Indiana Educator Jacinda Mapes Named Member of National Institute for Excellence in Teaching’s Prestigious 2026 Fellows Program

FISHERS, IN (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 Jacinda Mapes from Southeastern Elementary of Hamilton Southeastern Schools in Fishers, Indiana. 

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

Mapes was one of just 11 selected out of a competitive pool of applicants from across the country. She is an instructional coach with 33 years of experience in elementary education.

“I’m thrilled to be accepted into the NIET Fellows Program and look forward to the upcoming year of learning,” Mapes said. “I believe there is no greater impact than that of a teacher. When we empower teachers to lead, they bring practical expertise that inspires others while creating long-lasting impact in our schools.”

Throughout her career, Mapes has served in diverse settings and held multiple roles, including classroom teacher, Mentor, lead teacher, and Master teacher. For the past six years, she has supported educators in achieving excellence and advancing student success through instructional coaching. Mapes earned a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Arts in Education from Ball State University and served on the inaugural Indiana Education Reform Cabinet. She is passionate about fostering collaborative partnerships and promoting a culture of continuous learning within educational communities.

“Jacinda’s selection to the 2026 NIET Fellows Program recognizes her strong leadership and dedication,” said Hamilton Southeastern Schools Superintendent Patrick Mapes. “Her commitment to improving instruction and supporting colleagues reflects the values we uphold at Hamilton Southeastern Schools. We’re confident this opportunity with NIET will benefit the entire school community.”

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.