Arkansas Teacher Leadership Training on Track to Reach Nearly 2,100 Educators

Across Arkansas, NIET is preparing educators to strengthen their practice and better support colleagues in meeting the needs of students. Since 2024, NIET has provided high-impact training for each of the two pathways for Arkansas educators: the Lead Professional Educator pathway and the Master designation pathway. By the end of the 2026–2027 school year, approximately 2,100 teacher leaders are expected to have completed training with NIET through these pathways.

The work supports Arkansas schools as they respond to new expectations for teaching and learning under the Arkansas LEARNS Act, including providing support for new teachers and students who are not yet on grade level. Through these pathways, educators are building the skills and confidence to help more students succeed.

Largest Trainer of Lead and Master Teachers in Arkansas

As the state’s largest trainer of Lead and Master teachers, NIET supports educators across Arkansas through nationally recognized, high-impact training and follow-up coaching that build their capacity to support colleagues and strengthen student learning.

The Lead Professional Educator pathway prepares teachers to lead and support other adults, including new teachers. Participants build skills in facilitating collaboration, using student data to guide instructional decisions, observing instruction, and providing actionable feedback.

The Master designation pathway focuses on instructional coaching in mathematics and literacy. Participants deepen their content knowledge and strengthen their ability to help colleagues analyze student work, refine instruction, and support students who are not yet performing on grade level.

Both pathways combine virtual learning with a half-day of individualized follow-up support. During that time, each teacher works alongside an NIET specialist on an area they have chosen for further development. The virtual format helps educators across Arkansas, including those in rural communities, access the training.

98% Reported Greater Confidence in Supporting Students

Educators report that the training is helping educators feel more prepared for their roles. Nine in ten Lead pathway participants trained by NIET reported increased confidence in coaching and supporting other teachers. Among Master pathway participants, 98% reported increased confidence in addressing student needs.

For Verlin Butler, a second-grade teacher and Lead designation participant in Lakeside School District, the training has strengthened both her own teaching and her ability to support colleagues.

I absolutely love the NIET designation training. The pathway training has allowed me to see things more clearly in my own teaching, as well as helped my colleagues. I always walk away feeling empowered and much more knowledgeable about how to lead my team and help any teacher who comes to me for help or advice,

Verlin Butler, Second-grade Teacher, Lakeside School District, Arkansas

By investing in educators like Butler, Arkansas schools are building effective teacher leaders who can help strengthen instruction across classrooms and further student achievement.

For more information about NIET's work in Arkansas, contact Executive-in-Residence Karli Saracini at ksaracini@niet.org or Central Regional Director Amy Gayle at agayle@niet.org.