Arkansas Educator Emma Clay Named Member of National Institute for Excellence in Teaching’s Prestigious 2026 Fellows Program

SPRINGDALE, AR (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 Emma Clay from Southwest Junior High of Springdale Public Schools in Springdale, Arkansas.

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

Clay was one of just 11 selected out of a competitive pool of applicants from across the country. With a background in elementary education, Clay holds endorsements in Special Education and English as a Second Language. Clay specializes in classroom instruction and developing learning opportunities to build teacher capacity. 

“I’m so excited to be a part of this program,” Clay said. “As an instructional coach, I’ve seen the power of teacher leadership come alive when a teacher finds the courage to try something new, advocate for themselves and their students, or believe their voice matters. My role is to walk alongside them—listening, encouraging, and reminding them they have the insight and strength to lead change. Watching teachers step into their power is one of the most rewarding aspects of this work, because it is when students thrive.”

Clay has led initiatives that improve student outcomes and teacher effectiveness at Southwest Junior High in Springdale, Arkansas. Currently, she is focused on integrating Universal Design for Learning (UDL) into instructional coaching and lesson design. As a 2026 NIET Fellow, Clay is excited to collaborate with educators committed to creating inclusive, high-quality learning experiences for all students.

“Emma’s selection to the 2026 NIET Fellows Program is a testament to her leadership and commitment to building teacher capacity,” said Springdale Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Jared Cleveland. “Her focus on inclusive instructional practices and support for colleagues has strengthened both teaching and learning at Southwest Junior High. We’re proud of her recognition and look forward to the insights she will bring back to our district 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.