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

TEMPE, 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 Danielle Helem from Thew Elementary of Tempe Elementary Schools in Tempe, Arizona. 

“I’m excited to invite Danielle Helem 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 Danielle and this cohort by providing opportunities to elevate instructional practices and apply them within and beyond their classrooms.”

Helem was one of just 11 selected out of a competitive pool of applicants from across the country. She has served as an instructional coach for Tempe Elementary Schools for three years.

“The NIET Fellows Program will provide me with invaluable learning opportunities to improve my coaching and leadership skills that, in turn, will improve the quality of education for Tempe students,” said Helem. “I believe that all educators, from classroom teachers to district leaders, benefit from surrounding themselves with other leaders to facilitate and inspire their professional growth. Being a teacher leader provides me with opportunities to build the capacity of others, while also reflecting on and refining my own practice.”

Helem holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education and a Master of Science degree in Education with a specialization in Elementary Reading and Math. As a member of her school’s Instructional Leadership Team, Helem collaborates with other school and district leaders to develop systems to improve overall school performance. She also facilitates school-wide professional development, leads weekly data-driven team meetings, and provides individualized coaching and support to K-5 teachers.

“Danielle’s selection to the NIET Fellows Program is a well-deserved recognition of her commitment to continuous learning. Her work has strengthened instruction and supported student success,” Tempe Elementary School District Superintendent Dr. James Driscoll said. “We look forward to all she will gain and share through this opportunity.”

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.