects.Inthisrole,shefocusesondevelopingserviceofferingstoenhancetheeffectivenessofteacherandadministratorpreparationprograms,fosteringpartnershipswithpreparationprogramsandthedistrictstheysupport,supportingeducationpreparationpolicydiscussions,andprovidingleadershipforspecialprojectstosupporttheorganizationalmission. PriortojoiningNIET,AmyservedasvicepresidentofpolicyatDeansforImpactwheresheworkedwithedprepleadersandpolicymakerstodevelopstate-levelpolicyfocusedonensuringallstudentshaveaccesstowell-preparedteachers.Previously,AmyservedasexecutivedirectorforeducatorlicensureandpreparationattheTennesseeDepartmentofEducation.Inthatrole,sheledthedevelopmentofanewaccountabilitymodelforeducatorpreparationproviders,facilitatedanewmodelforpartnershipsbetweenprovidersanddistricts,andmanagedtheimplementationofafederalgranttoprovidehigh-qualitytrainingforcooperatingteachers. Earlyinhercareer,AmyworkedattheU.S.DepartmentofEducationoverseeinggrantprogramssupportingalternativepreparationprograms,andasanelementaryteacherforKannapolisCitySchoolsinNorthCarolina.Shereceivedabachelor'sdegreefromWakeForestUniversity,amaster'sinpoliticsandeducationfromTeachersCollegeatColumbiaUniversity,andanEd.D.fromtheHarvardGraduateSchoolofEducation.

Dr. Angela Davis

Job Titles:
  • Associate Director of Professional Learning
  • Member of the NIET
Dr.AngelaDavis'experienceinavarietyofrolesineducationandpassionforincreasedstudentachievementhaveinspiredhertoensureequitableinstructionalpracticesarepresentinallclassrooms. Dr.AngelaDavisisamemberoftheNIET'sprofessionallearningteamandsupportsthedevelopmentofcurrentservicesandmaterialsthatreflectthegrowingneedsofourpartners.SheensuresthatNIET'scorevaluesarereflectedintheservicesandtrainingsprovided.Inaddition,Angelacontinuestoserveasapartnertoeducatorstoensurethateducatoreffectivenessincreases.Shehasanunwaveringcommitmenttoincreasingstudentachievementforallstudents.Shebelievesthatestablishingandmaintainingrelationshipsthatempowerallstakeholdersleadstocollectivegrowth. BeforebecomingtheAssistantDirectorofProfessionalLearning,Angelahasdemonstratedherpassionforteachingandlearningthroughvariousroles.Formally,AngelaservedasaSeniorSpecialist,servicingseveralpartnersinLouisiana.Inaddition,shehashadtheopportunitytosupportteachers,teacherleaders,principals,anddistrictleaderswithinthemultiplerolesthatshehasserved.Angelaformallyservedasateacherleader,mentorteacher,curriculumcoordinator,andexecutivemasterteacher.Herunwaveringpassionforincreasedstudentachievementhasinspiredhercurrentprofessionalgoalofensuringequitableinstructionalpracticesinallclassrooms. AngelaholdsaBachelorofElementaryEducation,aMaster'sofEducationinCurriculumandInstructionfromSouthernUniversity,andaPh.D.inCurriculum,Instruction,Assessment,andEvaluationfromWaldenUniversity.

Dr. Ann Nielsen

Job Titles:
  • Director of Virtual and Learning Technology Services
Dr.AnnNielsenisanaccomplishededucatorandscholarcommittedtoadvancingeducationalexcellenceandpromotingstudentsuccess.Withanexpansivecareertrajectory,Dr.Nielsen'sprofessionalcontributionsreflectherdedicationtoeducationalimprovement.

Dr. Ann Shaw

Job Titles:
  • Senior Advisor
Dr.AnnShawhasover25yearsteachingexperienceandisaNationalBoardCertifiedTeacher.ThroughouthercareerShawhasservedasaregionalmasterteacherforSCTAP,masterteacher,instructionalcoachandteacher.

Dr. Ashley Anderson-Murray

Job Titles:
  • Principal / Forest Acres Elementary School
Dr.AshleyAnderson-MurrayreceivedherBachelorofSciencedegreefromAliceCarsonTisdaleHonorsCollegeatClaflinUniversityandherMasterofArtsdegreeinLearningDisabilitiesfromFurmanUniversity;Anderson-MurrayearnedherDoctorateofEducationinEducationalLeadershipfromtheUniversityofPhoenix.Shebeganhercareerinpubliceducationasaclassroomteacherwithalmosttwodecadesservingprimary,intermediate,andcollegiatestudentsasanadjunctprofessor.Anderson-MurraymaintainsNationalBoardCertificationasshebelievesthatstudentsthrivewhenrelationships,rigor,andrelevancearevalued.Herservantleadershipphilosophyfocusesontheneedsofstudentswithintentionality,optimism,andurgencyforcontinuedacademicgrowth.Dr.MurrayisactiveinmultipleprofessionalandcommunityorganizationsthatincludetheSDPCLeadershipAcademywiththeUniversityofOulu,SouthCarolinaAssociationofSchoolAdministrators,andAlphaKappaAlphaSorority,Incorporated.

Dr. Bryan Johnson

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Board
Dr.BryanJohnson,anativeofNashvilleandproudproductofpublicschools,servesaschiefofstaffforU.S.Xpress. Dr.BryanJohnson,anativeofNashvilleandproudproductofpublicschools,servesasexecutivevicechancellorandchiefstrategyofficerfortheUniversityofTennesseeChattanooga.HepreviouslyservedaschiefofstaffforU.S.Xpresswhereheleadsavarietyofstrategic,multi-departmentalinitiatives.Hebeganhiscareerineducation,servingasateacher,schooladministrator,anddistrictadministrator.Dr.JohnsoncompletedasuccessfultenureassuperintendentofHamiltonCountySchoolsinTennessee,whichserves45,000studentsacross78schools.HeholdsdegreesfromAustinPeayStateUniversity,BelmontUniversity,andTreveccaUniversity,whereheearnedhisdoctorateineducationalleadership. DuringDr.Johnson'stenure,HamiltonCountySchoolsshowedhistoriclevelsofimprovement.Injustthreeyears,thedistrictmovedfrom130thto2ndinthestateforstudentacademicgrowth,makingHamiltonCountySchoolsthefastestimprovingschooldistrictinTennessee.SomeoftheacademicimprovementsincludeincreasingthenumberofRewardSchools(state'shighestdistinction)from5to32,increasingscholarshipdollarsearnedfrom$20milliontomorethan$120million,andincreasesinachievementforallhighschool-assessedsubjectsby7%ormore.Additionally,HamiltonCountySchoolsattainedLevel5status,whichisthestate'shighestlevelforstudentacademicgrowth,inallareasfortwoconsecutiveyears,withthesecondbeingduringthepandemic. Dr.Johnsonhasreceivednumerousaccoladesforhisleadership,includingbeingnamedoneoffourfinalistsfor2021AASANationalSuperintendentoftheYear,2021TennesseeSuperintendentoftheYear,and2020EdWeekLeaderToLearnFrom.HewaslistedasaSuperintendenttoWatchbytheNationalSchoolPublicRelationsAssociation(NSPRA)andOutstandingYoungAlumnusatAustinPeayStateUniversity.

Dr. Candice McQueen

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Board
  • President of Lipscomb University
Dr.CandiceMcQueenispresidentofLipscombUniversityinNashville,Tennessee.From2019-2021,Dr.McQueenwaschiefexecutiveofficeroftheNationalInstituteforExcellenceinTeaching(NIET).Overthelast20years,NIEThasworkedacross20statestoimproveteachingandlearningthroughafocusonhumancapital,anditssignatureTAPSystemforTeacherandStudentAdvancementhasbeenproveneffective.InDr.McQueen'sfirstyearasCEO,sheledavision-settingandstrategicplanningprocessfortheorganization,calledNIETNow,andhasoverseenthegrowthofNIET'swork,includingdoublingofservicedays,receivingmorethan$50millioninnewmultiyearfederalandstategrants,releasingnewreportsandcommunicationsstrategiesthatpromoteteacherleadership,andincreasingthesizeofNIET'steamby50%. Dr.CandiceMcQueenisthepresidentofLipscombUniversityinNashville,Tennessee.SheformerlyservedaschiefexecutiveofficerofNIETandTennessee'scommissionerofeducation.

Dr. Chastity Wilson

Job Titles:
  • Senior Specialist, South Central
Chastityhasover20yearsofexperienceinpubliceducationandhasworkedtobuildcapacityindistrictandbuilding-leveladministratorsacrossLouisiana.

Dr. Davita Lancelin

Job Titles:
  • Vice President of Services Operations
AstheVicePresidentofServicesOperationsattheNationalInstituteforExcellenceinTeaching,Dr.Lancelinbringsmorethantwodecadesofexperienceinstrengtheningteachereffectivenessandstudentoutcomesthroughschool,district,andstate-levelpartnerships.

Dr. Gary Stark

Job Titles:
  • Vice Chairman
  • Vice Chairman of NIET 's Board
Dr.GaryStarkservesasvicechairmanofNIET'sboard.Inthisrole,hesupportsandadvisesNIETstaffandtheboardofdirectorsintheirmissiontoadvanceeducatoreffectiveness.

Dr. Handrea Logis

Job Titles:
  • Director of Research
Dr.HandreaLogissupportsallaspectsoftheNIETresearchactivities,suchasmonitoringdatacollectioneffortsfortheSEEDgrants,performingquantitativeanalysistoevaluatetheimpactofNIET'sinitiatives,aswellasprovidingdataandresearchsupportforvariousprojects.

Dr. James W. Guthrie

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Board
  • Consultant to the Governments of Armenia
  • Fellow and Professor of Education Policy at Lynn University
Dr.JamesW.GuthrieisapresidentialfellowandprofessorofEducationPolicyatLynnUniversityinBocaRaton,Florida.PreviouslyhewasthefirstgubernatoriallyappointedsuperintendentofpublicinstructionfortheStateofNevada.Priortothat,hewasthefirstappointedseniorfellowanddirectorofEducationPolicyStudiesattheGeorgeW.BushInstitute,acomponentoftheGeorgeW.BushPresidentialCenter,locatedontheSouthernMethodistUniversitycampus(SMU)inDallas,Texas. JamesformerlywasthePatriciaandRodesHartprofessorofEducationalLeadershipandPolicy,anddirectorofthePeabodyCenterforEducationPolicyatPeabodyCollegeofVanderbiltUniversity.From1999through2009,heservedaschairofPeabodyCollege'sDepartmentofLeadership,Policy,andOrganizations,thenation'shighestrankeduniversityeducationaladministrationdepartment.PreviouslyaprofessorattheUniversityofCalifornia,Berkeleyfor27years,JamesholdsaBachelorofArts,aMasterofArts,andaPh.D.fromStanfordUniversity,andundertookpostdoctoralstudyinpublicfinanceatHarvard. JameshasbeenaconsultanttothegovernmentsofArmenia,Australia,Chile,Guyana,HongKong,Pakistan,RomaniaandSouthAfrica,andhashadextensiveexperienceinconsultingforTheWorldBank,UNESCO,OECDandtheOrganizationofAmericanStates.Heistheauthororco-authorof20books,andmorethan200professionalandscholarlyarticles.HeispastpresidentoftheAmericanEducationFinanceAssociation,formervicepresidentoftheAmericanEducationResearchAssociation,servedaseditor-in-chiefoftheEncyclopediaofEducation,publishedin2002,andisserieseditorofthemulti-volumePeabodyEducationLeadershipSeries.

Dr. Jenna Chiasson

Job Titles:
  • Adjunct Professor for the University of New Orleans
  • Deputy Superintendent of Teaching and Learning
Dr.ChiassoniscommittedtoincreasingaccessandopportunitytoallstudentsofLouisiana.Dr.ChiassonbeganherworkasahighschoolEnglishteacherinLouisiana.HerearlycareeralsoincludesexperienceasaTAP(TeacherAdvancementProgram)MentorTeacher,readinginterventionistandanAdvancedPlacementcoordinator. PriortojoiningtheDepartment,Dr.ChiassonservedasExecutiveDirectorofTeachingandLearningforJeffersonParishSchools,thelargestpublicschoolsysteminthestateofLouisiana.Inthisrole,Dr.Chiassonledthedistrict-wideadoptionofhighqualityinstructionalmaterials,standardizedamodelforschool-levelteachercoachesandbuiltsustainablepracticesinteacherleader-ledprofessionaldevelopment.Dr.ChiassonalsopreviouslyservedinotherschoolsystemrolesinSt.JohntheBaptistParish,leadingworkincurriculumandinstruction,professionaldevelopmentandschoolimprovement. Dr.ChiassonhasservedasanadjunctprofessorfortheUniversityofNewOrleanssince2016wheresheteachesSupervisionofInstruction,arequiredcourseforaLouisianaEducationalLeaderlicensure.Dr.ChiassonearnedaBachelorofScienceinEnglishEducationfromNichollsStateUniversity,aMasterofEducationinCurriculumandInstruction,ReadingSpecialistfromNichollsStateUniversityandaDoctorateinEducationAdministrationfromtheUniversityofNewOrleans.SheistheproudparentoftwosonsinLouisianapublicschoolsandadaughter,notyetschoolage.

Dr. Jennifer Board

Job Titles:
  • Senior Specialist, South Central
Dr.JenniferBoardjoinsNIETasaSeniorSpecialistwith24yearsofexperienceineducation.Duringhertenure,Jenniferhasservedstudents,studentathletes,andfamiliesofAscensionandEastBatonRougeParishesasaclassroomteacher,InstructionalCoach,TAPMasterTeacher,Assistant...

Dr. Joshua Barnett - CEO

Job Titles:
  • Chief Executive Officer
  • Chief Executive Officer for NIET
Dr.JoshuaBarnettisthechiefexecutiveofficerforNIET,responsibleforoverseeingalloftheorganization'soperationsincludingservicedelivery,researchandevaluation,professionallearningandlearningtechnologydevelopment,policyandcommunications,financialoperations,andhigher...

Dr. Lee Ann Kwiatkowski

Job Titles:
  • Assistant Superintendent for School Improvement With the Warren Township Schools
  • Director of Public Education and Chief Executive Officer
Dr.LeeAnnKwiatkowskihasbeenalifelongeducator.Attheschooldistrictlevel,shehasheldrolesasTeacher,Principal,TitleIFacilitatorandDirector,AssistantSuperintendentandnowCEO/Superintendent.Atthestatelevel,shehasservedintheIndianaDepartmentofEducationasChiefofStafftoDr.McCormick,DirectorofSchoolImprovement,SeniorEducationAdvisorfortheOfficeoftheGovernorandExecutiveDirectorfortheIndianaStateBoardofEducation. Dr.Kwiatkowskihascomprehensiveexperiencewithstrategicplanning,policydevelopmentandimplementation,boardrelations,schoolimprovementandgrantfunding.Shealsohassignificantexperiencewithstateandfederalprogramsandbudgetsattheclassroom,school,districtandstatelevelssuchasTitleI,TitleII,TitleIII,GiftedandTalentedandIDEA(IndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationImprovementAct). InherroleasAssistantSuperintendentforSchoolImprovementwiththeWarrenTownshipSchools,Dr.Kwiatkowskisuccessfullyadministereda$28.5millionRacetotheToppersonallearningfederalgrant,makingWarrenoneofjust16districtsnationwidetoreceivethatfunding.InherroleatMCS,shehasimplementedInnovationandStrategicPlansthatutilizeaninnovativecradle-to-careercommunity-basedapproachtoeducation.ThisapproachispartofauniquepartnershipwithBallStateUniversitythathasledtoimprovedstudentenrollment,higherteacherretention,increasedphilanthropyandcommunityengagementandexpandedearlyeducationopportunities. Amonghermanyawardsandaccolades,Dr.Kwiatkowskihasreceivedthefollowing: SagamoreoftheWabash(GovernorEricHolcomb) DistinguishedServiceAward(BallStateTeachersCollege) AthenaLeadershipNominee(WomenInBusinessUnlimited) HeroesofthePandemicAwardforOutstandingServiceinEducation(CoalitionofWomen'sOrganizations) Dr.Kwiatkowskihasbeenmarriedtoherhusband,Jack,formorethanthreedecades.Theyhavethreechildrenandfourgrandchildren.

Dr. Lori Line

Job Titles:
  • Midwest Regional Director
Lorihasbeenaneducatorforover30years.Forthefirst18yearsofmycareer,Loriwasanelementaryteacher,instructionalcoach,andassistantprincipal.

Dr. Marina Serdiouk

Job Titles:
  • Senior Research Associate
  • Researcher at the University of Virginia
Dr.MarinaSerdioukbringsherexperienceasapostdoctoralresearcherattheUniversityofVirginia,andaresearcheratMarzanoResearchinDenver,Colorado.

Dr. Nicole Teyechea

Job Titles:
  • Senior Specialist
Toherroleasaseniorspecialist,Dr.NicoleTeyecheabrings25yearsofexperienceworkingacrosseducationalcommunitiesrangingfrompreschooltohighereducation.

Dr. Patrice Pujol

Job Titles:
  • Senior Executive
  • Senior Executive - in - Residence
Dr.PatricePujolservesasseniorexecutive-in-residenceattheNationalInstituteforExcellenceinTeaching(NIET).Inthisrole,sheisresponsiblefortheadvancementofNIET'sstrategicplanandbusinessdevelopmentactivities.

Dr. Ruhi Khan

Job Titles:
  • Director of Educator Pipeline
Dr.RuhiKhanhasbeenaneducatorforover20years,servinginArizona'sDeerValleySchoolDistrictandatArizonaStateUniversity'sMaryLouFultonTeachersCollege.

Dr. Saul Hinojosa

Job Titles:
  • Executive
  • Executive - in - Residence
Dr.SaulHinojosaservesasexecutive-in-residenceatNIET.Inthisrole,heisresponsibleforexpandingthereachofNIET'spartnershipsacrossTexas.Dr.HinojosaservedasSuperintendentofSchoolsforSomersetISDfor15yearsandestablishedstrongcollaborationwithNIETwhichresultedin...

Dr. Sherrie Fairchild-Keyes

Job Titles:
  • Senior Specialist, East
Dr.SherrieFairchild-KeyesjoinsNIETaftera25-yearcareerinpubliceducation.ShehasservedasasecondaryscienceteacherinTennesseeandFloridaand,mostrecently,asaschooladministrator.

Dr. Tad Savage

Job Titles:
  • Senior Specialist
Dr.TadSavagebrings33yearsofexperienceasastudent-centeredleaderwhoprioritizesrelationshipsandcharacterdevelopment.

Dr. Tanée Hudgens

Job Titles:
  • Vice President of Research and Evaluation
AsvicepresidentofresearchandevaluationatNIET,Dr.TanéeHudgensisresponsibleforestablishing,managing,andoverseeingresearchandevaluationinitiativeswithintheorganization.

Dr. Ted Sanders

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Board
  • Education Executive and Corporate Director
Dr.TedSandersisaneducationexecutiveandcorporatedirectorwithademonstratedhistoryofworkingintheeducationmanagementindustry.HisdecadesofserviceincludeworkingasU.S.deputysecretaryofeducation,presidentoftheEducationCommissionoftheStates,presidentofSouthernIllinoisUniversity,andtheChiefStateSchoolOfficer(StateSuperintendent)ofNevada,IllinoisandOhio.Ted'srolesincorporateleadershipincludeexecutivechairmanofCardeanLearningGroup,leadindependentdirectorofPlatoLearning,LLC;chairmananddirectorofACT,Inc.,andvicechairmananddirectorofKnowledgeUniverseLearningGroup,LLC.

Dr. Trevor Leutscher

Job Titles:
  • Senior Research Associate
Dr.TrevorLeutscher'sworkatNIETinvolvesconductingstudiestoevaluateandimproveNIET'sprograms.

Dr. Wayne D. Lewis Jr.

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Board
  • President of Houghton College
Dr.WayneD.LewisJr.isthepresidentofHoughtonCollegeandisachampionofstudentswith20yearsofexperienceineducation. Dr.WayneD.LewisJr.isthepresidentofHoughtonCollegeinHoughton,NewYork.Beforetakingthisrole,Dr.LewisservedastheinauguralDeanoftheSchoolofEducationatBelmontUniversity.LewishasalsoservedastheCommissionerofEducationfortheCommonwealthofKentucky,overseeinganagencywithover1,100employeesanda$5billionannualbudgetwhilealsoafacultymemberattheUniversityofKentucky.Priortothat,hetaughtinK-12publicschoolsofLouisianaandNorthCarolina. Lewisisrecognizedasbeingachampionforstudents;focusingonimprovingeducationalaccess,opportunitiesandexperiencesforstudents,includingthosewhohavehistoricallybeenunderserved.AnativeofNewOrleans,LewisisagraduateofSt.AugustineHighSchool,completedundergraduatestudyatLoyolaUniversityNewOrleans,earnedamaster'sdegreeatTheUniversityofAkron'sBuchtelCollegeofArts&Sciences,completedpost-baccalaureateteachercertificationatTheUniversityofNewOrleans,andearnedaPh.D.atNorthCarolinaStateUniversity'sCollegeofEducation.

Elizabeth Rose

Job Titles:
  • Senior Specialist, LIN
ElizabethRosejoinsNIEThavingservedover19yearsintheclassroomand15yearsasaschooladministrator.Shehasapassionforcultivatingapositivelearningenvironmentanddeliveringeffectiveinstructionalpracticesforeverychild.

Erin Foster

Job Titles:
  • Senior Specialist
  • Support for NIET 's Indiana Partner
ErinFosterprimarilyprovidessupportforNIET'sIndianapartnerschools,capitalizingonherdrivetoinfluencepositivechangeforstudentsthroughherzealforworkingwitheducationalleaders.

Jen Oliver Brady

Job Titles:
  • Partnership Coordinator
JenOliverBradyprovideson-sitetraining,support,andin-depthcoachingtodistrictandschoolleaders,teacherleaders,classroomteachersanduniversityfaculty.

Jennifer Woods

Job Titles:
  • Senior Specialist
JenniferWoodsjoinsNIETwithover24yearsofeducationalexperienceatthesecondaryanddistrictlevels.

Jill Crain

Job Titles:
  • Senior Specialist
JilljoinsNIETwith23yearsofeducationalexperience,andcurrentlysupportsLouisianapartners.

Jill Crossley

Job Titles:
  • NIET Senior Specialist for the West Team
  • Senior Specialist, West
JillCrossleyisanNIETSeniorSpecialistfortheWestTeamandlivesinArizona.ShejoinsNIETafterservinginavarietyofpositionsfor31years.JillservedasprincipalanddistrictadministratorintheOsbornSchoolDistrictinPhoenix,Arizona.PriortothatshewasbothaMentorTeacher...

Jodi Leckbee Chan

Job Titles:
  • Project Director for the SEED 1
  • Senior Specialist, TX Impact
JodiLeckbeeChanhasworkedasaprojectdirectorfortheSEED1andSEED2grantprojects,anexecutivemasterteacher,andseniorspecialistwithschoolsinTexasandacrosstheU.S.forgoingon12years.

Kathleen (Kat) Deleon

Job Titles:
  • Senior Specialist, Southwest
AsaSeniorSpecialistattheNationalInstituteforExcellenceinTeaching(NIET),Katworkstosupporteducatorsandtheworktheydoeachday.

Keely Potter

Job Titles:
  • East Regional Director
KeelyPotterbringsherbackgroundasaneducatorandadirectorattheTennesseeDepartmentofEducationtoNIET,wheresheprimarilysupportsschoolsinthestate.

Kelly Minick

Job Titles:
  • Senior Specialist, Southeast
KellyMinick'seducationalexperiencespansnearlytwodecadesinSouthCarolina.PriortohertimeatNIET,shespent14yearsasasecondaryEnglishinstructorwhoworkedtogrowlearners'loveofwriting,criticalthinking,andtobuildtheirabilitytoseetheworldwithamulti-lensapproach.

Kennette Bardell

Job Titles:
  • East Team Senior Specialist
  • Senior Specialist, East
KennetteBardell,anEastTeamSeniorSpecialist,joinsNIETwith18yearsofexperienceineducation.ShehasheldnumerousrolesinTexasandLouisianaincludingclassroomteacher,mentorteacher,TAPmasterteacher,professionallearninglead,literacycoach,andDirectorofLiteracy.

Kevin Winters

Job Titles:
  • Senior Specialist, East
KevinWintersbrings13yearsofexperienceasateacherandinstructionalleaderinTennessee,includingtherolesofclassroomteacher,masterteacher,technologycoach,andinstructionalcoach.

Kim Herring

Job Titles:
  • Senior Specialist, East
KimHerringjoinsNIETafterservingCumberlandCountySchoolsfor31yearsasahighschoolmathteacher,thendistrictadministratorofschoolinformationandtestingcoordinator.Shehasbroadenedherimpactonstateanddistrictcommitteesonmathanddata.

Kim Melancon

Job Titles:
  • Senior Specialist, Southcentral
KimMelanconbringsover23yearsofexperienceineducationinAscensionandEastBatonRougeParishesinLouisianatoherroleasaseniorspecialistwithNIET.SheservedasamasterteacherandassistantprincipalatDonaldsonvilleHighSchoolinAscensionParish,atrailblazinghighschool...

Kimberlyn Slagle

Job Titles:
  • Senior Specialist, South Central
KimberlynSlaglebrings24yearsofexperiencetoherroleatNIET.Hercorevaluesincludecoaching,facilitating,andleadingwithrespect,integrity,andcompassion.

Kristan Van Hook

Job Titles:
  • Senior Vice President of Policy
AsseniorvicepresidentofpolicyattheNationalInstituteforExcellenceinTeaching(NIET),KristanVanHookdevelopsandimplementsstrategiestobuildsupportforNIET'seducationinitiatives,withafocusonincreasingteacherandschoolleadereffectiveness.

Kristina Carssow

Job Titles:
  • Southwest Regional Director
KristinaCarssowhas18yearsofexperienceasacampusteacher,TAPmastercoach,instructionalcoach,andassistantprincipal.

Kyle Kovach

Job Titles:
  • Senior Specialist for the East
  • Southeast Regional Director
KyleKovachjoinedNIETasaseniorspecialistfortheEastteamafterspendingtheprevious12yearsservingthestudentsandfamiliesinWestGreenville,SouthCarolina.Hehashelddiverserolesineducation,bothintheclassroomandinadministration.

Laura Tew

Job Titles:
  • Senior Specialist, Southeast
LauraTewsupportsschoolsacrossSouthCarolinaandTennessee,bringingover20yearsofteachingexperiencetoherNIETrole.

Lauren Waldow

Job Titles:
  • Virtual and Learning Technology Services Systems Analyst
LaurenWaldowassistswithdesigningsupportdocumentationandtutorials,servesasaresourceforinternalandexternaltraining,andprovidestechnologysupporttopartners,fieldstaff,andNIETleadership.

Lindsey Parker

Job Titles:
  • Associate Director of Professional Learning
Inadditiontoensuringexistingservicesandmaterialsarerepresentativeofcurrentresearchandpartnerneeds,Lindseyworkswithcolleaguestodevelopinnovativetrainingandsupportmaterialsforimplementationacrossmultipleprojects.

Liz Miller

Job Titles:
  • Senior Specialist, Southwest
ElizabethMillerbringsover25yearsofserviceinavarietyofrolesinpubliceducationinbothLouisianaandTexasschoolsystems.

Lowell Milken - Founder

Job Titles:
  • Founder
LowellMilken'slifelongcommitmenttostrengtheningK-12educationhasledtosomeofthecountry'smostinnovativemeanstodramaticallyadvanceeducatoreffectiveness.

Lucia Thallas

Job Titles:
  • Event Manager
  • Member of the Events Team at NIET
LuciaThallasisamemberoftheEventsTeamatNIET.Sheoverseestheeventsfromstarttofinishandensuresthatnodetailisleftbehind.

Lydia Stevenson

Job Titles:
  • Senior Specialist, East
LydiaStevensonhasspentthelastdecadeineducationinLouisianaschools,whichshebringstoherroleasseniorspecialist.

Matt Connor

Job Titles:
  • Controller
Ascontroller,MattConnorassistsinfinancialandaccountingfunctionsofNIETwiththegoalofhelpingtheorganizationmeetitsmission.

Megan Rischard

Job Titles:
  • Contract and Business Administration Manager
MeganRischardsupportsNIET'sorganizationalpartnershipdevelopment,projectmanagementandcontractingeffortsastheContractsandBusinessAdministrationManager.Shebringsyearsofbusinessmanagement,customerservice,andfinanceexperiencetotherole.MegangraduatedwithaBachelorof...

Melissa Blossom

Job Titles:
  • Director of School Improvement at the Indiana Department of Education
  • Senior Specialist, Midwest
MelissaBlossomjoinedNIETafterservingasdirectorofschoolimprovementattheIndianaDepartmentofEducation.PriortoIDOE,sheworkedinsecondaryeducationasanadministratorandsocialstudiesteacher.

Michelle Wolfenbarger

Job Titles:
  • Director of LIN
MichelleWolfenbargerhasservedinvariousrolesineducationinTennesseesince2001,mostrecentlyasaKnoxCountyprincipal.Sheisacertifiedcognitivecoachandhasexperienceinvarioustypesofschoolcommunities.

Molly Sears - CFO

Job Titles:
  • Chief Financial Officer
Aschieffinancialofficer,Mollyprovidesleadership,management,andoversightforallfiscalactivitiesrelatedtotheoperationsofNIET.

Natalie Szakacs

Job Titles:
  • Senior Specialist, Executive Specialist
NatalieSzakacsworkswithdistrictandschoolpartnerstoincreasetheirimpactoninstructionalexcellenceandstudentachievement.

Nicole Bolen

Job Titles:
  • Executive Director of Services
Withover23yearsofexperience,NicoleBolensupportsdistrictsandschoolsinNIET'snetworksandservesonthecontentdevelopmentteam,contributingtovariousNIETprojects.

Nicole Gonzalez

Job Titles:
  • Senior Specialist
Asaformerdistrictsciencecoordinator,Nicolehasworkedwithteachers,instructionalcoaches,andadministrationtostrengtheninstructionalpracticestoimprovestudents'scienceachievement.

Nieves Carrales

Job Titles:
  • Principal / Somerset Elementary School
  • Principal of Somerset Elementary School
NievesCarrales,theprincipalofSomersetElementarySchool,successfullyleadsabustlingcampusof725studentsand65professionalfaculty.Childrenareherpassion.Theyarethereasonsheliesawakeatnight;thereasonshegetsupinthemorning.Becauseofherunwaveringfocusonlearners,sheworkswithandalongsideherteaminexpectedandunexpectedways.ItisnotunusualtofindMs.Carralesteachingamathclass,analyzingassessmentdata,playingontheplayground,conferringwithaparent,ormodelinganinstructionalstrategy.ShechampionsstudentsinalltheirendeavorsfromtheclassroomtothebasketballcourttotheAGbarn.Shesupportsteachersthroughtimelyprofessionaldevelopment,resourceacquisition,andthecreationofacultureofpositivityandappreciation.Itisevident,shebelievesinthewholechildapproach,elevatingteacherpractice,andauthenticallyintegratingherselfintothecommunitysheservesallwhilepromotingastrongschool-homeconnection. Ms.Carrales'accomplishmentsaregroundedinherrichexperiencesandqualityeducationalbackground.ShereceivedaBachelorofScienceinInterdisciplinaryStudiesfromTexasA&MKingsvilleandearnedaMasterofArtsinEducationalAdministrationfromTexasTechUniversity.ShejoinedtheSomersetISDfamilyin2016asahighly-effectiveteacher,waspromotedtomentorteacher,wasselectedtoserveasassistantprincipalin2018,andadvancedtotheprincipalshipin2021. Duringhertenure,SomersetElementarySchoolhasbeenratedasaTexasEducationAgency(TEA)Aratedcampus,recognizedasa2022NationalBlueRibbonAwardee,andnamedaNationalInstituteforExcellenceinTeachingFounder'sAwardFinalist.Additionally,throughherleadershipfourteencampusleveleducatorshavebeenrecognizedthroughtheTEATeacherIncentiveAllotment.ElevatingexcellenceisthehallmarkofMs.Carraleseducationalapproach.

Patti Cruz

Job Titles:
  • Executive Director of Services
PattistartedwithNIETin2009whenshejoinedASUPrepAcademyasaTAPmasterteacher.ShethenwentontosupporttheAZReadyforRigorGrant.

Paulette Rowell

Job Titles:
  • Manager of Virtual Learning Technology Services
Asseniormanagerofvirtualandlearningtechnologyservices,PauletteRowellprovidestechnicalassistancesupportformultipleweb-basedplatformsthatintegrateNIETbestpractices.

Pilar Holtrop

Job Titles:
  • West Regional Director
PilarHoltropservesschoolsanddistrictsintheWest,andbringstwodecadesofexperiencewithNIET'sworkinthestate.

Quinn McInnis

Job Titles:
  • Digital Content Manager
QuinnMcInnisisanexperiencedDigitalContentManagerwhopossessesadeepunderstandingofthepowerofdigitaloutreach.Quinnhasinvestedhiscareerinamplifyingtheorganization'smessagetoawideraudience.Withseveralyearsofexperienceindigitalcontentcreation,hebringsawealth...

Ray Simon

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Board
  • Head of Simon Consulting
RaySimonistheheadofSimonConsulting,whereheprovidesindependentconsultingservicesatthenational,stateandlocallevelsontopicsrelatingtoeducationpolicyandpractice.Priortohiscurrentpractice,heservedattheU.S.DepartmentofEducationinthecapacityofdeputysecretary,thesecond-highestrankingofficialattheagency.Hehadpreviouslyservedastheassistantsecretaryforelementaryandsecondaryeducation.RaywasthechiefstateschoolofficerforArkansasforsixyears.HealsoservedassuperintendentoftheConway(Arkansas)SchoolDistrictfrom1991to1997.Simonreceivedabachelor'sandmaster'sdegreeinmathematicsfromtheUniversityofCentralArkansas,andholdsaneducationalspecialistdegreeinschooladministrationfromtheUniversityofArkansas.

Robbin Boudreaux

Job Titles:
  • Executive Assistant
RobbinBoudreauxsupportsNIETinassistingstaff,andmonitoringschedules,correspondence,telephone,andtravel.

Robert Stell

Job Titles:
  • Senior Specialist, Southwest
RobertStellbrings26yearsofTexaspubliceducationservicetoNIET.Hehasservedasafifthgradeteacher,asixthgradeteacherandaTitleIreadingteacher.

Robin Cornet

Job Titles:
  • Senior Specialist, AREN
Robinhasover15years'experienceineducationandnowherworkiscenteredoncoachingruraldistrictsinArkansastoimplementbestpracticesofhighlyeffectiveschools,increasingteachereffectiveness,andpositivelyimpactingstudentachievement.

Robin Curry

Job Titles:
  • Principal / Sarah Moore Greene Magnet Academy
Priortoadministration,Curryservedasa6thgradeEnglish/languageartsteacher,parenteducatorandkindergartenteacherinKnoxCountySchools.ShewaspreviouslyaCommonCoreCoachfortheTennesseeDepartmentofEducation.In2015,Currywasacceptedintothe6thcohortofKnoxCountySchool'sLeadershipAcademywhichwasthebeginningofheradministrativecareerwiththedistrict.PriortobeingappointedtheprincipalofSarahMooreGreene,CurrywasanassistantprincipalofVineMiddleMagnetandWestValleyMiddleSchool.Curryholdsabachelorofartsdegreeinpsychology,amaster'sdegreeinelementaryeducation,andaneducationalleadershipdegreeallfromTheUniversityofTennessee,Knoxville.Curryisawifeandaproudmotheroftwoboys.

Robin Variest

Job Titles:
  • Senior Specialist, South Central
Robinbrings26yearsofexperienceinpublic,parochial,andcharterschoolsinTexasandLouisiana.

Rodes Hart

Job Titles:
  • Professor of Educational Leadership

Rossette Osamba

Job Titles:
  • Senior Specialist, TX Impact
Assheapproachesthe20-yearmilestoneineducation,RossetteOsambastrivestoserveasaresourcetoschoolteamsinprovidingprofessionaldevelopmentsthataidintheirimprovementofpracticesandexemplaryleadership.

Sandra Walker-Parker

Job Titles:
  • Senior Specialist, South Central
SandraWalker-ParkerisaNewOrleansnativeandhasbeenaneducatorinGeorgiaandLouisianaforover20years,withthelatter16yearsbeingspentinNIETschools.

Sarah Jolly-Swift

Job Titles:
  • Senior Specialist, South Central
SarahJolly-SwiftjoinsNIETafterservingLouisiana'sRapidesParishSchoolSystemforthepast13years.Sarahisapassionateadvocateforeducationalequityandaccesstoeffectiveinstructionforeverychild,everyday.

Scott Duncan

Job Titles:
  • Senior Specialist, East
ScottDuncanworkstosupportdistrictsacrossthestateofTennesseeinstrengtheninginstructionalleadershippractices,teachereffectiveness,andteacherandadministratorobservationsystems.

Shayla Canady

Job Titles:
  • Senior Specialist, AREN
Alifelonglearner,ShaylaCanadyhasservedinavarietyofeducationalroles−includingTAPmentorteacher,masterteacher,andadministrator−andholdsadecadeofexperienceusingNIET'srubrics.

Stacy Knoop

Job Titles:
  • Senior Specialist, AREN
Asaseniorspecialist,Stacysupportseducatorsandleadersthroughoutthecountryastheyworktoprovideeachandeverystudentwithahigh-qualityeducation.

Stephanie Mosqueda

Job Titles:
  • Senior Vice President of Strategic Projects
StephanieMosquedaoverseesNIET'sweb-basedtools,aswellascontentandtechnicalassistancesupportforpartners.

Teddy W. Broussard

Job Titles:
  • Senior Advisor
  • Senior Program Specialist, Project Director, Assistant Director
InhisrecentyearswithNIET,TeddyBroussardhasservedasseniorprogramspecialist,projectdirector,assistantdirectorofschoolservices,directoroftrainingandseniortrainer.

Theresa D. Hamilton

Job Titles:
  • South Central Regional Director
TheresaHamiltonoverseesallstatewideinitiativesandat-largepartnershipsinourSouthCentralRegion,andisacentralpointofcontactforNIET'sLouisianahighereducationpartnerships.

Theresa Hussey

Job Titles:
  • Senior Specialist
  • Senior Specialist, Midwest
TheresaHusseyisaseniorspecialistontheIndianaTeam.PriortojoiningNIET,sheservedasbothamentorandmasterteacheratGoshenJuniorHighinGoshenIndiana.Inthemorethantenyearssheservedasateacherleader,Theresasupportedaspiringteachers,newteachers,andexperienced...

Tiffaney Kelly

Job Titles:
  • Senior Specialist, South Central
Tiffaney'sworkascentersonsupportingschoolsanddistrictpersonneltopositivelyimpactinstructionalpracticesandimprovestudentachievement.

Tiwanaha Washington

Job Titles:
  • Senior Specialist, South Central
Tiwanahahas20yearsofexperienceineducation.Shehasservedasaclassroomteacher,TAPMasterTeacher,andinadistrictlevelleadershiprole.Forthepasttenyears,shehasworkedinSt.JamesParishservingasaCurriculumFacilitator,Supervisor,andInstructionalDirector.Tiwanahaholds...

Trey Forrester

Job Titles:
  • NIET Senior Specialist
  • Senior Specialist, SC PLN
TreyForresterisanNIETseniorspecialistinSouthCarolina.HejoinsNIETafterservingasaneducatoratdiverselevelsandspecialtiesfor15years.

Vanessa Gonzalez

Job Titles:
  • Professional Development Director / Gadsden Elementary School
VanessabeganteachingatEdPastorElementarySchool,whereshetaught2ndand4thgradeoverfiveyears.Thefirstfewyears,shehadgreatmentorsandinstructionalcoacheswhosupportedhergrowthandlearning. Asaresultofthatsupport,shedecidedtobecomeaMentorTeacher,whichallowedhertobepartoftheschool'sleadershipteam.ShethenbecametheMasterTeacher,coachingKindergartenthrough6thgradeandSpecialEducationTeachers.Itwasagreatlearningopportunitythatallowedhertolearnagreatdealfromtheschool'sleadershipteam,teachers,andstudents. Duringthesummerof2018,VanessatookontheroleofProfessionalDevelopmentCoordinatorforthedistrict.Thisallowedhertoworkwithteachers,MasterTeachers,andAdministratorsacrossthedistrict.Afterbeinginthatpositionforfouryears,Vanessabecamethedirectoroftheprofessionaldevelopmentdepartmentforthedistrict.ShenowworkscloselywiththedistrictSuperintendentandAssociateSuperintendenttoplanandoverseealldistricttrainingopportunitiesandsupportsallschoolsalongwithanamazingteamofexecutivemasterteachers. Workingwithteachersacrossthedistrictisatruehonor,becauseitisteacherswhohavethosegenuineinteractionswithstudentsonadailybasisandtrulymakethatlastingimpact.Vanessahopestobeabletocontinuesupportingteachers,students,andtheentirecommunitythroughherworkatGadsdenElementarySchoolDistrict#32,givingbacktoacommunitythathashelpedhergrowinmanyways.

Venitia Guerrieri

Job Titles:
  • Executive Assistant to CEO
Venitiahasbeenanadvocateforteacherssince2004,whenshestartedhercareerinFinancialServicesassistingthemwiththeirinvestmentsforretirement.Later,shevolunteeredattheelementaryschoolherchildrenattended,whichledtohelpingteachersintheclassroomasaParaEducator.Now,...

Vicky Condalary

Job Titles:
  • Senior Vice President of Services and Partnerships
Beforeservingasseniorvicepresidentofservices,VickywasexecutivedirectoroftheLABOLDProject,assistantdirectorofschoolservicesandwastheprojectdirectorforTAPConnect,aSEEDgrantinpartnershipwithTexasTechandfiveindependentareaschooldistricts.