Arizona Educator Carin Hart Named Member of National Institute for Excellence in Teaching’s Prestigious 2026 Fellows Program

GLENDALE, AZ (August 12, 2025) — NIET is proud to unveil the finalists for the 2026 NIET Fellows cohort, launching a dynamic one-year program to help selected educators deepen their knowledge of NIET’s systems of improvement to more effectively support the work taking place in their school and district. Among the distinguished fellows is Carin Hart from Carol G. Peck School of Alhambra Elementary School District in Glendale, Arizona. 

“I’m excited to invite Carin Hart into our second cohort of the NIET Fellows Program,” said NIET CEO Dr. Joshua Barnett. “For 25 years, we have seen the work of effective educators, like those joining us in this fellows program, be the driver of success within schools, districts, and communities. We look forward to learning alongside Carin and this cohort by providing opportunities to elevate instructional practices and apply them within and beyond their classrooms.”

Hart was one of just 11 selected out of a competitive pool of applicants from across the country. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from Georgia Southern University, a Master’s in Educational Administration from Grand Canyon University, and an Education Specialist degree in Administrative Leadership from Walden University.

“I’m so excited to be a part of this program,” Hart said. “Teacher leadership is important to me because it empowers educators to believe they have what it takes to help students reach the next level. It means having a mentor to grow alongside, and in turn, being that support for others, especially when they need encouragement and a reminder of their impact. Teacher leadership creates a community where we lift each other up to stay focused on what matters most: our students."

With 17 years in the Alhambra Elementary School District, Hart has taught junior high math and grades 2–5, served as an outreach coordinator (assistant principal), and currently works as an academic coach. A servant leader and lifelong learner, she is passionate about empowering teachers to believe in themselves, knowing that their confidence directly impacts students’ sense of accomplishment and success.

“We are thrilled to see Carin recognized as a NIET Fellow,” said Alhambra Elementary School District Superintendent Dr. Cecilia Maes. “Her commitment to students, colleagues, and instructional excellence reflects the best of Alhambra. We look forward to supporting her through this program.”

The NIET Fellows Program was created with educator effectiveness in mind, bringing together teacher leaders from partner schools nationwide who demonstrate exceptional implementation of NIET's principles, emphasizing educator excellence and advancing student success. Throughout the year-long fellowship, fellows will participate in professional development activities designed to enhance their leadership capabilities, including an introductory boot camp and involvement with two signature NIET events throughout the year - the 2026 NIET National Conference and the 2026 NIET Summer Institute. Each fellow will regionally travel to shadow NIET’s Senior Specialists while maintaining their full-time employment status, including salary and benefits, with their respective districts, while being released to participate in program activities throughout the year.

The National Institute for Excellence in Teaching (NIET) is a nonprofit based in Phoenix, Arizona, that serves states and districts nationwide. For 25 years, NIET has partnered with schools, districts, states, and universities to build educator excellence and give all students the opportunity for success. NIET’s initiatives, including the TAP System, teacher and leader development, school improvement, rubric and observation systems, and educator preparation, have impacted more than 350,000 educators and 3.5 million students across the U.S. As we celebrate our 25th anniversary, we are proud to honor our partners’ success and share the results of intentional, sustained investments in educator effectiveness. Learn more in our anniversary report, Building Educator Excellence: 25 Years of Impact. 

Read more about the NIET Fellows Program and meet the other 2026 fellows on the NIET website.