NIET’s Impact Leads to National Recognition
September 16, 2025

25 Years of Building Educator Excellence
For more than 25 years, the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching has led the way in designing and implementing instructional systems that improve classroom teaching, increase educator retention, and strengthen student achievement.
Our recent recognition through the Empowered series, hosted by actress Meg Ryan, underscores the importance and reach of our work. NIET was selected for the feature due to our innovative approach to strengthen teaching and learning, and our story has been shared across the country on major networks such as PBS, Discovery Channel, Fox Business News, CNN, and CNBC.
The national feature highlighted what sets NIET apart: a proven record of creating instructional systems that support educators at every level. In 2023, the National Bureau of Economic Research released a research study of NIET partner schools demonstrating a powerful impact on student outcomes, including increased high school graduation rates and academic achievement.
Our Impact
Every student deserves excellent teaching, and every educator deserves meaningful support. We believe we can work with any school to help them take what they are doing to the next level — no matter where they are. We know because for 25 years we have achieved success with our partners across Arizona, Arkansas, Indiana, Louisiana, Texas, and many more states. NIET has helped schools, districts, and states create systems of leadership, professional learning, and feedback that drive measurable improvements in teaching and learning.
Our Results:
- Student achievement increases 7% in NIET partner districts
- NIET partner schools see a 12% increase in teacher retention
- $14 to $1 return on investment for communities implementing NIET support
- 3 NIET partners have earned international recognition through the World’s Best School Prizes
- 25 years of impact, benefiting 3.5 million students and 350,000 teachers
Building Systems for Lasting Change
NIET’s model is built for long-term, system-wide impact. We help partners create systems that sustain improvement year after year. The result is lasting change that strengthens teaching and accelerates student learning.
NIET is a game-changer because of the way they elevate teachers into instructional leadership. Our focus is on growing students, but to do this, we need to grow teachers. Aligning our systems to help teachers grow and improve generates excellence in the classroom. It creates a continuous cycle of improvement as more teachers want to join a team that helps them to be the best teachers they can be.Pat Mapes, Superintendent, Hamilton Southeastern Schools and Board Member, Indiana State Board of Education
Accelerating Student Success
We put student learning at the center of all that we do. NIET equips teachers and leaders with clear goals, research-based tools, and coaching strategies that strengthen instruction and accelerate achievement.
Our partnership with NIET created the structures and processes for teacher-driven collaborative learning with direct follow-up and coaching in classrooms. Investing in teacher support is one of the most valuable decisions a district can make, as it directly contributes to improved student academic achievement.Omar Duron, Superintendent, Somerton School District No. 11, Arizona
Supporting Great Classroom Teaching
NIET helps schools create structures for collaboration, coaching, and leadership that keep teachers in the profession and focused on student success.
Our collaboration with NIET has created a ripple effect across our district. Principals and teacher leaders not only understand the curriculum at a deeper level, but they also serve as instructional coaches, helping classroom teachers refine their practice. This type of instructional leadership ensures that every student benefits.Dr. James Gray, Superintendent, Jefferson Parish Schools, Louisiana
How to Work with NIET
NIET partnerships are built to deliver results. We work side by side with our partners to tailor a plan that strengthens teaching and delivers measurable impact for students.
- High-impact coaching to strengthen instructional practice
- Collaborative professional learning for teachers to grow together
- Leadership development for school principals and district teams
- Partnering with universities and educator preparation programs to better support aspiring teachers
- Helping partners achieve and sustain growth within their budgets
Ready to strengthen teaching and learning in your schools? Connect with NIET to explore how we can help you meet your goals. Contact us.